Summary

• Name:  The Lakes RV & Golf Resort
• Dates of stay: May 6 – 14, 2018
• Location:  5001 E. Robertson Blvd., Chowchilla, CA 93610
• Type of campground: Private / Independent
• Cost:  $52.95/night, weekly rate
• Additional fees: none
• Stay limit: none
• Accepts mail / packages:  yes
• Cell reception:  AT&T reasonably good
• Website:  http://thelakesrv.com/
• Pros: immaculate facilities, beautiful sites, gated entry
• Cons: a bit pricey, 2 hour drive to Yosemite

Full Review

We really, really, tried to get closer to Yosemite, but just couldn’t find anyplace that could accommodate our size motorhome. However, staying at this resort campground was certainly no disappointment. It was absolutely beautiful. As we approached the park, we passed new housing developments, lakes and a golf course that looked remarkably like South Florida. I felt immediately at home. The 56 site resort is even gated – a first for me. We were given a garage remote and card key to access the various entrances.

Our concrete site was spacious and level with hedges planted on either side for privacy. The site was fully long enough for all of our vehicles.We had the usual 50 amp electrical service, water and sewer hookups. Cable TV was also available, but we didn’t bother trying it. We received several over the air channels for local news access and our satellite TV was unobstructed. Wifi was available, but our ATT hotspot served our needs. The only utility issue we had was the lack of water pressure. It was fairly low most of the time and faded to almost nothing at times, forcing us to shut it off and use our own water tank and pump for our needs. This was a city problem though, not a campground issue, not their fault. Apparently one of the city water wells was under repair, causing the low pressure. The only other possible negative was a slight “barn yard” smell when the wind blew from the right directions. This is farm country, after all.

The resort facilities were immaculately kept. The bath houses, pool and hot tub were clean and modern. We even had daily garbage pick up from our site.  A Save Mart grocery store is conveniently located a mile or so away. The resort is affiliated with the Pheasant Run Golf course located next door – if you pay full price gate rate, you get two free rounds of golf per day  (not including cart rental). Since we weren’t interested in playing golf, we got the Good Sam 10% discount, which essentially paid the 10% transient tax! If you are really into golf, I suppose the full rate plus free golf would be a good deal. It is a bit pricey, but when you factor in the amenities (plus this IS California), the cost seems about average for above-average features. For comparison, the rate here was only a few dollars more than Lemon Cove park (the last place we stayed) and has WAY better amenities.

The only downside is that we were there primarily to visit Yosemite National Park, and Yosemite Valley was a good two hour drive away. But, after a long day in the park, it was delightful to come back to this well-appointed RV resort.

Bottom Line: Beautiful park with immaculate amenities. Worth the price, but be prepared for a drive if you want to go to Yosemite National Park.