Silver Lake

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Silver Lake is located just off Highway 88 at an elevation of 7,200 feet. Silver Lake is part of EID's Hydroelectric Project 184 system licensed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). There is a boat launch, day-use areas, and restrooms. EID also operates a Silver Lake West Campground located adjacent to the lake.

Silver Lake provides an excellent destination for high alpine recreation activities. Surrounded by the Eldorado National Forest, this is an exceptional location for picnicking, hiking, fishing, and boating. A boat launch is available for the summer recreation season which varies depending on snow pack and weather condition

Camping

Camping at Silver Lake West Campground is on a first-come first-served basis with forty-two (42) campsites that can accommodate 1-2 vehicles each with minimal overflow parking.

Silver Lake East Campgound is operated by the U.S. Forest Service.

Boat Launch Hours/ Day-Use Fees:

Memorial Day to Labor Day (dependent on weather conditions):
6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Outside of the normal high season (dependent on weather conditions):
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Launch Fee: $10.00

Picnic/General Parking: $5.00

Boat launch host on site five days a week

Annual Day-Use Permits (Note: Permits are valid at all three of our recreation lakes: Caples, Silver, and Jenkinson at Sly Park Recreation Area)

Highway 88 Recreation Fees (PDF)

Check road and weather conditions before travel.

CalTrans

El Dorado County Road Closures

Weather Underground (Kirkwood)

Google Map for Silver Lake

News

Silver Lake Day Use Areas Open
As of today, Friday June 14, we have a host on site at EID's Sandy Cove day use area, the dam and boat launch at Silver Lake are also open. Caples Lake still has about 50 percent ice. Silver Lake West Campground and Caples Lake Boat Launch remain closed.

6/14/2019 3:15:00 PM
Still Snow But Melting Fast — EID's Caples and Silver Lake Facilities
Although we still have snow at our high-elevation recreation facilities, it's melting fast. EID is working to prepare to open our Highway 88 facilities. We estimate that we can open our Silver Lake day use and Silver Lake West Campground by July 1, and Caples Lake Boat Launch soon after.

6/4/2019 4:15:00 PM
Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! A Reminder of Boater and Watercraft Responsiblity
Prevent the spread of invasive species like quagga and zebra mussels. These creatures cause catastrophic damage to water infrastructure. Be sure to do your part and be responsible while recreating on and in our local waterways by inspecting and cleaning your boat or watercraft.

5/22/2019 3:45:00 PM

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FAQs

Do you take reservations?

No, Silver Lake West Campground is first come first served.
What amenities are available?
Kit Carson, Plasses and Kirkwood all have a small mom and pop general stores with limited supplies. Best to plan well before leaving.

The campground has:
- Vaulted toilets
- Potable water (please check our news postings as this service does get turned off at times)
- Fire ring with barbecue grate in each site
- Picnic table in each site
- Bear proof food lockers in each site
- Firewood is available for purchase
Where is the nearest gas?

From Silver Lake the only station in the area is located at Kirkwood its about seven miles to the north.

From Caples Lake Kirkwood is about a half mile to the south of the lake.

You’ll pay a premium so plan appropriately.
Is there a dump station?

No, the nearest is Plasses Resort located down a long grade on the South end of Silver Lake. Travelers who find themselves passing Sly Park Recreation Area on their way home can dump for free with proof of stay at Silver Lake West.
Is there power?

No power is available in the Silver Lake West Campground.
Are there boat rentals?

Not with EID however for Caples and Silver lakes Kit Carson Lodge located at the North end of Silver Lake does rent small craft such as Kayaks, Canoes and small power boats. Caples Lake Resort offers rentals at Caples Lake. Check their websites for hours and fees.

Sly Park Recreation Area offers non-motorized boat and paddle board rentals through a vendor. See our Boating webpage for the link to their reservation site.
Can I tie my boat up overnight?

EID does not oversee use on the water and so we discourage this activity.
Is there a place to park overnight?

No. Parking at Caples Lake Boat Launch or Silver Lake is limited and reserved for day guests.

If you plan to stay overnight you will need to pay the camping fee at one of the campgrounds. Silver Lake West Campground is first come, first served. Silver Lake West also has a limited season, normally open from Memorial Day through mid-September. Check the news posts for when the campground officially opens or closes.
Are Sly Park Annual Permits accepted?

Yes, annual permits are valid at Silver Lake and Caples Lake day use areas.
Does EID operate all Recreation on or at Silver and Caples Lake?

No, EID only operates certain facilities mentioned on our website. The appropriate counties have jurisdiction on the waters. Recreational access can be from a variety of sources so it is important to know where you are.
How many vehicles can I have in my campsite?

The reservation pays for the first vehicle in the site; most sites have room for one more vehicle.

Parking is very limited and carpooling is encouraged. If you are camping at Sly Park Recreation Area you can call our reservation office at (530) 295-6810 to see if there is room for more that two vehicles at the site you are reserving.

Additional vehicles will need to pay fees when they arrive, please see our fee schedule for current costs.
How many people can I have in my campsite?

While camping at Sly Park Recreation Area you may have up to 8 people in an individual site.

At Silver Lake West Campground there is a maximum of 6 per campsite.
Do you allow campfires?

Campfires are allowed in the designated fire ring, the fire cannot exceed the size of the ring, the flames cannot be more than 3 feet tall and the wood cannot be more than 6 inches around.
Do you have showers?

No, we do not have shower facilities.
Do you have hookups?

No, we do not have hookups. No electricity is available.

Sly Park Recreation Areas does have a septic dump station you can use (included with the price of the campsite). If you are camping at Silver Lake West and drive by Sly Park Recreation Area on your way home, you may utilize the dump station there at no charge with proof of your stay.

Water spigots are available to fill your tank but you cannot stay connected.

More FAQs

El Dorado Irrigation District

Silver Lake

Camping

Boat Launch Hours/ Day-Use Fees:

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