Oak Hills, Open Water, and Quiet Days
Why Rent On Eastman Lake
Eastman Lake is tucked into the oak-studded foothills of Madera County, a low-elevation reservoir formed by the Buchanan Dam in 1975. It is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is well regarded as one of California’s better largemouth bass lakes, with catch rates that consistently impress anglers who make the drive. The surrounding landscape of golden hills and scattered oaks gives it a distinctly Central California character: wide open, warm, and full of light.
Vacation Rentals for the Off-the-Radar Escape
Eastman Lake is a well-kept secret, which means vacation rentals in the area tend to offer genuine value and a quieter, more personal experience than the big-name reservoirs get. A cabin or lakeside home near the lake gives your family a private base camp, with a full kitchen for meals, comfortable bedrooms, and outdoor space to watch the stars after sunset. This is the kind of lake where you can actually unwind.
Fish, Boat, and Walk the Canyon
Largemouth bass are the main attraction, and Eastman ranks among California’s best for both size and consistency. Catfish, crappie, and bluegill round out the catch. The Eastman Lake Recreation Area includes a boat ramp and the Chowchilla River Trail, which winds through oak canyon with views that make for a satisfying morning hike before a day on the water.
Perfect for Families and Stargazers
The Codorniz Campground at Eastman Lake is a favorite among families and stargazers who come for the dark skies that this rural part of Madera County reliably delivers. Kids love the open picnic areas and the easy shoreline access for fishing and exploring. Pet-friendly rentals make it easy to bring the dog, who will enjoy the open terrain and the warm evenings.
Central Valley Convenience
Eastman Lake is an easy drive from Fresno, making it a realistic option for a quick long-weekend escape from the Central Valley heat. The surrounding foothills keep things a few degrees cooler in summer and greener longer into spring. If you want a California lake vacation that is real, uncrowded, and genuinely relaxing, Eastman Lake is one of the best choices you are not yet making.
- Surface area (mi)
- 4.47
- Max depth (ft)
- 198
- Elevation (ft)
- 452.76
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 12.99
Popular activities
- Hiking
- Fishing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Eastman Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, swimming is not allowed in Eastman Lake. The lake is open for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities, but swimming is not permitted. The facilities include campgrounds, restrooms, and fish cleaning stations, but there are no designated swimming areas.
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Eastman Lake is a popular destination because it offers a variety of recreational activities. It is known for trophy bass fishing, as well as other fish species like crappie, catfish, and trout. The lake also features multipurpose trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, along with opportunities for boating, waterskiing, and swimming.
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For Eastman Lake, the daily bag limits and size restrictions are as follows: Bass must be at least 12 inches long with a five-fish daily limit. Trout have no size limit but a five-fish daily limit. Sunfish and Crappie have no size limit with a combined 25-fish daily limit. Carp can be taken by bow and arrow or spearfishing. These regulations follow California Department of Fish and Wildlife guidelines.
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Yes, there is a public beach at Durand Eastman Park, which is located on the shore of Lake Ontario. The beach offers swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports, although it is sometimes closed due to water quality issues.
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Eastman Lake is near the towns of Chowchilla and Madera. It is about 23 miles northeast of Chowchilla and 15 miles north of Madera, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Madera County, California.
