Camping near Mendota, California offers a retreat from city life in the San Joaquin Valley. Located about 30 miles west of Fresno, the area around Mendota provides camping options with varying levels of amenities. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F and mild winters, making spring and fall particularly favorable for outdoor activities.
What to do
Biking and hiking trails: Eastman Lake provides excellent opportunities for exploration on two wheels or by foot. One camper noted, "Going to take the road bike out today and explore some of the roads around the Lake. Lake is full after the 2023 season," sharing their experience at COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground.
Fishing spots: The lakes and reservoirs in the area offer productive fishing despite seasonal water level fluctuations. A visitor observed, "This COE is on a small lake that is used for irrigation during the summer resulting in a much lower water level than in the spring. Fishing is good."
Wildlife viewing: Fall brings unique wildlife viewing opportunities. According to one camper, "Fall has a Tarantula migration and you will definitely see them. Coyote, Bobcat, and deer are frequently seen." Spring visitors will encounter different scenery with "grasses green with abundant wild flowers in late Feb through early March."
What campers like
Peace and quiet: The remote location offers tranquility away from urban noise. A visitor reported, "Coyotes howled in the distance last night and it was dead quiet," while staying at COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain good standards. One camper stated, "The campground was very clean and had rangers and a sheriff patrolling regularly (but not bothersome)."
Helpful staff: Personnel receive positive reviews from visitors. A camper commented, "Cool park with extremely friendly and helpful staff. Cannot say enough about the great park rangers and camp hosts."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Mobile coverage varies by carrier in the region. One camper advised, "AT&T cell signal from 45 was non existent but T-mobile worked well enough to stream Netflix."
Remote location: Stores and services are distant from most camping areas. A reviewer noted, "It's a quiet campground on a hill. You are at least 30 minutes from any stores."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require booking ahead. One visitor shared, "Our first time here, reservation required before showing up. This was the off season so everything was open and quiet."
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging in certain areas. A camper warned, "Although not far off of Highway 99, the road from Chowchilla was incredibly rough. 15 miles of poorly-patched pot holes. I went no faster than 35 mph but still bounced the rig badly."
Tips for camping with families
Cul-de-sac sites: Some campgrounds offer sites ideal for families with children. A visitor recommended, "We rented sites #10 & #11 for the weekend. Sites #9-11 make up the cul-de-sac so it was great for our kids to ride their bikes and scooters."
Recreation areas: Playgrounds and swimming spots provide entertainment options. "There is also a nice playground for the kids too," mentioned one camper at Douglas Ranch.
Wildlife awareness: Families should be alert to local fauna. A camper advised, "We were warned that rattle snakes are out, but we were fortunate not to see any ourselves. There is also quite a bit of brush around the campsites so be aware if you bring dogs."
Water access considerations: Plan for water activities by researching beach areas. One family shared, "These are the closest sites to the water in the campground, but unfortunately water access is pretty limited. We drove to a beach area found about a mile up the road. There is also a day-use area across the lake with some good swimming sites."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For larger rigs, carefully research site specifications. A reviewer stated, "The Corps have added more electric sites over the years and there were 5-6 that fit our 43' Blue Bird. We marked this as 'big rig' friendly."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared to work on getting level. "Sites are asphalt. Many sites may take some time to level. Back in and pull through are available," advised one experienced RVer.
Hookup availability: Check which utilities are available at your chosen site. "They have full hook ups or you could do dry camping. Every camp has it own water so that was nice," mentioned a camper.
Horse campgrounds near Mendota, California are limited, with most equestrian facilities located further out in nearby counties. Riders seeking horse-friendly camping areas should contact rangers about designated equestrian camping zones in the broader region surrounding Mendota.
