Silver Lake Photo Album

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