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Map showing campground location near Pollock Pines, California
Camper submitted image from Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation AreaView 10 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Pollock Pines, California

Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Sly Park Recreation Area, managed by El Dorado Irrigation District, encompasses Jenkinson Lake and the forested campground that rings much of its shoreline. The campground is organized into nine sections, and site quality varies considerably depending on where you land. Sections closer to the entrance tend to fill with large RVs and can feel crowded, while the sections farther back offer more separation between neighbors. Sites across much of the campground sit on a noticeable slope, so leveling is worth factoring into site selection.

Water access is a consistent draw here. Campers with paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes are within walking distance of the lake, and the no-wake zone at the far end of the lake works well for flat-water paddling and fishing near the waterfall. A loop trail covers the full perimeter of the lake at roughly nine miles. Anglers report good results near the waterfall section. Jeff B. notes the area includes "large day use areas for a quick boat around the lake and fishing."

Facilities include drinking water, showers, electric and water hookups, a dump station, and WiFi. Reviewers consistently mention clean bathrooms and well-maintained trails. Bear boxes are on site. The campground also includes a group site at an event center with a full kitchen, which functions more like cabin-style camping than a traditional tent setup. Stonebraker - Sly Park Recreation Area and Hilltop - Sly Park Recreation Area are nearby alternatives within the same park. Jenkinson Campground is a practical fit for families and paddlers who want lake access with full hookup amenities.

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Map & DirectionsJenkinson Campground is located in California near Pollock Pines

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

38.72900031 N
120.546 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 5/13/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 8/18/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 5/13/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 8/18/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin
  • Yurts

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Jenkinson Campground

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4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the well-maintained facilities and beautiful lake setting with excellent trails. Site conditions vary significantly, with some reporting slanted or cramped spots. The farther back sections offer better privacy and quiet.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2022

Sierra fun

This was perfect. We brought our paddle board and we’re walking distance to the lake front. Lake was quiet, trails well maintained and facilities were cleaned regularly. Will definitely stay here again.

SiteSierra 069
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area by Brian H., September 5, 2022
Reviewed Apr. 10, 2021

Wonderful campground! Don’t miss the waterfall!

We love this campground! There are 9 different sections to stay in. The farther back you stay the better in my opinion unless you like a bit more going on. The trails are perfectly maintained and you can go around the whole lake in 9miles. The hike to the waterfall is wonderful and depending where you start depends on length. You have to see it though! 33ft and the perfect spot to swim when it warms up. I can’t wait to be back. Their campground is a great spot for a family trip. Beautiful scenery, good folks, and a great time.

  • Review photo of Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area by Syd D., April 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area by Syd D., April 10, 2021
Reviewed May. 16, 2019

Close to civilization yet secluded enough to feel like camping

Just a short drive from Sacramento up the hill. The front half of the lake is sometimes quite close quarters full of large RVs and campers. Large day use areas for a quick boat around the lake and fishing. The real gems are further back into the campground where if you plan it right you can talk to nobody except your camp host. The small portion of the lake with no wake is ideal for kayaking, canoeing and fishing has been good to excellent near the water fall. A nice easy hike will take you around the entire lake if you let it.

  • Review photo of Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area by Jeff B., May 16, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2018

Jenkinson lake labor day

We stayed at the group site at the event center. It was more like clamping than real actual camping. At the event center theres a full kitchen and a bathroom. It was super clean and nice. If i had known that before going I would packed better for that kind of camping. The sites were mostly all at a slant so it was a bit uncomfortable in terms of the sleep situation. There may have been some that were on normal level ground but from what we experienced and the ones we mainly saw they were not. There was a nice pretty steep but short trail that led from our site to the lake which was gorgeous as we sipped on our coffee and the pine tree covered campground was a dream.

SiteEvent center group site
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area by Adventure M., September 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area by Adventure M., September 6, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2015

It was ok.

We camped out at Jenkinson at Sly Park Recreation area. As hikers (not boaters), this wasn't a very impressive area or very impressive campsite. The campsites were shallow (relatively close to the road) and pretty close together (we had some kind of college party across the way, and we could hear pretty much all of it). It was a pretty, tree-covered area that we enjoyed spending time in, and it had all of the basics covered (decent bathrooms, bear boxes, adequate room for cars and tents).

  • Review photo of Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area by Tara S., July 21, 2015
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available at Sly Park Campground near Jenkinson Lake?

Jenkinson Campground at Sly Park Recreation Area offers diverse camping experiences across 9 different sections. The front areas typically accommodate larger RVs and campers, while the sections further back provide more secluded spots for those seeking tranquility. There's also a group site at the event center that features a full kitchen and bathroom facilities - offering an experience closer to glamping than traditional camping. Campsites vary in size and proximity to the road, with some sites being relatively close together, especially in the front sections. The campground layout allows visitors to choose between more social camping areas and quieter, more private spaces depending on preference.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Jenkinson Lake and Sly Park?

Jenkinson Lake and Sly Park offer abundant recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking on well-maintained trails, including a 9-mile loop around the entire lake and a special trail leading to a waterfall. Water activities are popular, with opportunities for boating, fishing, and paddleboarding on the quiet lake waters. The recreation area features designated day-use sections ideal for picnicking and shoreline activities. The campground's proximity to the lake makes it convenient for campers to access water activities, with some sites offering walking distance to the lakeshore. Whether you prefer land or water recreation, Sly Park provides well-maintained facilities for a variety of outdoor pursuits.

What do visitor reviews say about Sly Park Campground?

Jenkinson Campground at Sly Park Recreation Area receives positive feedback for its well-maintained facilities and beautiful setting. Campers particularly appreciate the perfectly maintained trails, including the 9-mile lake loop and waterfall hike. The campground's layout earns praise, with many preferring the more secluded back sections over the busier front areas that have more RVs. Clean facilities are frequently highlighted, with regular maintenance noted. The lake's calm waters make it ideal for paddleboarding and other water activities. While some sites are described as relatively close together, especially in the front sections, the variety of camping areas allows visitors to find a spot that matches their preference for privacy or social atmosphere. Most visitors express a desire to return for future stays.

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