Silver Lake West

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Kayakers, anglers, and swimmers have a lot to work with at Silver Lake West. Situated along the Silver Fork of the American River in Eldorado National Forest, the campground sits directly beside the Potholes, a series of pools carved into rock by the river, and across Highway 88 from Silver Lake itself, where visitors arrive by kayak and other watercraft. The Thunder Mountain Trailhead is also within easy reach. Sites vary in character: some sit under large trees with substantial shade, others back up against rock faces, and a handful are close enough to the creek that the sound of moving water carries through camp.

Amenities include bear boxes, fire rings with BBQ pits, and pit toilets that multiple reviewers describe as consistently clean. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required. Wind can be a factor, particularly in early July, when one camper noted only a single calm day across a ten-day stay. Cell service is listed as available. Pets are welcome, which makes this a reasonable base for those exploring pet-friendly camping near Eldorado National Forest.

"Pit toilets are super clean, and no noisy partiers," notes Marika M., who also points to the Potholes and nearby trailheads as recurring draws. At $30 per night, a few reviewers flag the price as on the higher end for the area, though most consider it reasonable given the access. Campers who want to compare nearby options can also look at Silvertip Campground a few miles to the southeast. The campground runs May through October, so plan accordingly.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsSilver Lake West is located in California near Bear Valley

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Pioneer, CA, take State Route 88 east 36.6 miles to campground on left

Coordinates

38.52921429461472 N
120.08351140545389 W

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Connectivity

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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


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Reviews10 Camper Reviews - Silver Lake West

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4.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 10, 2020

Very nice place and family friendly

A little bay area ish, aka yuppy. But nice and quiet and dispersed. Quick walk to the lake and fishing. Although potholes access was closed when i got there which is a main attraction for me going almost yearly. A bit over priced at 30 bux.

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2020

Fabulous in every way...

EXCEPT the wind can be overwhelming, and our 10-day early July stay had ONE calm day. No hassles, NO July 3/4 fireworks!!!

  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Larry W., July 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Larry W., July 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Larry W., July 8, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2019

Awesome and clean

Yearly tradition! This place is well maintained and clear water. Across the street is Silver Lake east, which is larger but not as cozy!

  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Mike L., July 16, 2019
Reviewed Nov. 13, 2018

No one around

Rolled in with no reservations and not a clue as to camp for the night in my van. All campgrounds were closed but I found a little spot to park for the night right on the lake. Set up camp, did some fishing and cooked up dinner. My best friend and I fished this lake 30 years ago...Good memories

  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Tony P., November 13, 2018
  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Tony P., November 13, 2018
  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Tony P., November 13, 2018
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2018

Get away from it all with hiking, fishing, kayaking, all within minutes of

This campground is a gem. With great sites, some close to the creek, friendly camp hosts, and an abundance of nearby activities, this is a must. Just next to tbe Potholes, hike down and spend the day in the pools carved out over the millenium by the waters. Across the highway is Silver Lake, where we kayaked, but you can use other water craft also. Thunder Mountain Trailhead, and others, are a quick jaunt down the road. Pit toilets are super clean, and no noisy partiers. Good selection of sites, and one of pur go to places.

Site38
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Marika M., August 20, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2018

amzing spot next to a local gem

the visit was great the campground was large and the plots were all very intresting in space. we had a great spot near some rhnning water to aid in the comfort. being close to silver lake and the pothokes there is plenty to do. bring your charcoal because there are bbq pits and fire pits. Bathrooms had running water but we never needed them. we come prepared and pack out. loved the large trees throughout the campground provided lots of shade. the bear boxes and tables were clean. probably one of the more expensive campsites but it wasnt unreasonable.

  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Kittie B., August 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Kittie B., August 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Kittie B., August 8, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 12, 2018

One of my favorites

I love this spot. You can walk to the pot holes for a swim or cross the street to one of the most beautiful lakes. It’s close to lots of trails. Easy access. Has bear boxes and fire rings. There are usually snow flowers every wear early in the season.

  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Cassie M., June 12, 2018
  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Cassie M., June 12, 2018
  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Cassie M., June 12, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 22, 2018

Fun campground at Silver Lake

This is a great place to camp if you want to go to Silver Lake or other area lakes for water recreation or hiking. Also the Pot Holes are along the river right along this campground - downside is that there can be a lot of foot traffic due to the pot holes. Some sites are under the trees, some are more up against the rocks. First come, first served / no reservations. Car and RV sites, picnic tables, fire rings.

Kit Carson, Plasses and Kirkwood all have a small mom and pop stores with limited supplies This campground is not the same ownership as Silver Lake East which is on the other side of HWY 88.

  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Patricia O., May 22, 2018
  • Review photo of Silver Lake West by Patricia O., May 22, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Silver Lake West Campground?

Silver Lake West Campground offers bear boxes, fire rings, and BBQ pits at each campsite. The campground features pit toilets but no showers. Some sites are located under trees for shade, while others are positioned near a creek for added ambiance. The campground is well-maintained with varying site layouts and sizes. Its location provides easy access to the Pot Holes swimming area and Silver Lake across the highway, making it ideal for water recreation enthusiasts.

How do I make reservations at Silver Lake West Campground?

Reservations for Silver Lake West Campground can be made through recreation.gov or by contacting the managing agency directly. The campground costs approximately $30 per night. While some visitors have reported success with walk-up camping during off-peak times, it's advisable to secure reservations in advance, especially during summer months when the campground is popular. Contact the campground or check the official Forest Service website for the most current reservation information and policies.

What do visitors say in reviews about Silver Lake West Campground?

Visitors consistently praise Silver Lake West Campground for its prime location near both the Pot Holes swimming area and Silver Lake. Many highlight the well-maintained grounds and variety of campsite options, including creek-side spots. The campground earns high marks for its proximity to hiking trails and water recreation opportunities. Some note the occasional wind and foot traffic from Pot Holes visitors as minor drawbacks. The friendly camp hosts receive positive mentions, and many campers consider this location a yearly tradition, describing it as a "gem" with abundant nearby activities.

Are there photos available of Silver Lake West Campground?

Yes, photos of Silver Lake West Campground are available through several sources. You can find images on recreation.gov, the official Forest Service website, and camping apps like The Dyrt. These photos typically showcase the varied campsites, nearby creek, surrounding forest, and proximity to Silver Lake and the Pot Holes swimming area. Viewing these images will help you understand the campground's layout and natural setting before your visit.