Wildcat Equestrian Area
Wildcat Equestrian Area at Buchanan Dam, H.V. Eastman Lake is a perfect launchpad for activities like horseback riding, birding and hiking. Tucked in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the area attracts abundant wildlife like bobcats, bald eagles, golden eagles, and hawks. Wildcat Equestrian Area is a equestrian group area with water, vault toilets, horse corrals and hitching posts.
More like this: reservable in California · pets allowed in California · group sites in California
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| group equestrian | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Shade | Water / sewer | People / vehicles | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildcat Campground | Partial | Yes / – | 60 / 30 | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 2:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
Wildcat Equestrian Area facility offeres areas for camping, horse hitching posts and corrals, water, bbq, fire pits, picnic tables, vault toilets, and access to showers.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
Eastman Lake is 30 miles northeast of Madera, 25 miles east of Chowchilla. and 50 miles north of Fresno. From Highway 99, travel east on Avenue. 26 then north on Rd 29. Follow signs into the campground.
| Nearest town | Raymond, California |
| Coordinates | 37.2082° N, 119.9628° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- WildfireDome
31 mi from the campground · 6,788 acres · 95% contained
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 6.9 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Sierra Nevada Trading Company ↗ | 20.4 mi |
| RV sales & service | Toscano RV Outlet ↗ | 50.5 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Worth a stop
The Sierra National Forest is a short drive to the east of the campground.
- 4.9 miDutch/Hidden Trailhead ↗Trailhead
Other campgrounds nearby
Natural features
The rolling hills around Buchanan Dam, H.V. Eastman Lake are surrounded by tall grasses and scattered oak trees, giving way to stunning mountain views. The lake features 1,780 surface acres, fed by the cool waters of the Chowchilla River.
Guidebooks for California
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Wildcat Equestrian Area?
Sites at Wildcat Equestrian Area are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Wildcat Equestrian Area?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 2:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Wildcat Equestrian Area have?
1 site, including 1 group equestrian.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Wildcat Equestrian Area?
Wildcat Equestrian Area is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Does Wildcat Equestrian Area have hookups?
Yes, water hookups at some sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Wildcat Equestrian Area?
Yes, pets are allowed at Wildcat Equestrian Area. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Wildcat Equestrian Area?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there is 1 active fire within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one.
Source: Fire nearby
Is there cell service at Wildcat Equestrian Area?
FCC coverage maps show Verizon 4G LTE and AT&T 4G LTE at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is the nearest town to Wildcat Equestrian Area?
Raymond, California. The Sierra National Forest is a short drive to the east of the campground.
Source: Getting there
What if Wildcat Equestrian Area is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Wildcat Recreation Area Campground (0.2 mi), Codorniz Recreation Area Campground (0.6 mi), and Hidden View (6.8 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby