Codorniz Recreation Area Campground - Raymond, California

Joaquin Aldana

Very peaceful and calm COE park. We definitely enjoyed our stay here. The staff that received us were extremely helpful and kind. Water pressure was low and the power went out once, but came back after an hour. Dump stations were closed, but we were able to the use the sewer in the site next to when needed. We had a nice gazebo and firepit as well as our own trashcan. During the night you could see all the stars in the sky and hear cow mooing and what sounded like a coyote family howling away. The road getting to our site was a bit narrow for a 42 foot fifth wheel, but manageable. Our site was leveled and accommodated both the fifth wheel and truck. We camped at Codorniz Recreation Area Campground in a Fifth Wheel.

Sushree Satpathy

While the campsite has received good ratings, I felt it didn’t quite live up to the expectations. If you’re planning to camp during warmer weather, I wouldn’t recommend this site, as there is limited shade and not enough large trees to provide relief from the heat.

The park rangers, while doing their job, were quite persistent in checking in, which sometimes felt intrusive. Despite the warm weather, they didn’t allow us to sit in unoccupied shaded areas outside our campground, which felt a bit strict. Additionally, they repeatedly checked for litter but didn’t ensure that the trash cans were emptied regularly, which was a bit inconvenient.

One morning, all the washrooms were locked due to a clog, and we weren’t informed beforehand, which was frustrating. The lake near the campsite was also not very clean and lacked a proper beach area.

Overall, my camping experience at this site wasn’t the best, so I wanted to share my thoughts for anyone considering booking here. I’m a bit surprised by the high ratings it has received.

Joel Behrens

Camp area was clean and bathrooms were clean. 2/3 showers have hot water and work, the other one has no hot water because of electrical issue as per Camp Host. Camp Host (Blackhat (old jumpmaster) and wife Terry were very nice and welcoming. Our stay 08/03/24-08/07/24 was very quiet and had no issues with and security of our stuff. Site 18 has plenty of shade and was pretty level, easy to level with boards or level blocks. Only downside is that it is a bit off the beaten path (30 mins to nearest gas station). I would stay again. Thanks camp Hosts

Haley M

This was a great campground. We stayed in sites 10 & 11 in June of 2023. This was our first time and we stayed in tents. I loved the small culdesac we were on. It would be perfect for a group to rent out site #9 as well. It was paved and perfect for the kids to ride their scooters and bikes. The culdesac is pretty secluded from the rest of the campground so had a good amount of privacy. We had rangers drive through every now and then but were friendly and not bothersome. Was actually nice to know they were making rounds.

The maps online made the water line look much closer than it actually was. There is quite a drop off behind site #10, so yes the water is close but not easily accessible; hence I gave 4 stars for location.

We were strongly warned against rattlesnakes but didn’t encounter any, although we did have raccoons digging through the trash can during the night.

The sites all had a flat paved driveway, table, and trash can. Site #9 had a shade structure but neither of our spots did, although site #11 gets quite a bit of shade from the oak trees.

We walked up into the campground to check out the playground and use the restrooms. They were decently clean and the playground seem well maintained.

There was also a small amphitheater, although I’m not sure what kind of events are typically held there.

There was a lot of liveliness around the campground. People seemed to be enjoying themselves, but we weren’t all crowded. Nicely spaced out.

Water wise, we did find a beach-ish area maybe 5 minutes down the road. I know the water levels were so high everything was just under water still. Hopefully more beach areas have come up since last year.

If you plan on making any trips into town, I’d recommend getting as much as you possibly can before heading out. There are no stores nearby and the closest towns are either Raymond (45 min drive, 1 general store) or Madera. Lots of farm roads and half of them were blocked at the time so lots of detours.

Justin Ferris

What a fine campsite. My whole family spent four days there (animals included) and enjoyed it greatly. Jay, the Volunteer Host is a fantastic fellow - Kind, generous and very helpful. They even gave my 14 month old daughter some really sweet stickers and a coloring book. The service and scenery doesn't get any better than this. Can't wait to go back.

Additionally, the neighboring campers are quite friendly. One fellow even jumped my car after a dead battery. We didn't even have to ask, he just showed up with a smile.

I highly recommend this campground to all!

Julie Miller

This is a campground. You can tent camp and RV camp. Clean restrooms and showers. The campsites are good size and kept clean. The park rangers are nice. There is a playground for the kids, and the lake is close by. It's open all year.

Daniel Conley

Only stopped for one night on the way to Yosemite. Wish we planned for two night here vice wasting time and energies at Lake Success. Look forward to returning.

Ben O'Brien

This was a pleasant surprise. Access down to the water can be a bit difficult in places, but we had a wonderful trip here. Our campsite did have some shade cover provided by the oak trees. All of the staff were very pleasant to interact with as well! Would go back here again