El Dorado Irrigation District Recreation

Print Feedback

Font Size: + -

Official Page

EID's recreation division manages multiple sites and facilities. Sly Park Recreation Area/Jenkinson Lake is the largest recreation facility and is open year round. It is located in Pollock Pines, CA. Forebay Reservoir is also located in Pollock Pines. Forebay is a small facility and is only open for day-use.

Caples and Silver lakes are located along Highway 88 and located high in the Sierra's. There is also a small campground facility, Silver Lake West. These high-elevation facilities are open seasonally.

Please see each webpage for more information, and like our Facebook pages.

Stop Invasive Mussels - Be Responsible - Clean, Drain, Dry! Help keep our recreation facilities open. For the most up to date information, go to www.EID.org/Boating. Beginning April 21, 2025, there are boat launch restrictions at Jenkinson Lake within the Sly Park Recreation Area (SPRA) in Pollock Pines. The restrictions are to help prevent the introduction of invasive golden mussels and protect critical drinking water infrastructure.

Due to conditions at Caples and Silver Lakes, at this time prevention efforts at these reservoirs will focus on outreach and education, similar to other partner high elevation reservoir operations with conditions less conducive to establishment of the invasive golden mussels.

As more information and programs are available we will update the District's dedicated webpage, www.EID.org/Boating. We encourage you to refer to that page for the more up to date information on boating restrictions.

Sly Park Recreation - Jenkinson Lake

Beginning April 21, 2025, El Dorado Irrigation District (EID/District) will implement new boat launching restrictions at Jenkinson Lake within the Sly Park Recreation Area (SPRA) in Pollock Pines to help prevent the introduction of invasive golden mussels and protect critical drinking water infrastructure.

For additional information and updates, as well as times and dates of inspections and tagging, please refer to the dedicated District webpage www.EID.org/Boating.

Recreation Collage

Sly Park Recreation Area with beautiful Jenkinson Lake at its center sits at 3500' and is a popular destinations for campers, hikers, bikers, boaters, anglers, equestrians, photographers, and all-around nature lovers. With over 190 campsites and access to over 30 miles of trails, Sly Park Recreation Area has something for everyone. SPRA is open to the public year round.

SLY PARK CAMPING RESERVATIONS

Forebay Reservoir - Project 184

Silver Lake - Hwy 88 - Project 184

Beginning April 21, 2025, there are boat launch restrictions at Jenkinson Lake within the Sly Park Recreation Area (SPRA) in Pollock Pines. The restrictions are to help prevent the introduction of invasive golden mussels and protect critical drinking water infrastructure.

As more information and programs are available we will update the District's dedicated webpage, www.EID.org/Boating.We encourage you to refer to that page for the more up to date information on boating restrictions.

Silver Lake and the Silver Lake West Campground lie at 7200' and provide an excellent destination for your high alpine recreation activities. Surrounded by the El Dorado National Forest this exceptional location was a resting place along the Mormon Emigrant Trail established by Kit Carson.

The summer recreation season at Silver Lake varies depending on snow pack and weather conditions. Our goal is to open the campground for Memorial Day weekend and remain open through October.

Boating of all types is allowed at Silver Lake, including personal watercraft like Jet Skis and SeaDoos.

We recommend that you check weather conditions before heading up, and remember that conditions can change quickly. During the summer you may experience afternoon gusty winds along with thunder and lighting storms.

Silver Lake is located in Amador County and is under their jurisdiction for law enforcement.

There is limited to no cell coverage. Silver Lakewith Snow-May 24 2019

Caples Lake - Hwy 88 - Project 184

Caples Lake at 7800' offers another excellent high alpine get away. The predominate activity here is trout fishing but also offers scenic picnicking areas, a boat ramp and trail access to the Mokelumne Wilderness to the south.

Weather permitting, the boat launching and day use facility is open May 1st to Oct. 31st 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day - 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Caples Lake has a 10 MPH speed limit for boating and personal watercraft like Jet Skis and SeaDoos are NOT allowed.

Caples Lake is located in Alpine County and is under their jurisdiction for law enforcement.

There is limited to no cell coverage.

CaplesLake-BoatLaunch-Parking-2

Hwy 88 Recreation Update: EID's Facilities Close for the Season on Friday, October 31

Post Date:10/30/2025 5:00 PM

EID-operated facilities at Caples and Silver Lakes, and Silver Lake West Campground will close for the season on Friday, October 31, including restrooms. Parking is still available along Hwy 88 until heavy snow closes roads and shoulders. Please practice "Pack It In, Pack It Out" and "Leave No Trace" principles.

If you have questions, please contact EID’s recreation division at Recreation@EID.org or (530) 295-6824. You may also visit our recreation webpage.

Weather/Road Conditions Links:

National Weather Service

CalTrans Road Information
Phone: 1-800-427-7623

CalFire Red Flag Warnings

Eldorado National Forest - Current Conditions

Eldorado National Forest - Road and Trail Status

Return to full list >>

Hwy 88 Recreation Update: EID's Facilities Close for the Season on Friday, October 31

Navigation