Ive been here only twice. Its nice towards the end of the day after the crowds are near gone. The…read morewater is swift, so wear water shoes and prepare to keep your balance. Its you agai st the river. For young children, life jackets are a good idea. Its noticeable that a large majority that take park over early on are inconsiderate of nature and could care less if they trash the place. Then there's people who go through the trash cans dumping everything out? Looking for recycles....which is fine, but dont leave the trash on tbe ground...put it back. Low lifes do crap like that. Anyway, the 2nd visit everything got super real as we nearly drowned farther down. I thought I had it under control but when you no longer see rocks, its time to back up before the current pushes you to where you can no longer stand ground. We were swept away about 1/4 mile swimming against the current. Honestly. I believe our crocs helped keep us from becoming too tired. Finally I was able to pull and push my daughter from the left of me around to the right bank where I told her to grab onto branches from a tree submerged in the water. I thought I was a gonner after she had been hanging on me and I was quickly losing my stamina. I was lucky enough to catch branches a few yards down and we both made it. It was traumatizing to say the least and im so thankful we didnt experoence the undertow Ive heard so much about. As traumatizing as it was, I plan on returning, but staying only where river rocks are visible to tbe nakedness eye. Beware going too far be ause it gets deep real fast. Besides that incident, we had a fun time. Be ssfe.

I had high hopes for this park but it is disgusting. Residents leave trash everywhere even though…read morethere are trash cans all around. Cars are driven up to the water even though signs say not to. The county needs to clean up their bathrooms because they are very dirty. Half the people just drive in and don't pay the car fee. All around this place has so much potential but it is lost due to lazy people and even worse, state management.

Peaceful, this State Park was very, very quiet. No one else really talking to other people we…read morewould jump up whenever someone caught a fish we clapped or they clapped when it was us. We didn't do good at all over here. We only caught one catfish. But for us just to get away we had a nice time again. I was able to let my husband fish and I sat back and read a book. But there was one part of this state park that I was able to see a few young fawns. And he or she was so beautiful. I dared not to get closer for a fear of seeing the doe somewhere close. I wish the state of California would get it together we have state parks that need to be cleaned. Just dead trees everywhere that needs to be cleaned up.

Amazing spot to fish with the kids! Lots of shade, and peaceful. It's also a great spot to take…read moreyour kayaks out where the water is not moving swiftly. During the week the entry fee is usually free, weekends about $9 for the day pass.

They have RV hookups, very clean. First come first serve with free to use life jackets, from people…read morethat donate them. So if you have extra ones you can donate them to this place, but we all know life jackets don't work if you don't put them on. Movie place( theater) so you can hookup your projector.

Update: check out two trails. Monument RidgeTrail is the easiest and very rewarding during late…read morewinter and early spring because of all the wildflowers. The trailhead is at Chowchilla Recreation Area close to bathroom at boat ramp. Lakeview Trail: two trailheads. One is at group camping. The other (free entrance) is at Raymond Bridge outside the town of Raymond.) This trail skirts the lake and river. (I added all 3 trailheads to Google Maps, along with reviews.) The lake and the terrain is beautiful this time of year (3.18.17) with temps in the mid 70s, wildflowers in full bloom, and the hillsides a glorious emerald green. We came for a short day trip but checked out several places for future reference. The Monument Ridge Trail, adjacent to one of the main boat launches was an easy 2.25 miles one-way (4.5 miles total but you can continue or turn around whenever you want). Besides an extraordinary amount of wildflowers, we saw 2 wild turkeys, one falcon, several hawks, numerous vultures, and one eagle (yes, we totally lucked up seeing the eagle)! We later drove around and scoped out all of the campgrounds for future reference, especially those with trees or views. At the group camping area, there is 4-mile Lakeview hike that takes you to Raymond Bridge. Of course, it would be an 8-mile roundtrip hike if you went there and back. I plan on checking it out really soon. High props to the overlook area. This time of year, the views are awesome, as is the very colorful lichen on the rocks. There is also a tiny visitor center with very clean bathrooms. For those of you who want to see the Memorial Ridge Trail hike, I am posting our satellite view, as well as numerous pics. Enjoyable day. Lots of people fishing and in boats on this Saturday morning.

talked to some dude on the phone and asked a simple question and he gave me attitude for no reason…read morethen he hanged up on me

One stop shop for fishing enthusiasts from lures, poles, to live bait. They have it all plus cold…read moredrinks and snacks for the trip. Highly recommend this place not to mention super convenient to freeway.

WALK DOWN ONLY PARK. Must park on street. The "Beautiful"…read morePictures you may see from others of this park is cherry picked. My visit was filled with homeless peeps hanging around. Some trash laying around. Seriously still a work in progress place. You just have. To look around for a while before you find a "pretty" spot.

this was a great fishing spot. I was hesitant at first because I've never finished in Fresno. This…read morespot was very easy to access a lot of space. A lot of families. Having fun. I will definitely be back to fish.

Cute little store to stop at get some bait on our way to the reservoir, they even sell hot chicken…read morehere. First time stopping I'm pretty sure next time we go up to the reservoir we will stop here again. The gentlemen there was really nice. Stirred up a good conversation, tell us the bait comes in three times a week. Didn't have a really good selection on drinks but the chicken made up for that. Lol

Recreational area for fishing , canoe /kayak launching and picnicking. Ample parking, restrooms,…read morepicnic tables , wheelchair accessible ramp to the river . Across from the Shell gas station at the corner of Friant Rd and N Fork Rd. See pics for fishing restrictions ( chinook salmon ). San Joaquin River is closed to salmon fishing in certain areas.

I enjoyed my time, just sitting down and enjoying God's scenery. It was a very busy weekend here…read more Couldn't really get any good fishing in because there was too many boats and jet skis in the water. Plus, this is my first time here driving out, trying out new places to go fishing. It was a hot day so it brought out everyone grills were going. People were in the water. This is when everybody was about to pack up where we were sitting at so that's why you don't see anything in the picture but I enjoyed myself my husband got nibbles and bites, but nothing hooked on his head line a lot of little fish in the water.. but the scenery is what made it so wonderful

Every year Varys on water level this year it is full to the max it's always a great time any time…read morewe go plenty of spaces for bbq plenty of bathrooms I always bring my family here

Last minute lake day with the family. I haven't been to lost lake in years it was well spent! We…read morefound a nice spot away from the crowd because it does get pretty packed and we prefer to be secluded. A lot of people come here to fish and camp too. The water is always cold, it's too cold for my liking but if you go at the highest peak of summer especially here in Fresno it reaches the triple digits. I think that would be the best time to come! My son did not like the water it took him awhile to adjust. Entrance fee is $5 for those who don't know! Restrooms available and there's also a playground for the kids which I thought was really cool! Please I advise to be careful swimming. Those currents are pretty strong. Wear sunscreen and life jacket!

Last week has always been my family go to since I was a very young girl we've always barbecue and…read morewas always jumping in the water as a kid now that I'm older I'm able to bring my own kids. The water is very cold, but in this Fresno heat, it's honestly great.

The hills around the Hensley Lake is so beautiful, it's filled with wildflowers such as fiddleneck,…read morered maids, popcorn flowers, purple lupine , blue dick, etc ... it's like the hills are covered with colorful carpets. The lake is quiet since the water level is pretty low , not many boats . We only saw one fishing boat today which is nice because it's quiet and peaceful. There are enough picnic tables and benches throughout the park , even a nice playground overlooking the lake. As of March 1, 2020 , there are tons of fiddleneck by the Vista Point area, park ranger headquarters area , pretty much all over the park. We saw five or six red tailed hawks, vultures flying around in the area , tons of side blotched lizard , western Honey Bee and some bumble bees. Bees are buzzing everywhere cuz of the flowers , you can hear them buzzing. Be cautious if you are allergic to them. It's a nice place to hike , bird, picnic or just explore!

The train ride was slow and very informative. Shawn was excellent and giving us the history of the…read morerailroad and the lumber industry in this area!

Do the moonlight dinner train! We chose the cuppola (second story of the caboose). If I did it…read moreagain I would just choose the caboose. Padded, forward facing seating and a private guide make it worth it. The price point is worth it when you consider dinner & dessert , beverages (including beer/wine), plus the train experience and campfire singers at the stop. We had an amazing 4 hours (5:30-9:30pm). Pre-dinner we strolled the grounds, gift shops & museums and watched some folks pan for gold. Dinner at 6:30 and then you're off by 7:15pm. The train ride and history lesson aboard the train plus a lively sing along at the campfire stop take you through to 9:30 return to the depot. Highly recommend!