San Joaquin River Access Points – Fresno & Madera County

✅ San Joaquin River Access Points

1. Lost Lake Recreation Area – 

Public park on the San Joaquin River below Friant Dam. Day use, fishing, trails, picnic areas, and river frontage. Parking and facilities available inside the park.

2. Friant Cove –

Park-and-ride on the San Joaquin River near Friant with picnic tables, hand-carried canoe/kayak launch, and fishing access. No fees generally required.

3. Wildwood Native Park (Madera Side)

Public river access for fishing and boating. This park is on the Madera County side and provides direct river access from managed public land.

4. Sycamore Island

Large Conservancy property on the Madera side with multiple access points to the San Joaquin River for kayaking, fishing, and trails (may have day-use fees).

5. Woodward Park – Riverfront Trails

City park with trails that connect to the Lewis S. Eaton Trail along the riverbank. Good for walking, cycling, and scenic views (indirect access).

6. River West Fresno Access

Future or emerging public access area to the River Parkway system — referred to locally as River West/Spano River Ranch area. Use caution and check signage; portions of this corridor are planned expansion of public river access.

(Note: Some local discussion suggests access may be informal in spots off Palm/Nees or Riverside areas, but until officially sanctioned by agencies it’s best documented under River West/Spano planning info.)