Sylvan Lake Campground — Sylvan Lake State Park

Located 15 miles south of Eagle off of I-70 in the White River National Forest sits Sylvan Lake State Park. This has definitely been our favorite camping spot since moving here a little over 2 months ago. We camped right on the lake next to the boat ramp (no motorized boats allowed) and the bathhouse. At 8,500 ft the weather can change fast so be prepared especially with rain gear and warm close. The sites that are lake front are a little close together which would be my only complaint but for seclusion literally walk away in any direction. Paddle boarding and fishing were by far the most popular things to do on the lake but we stuck to hiking . There's a trail that follows the lake shore around that is also bike friendly, there's also the West Brush Creek Trail which is in the park and a number of gulch trails in between Sylvan lake and Eagle. On your way out of town be sure to stop in Eagle at the Red Canyon Cafe and Bonfire Brewing for a bite to eat and refreshments!

Colorado mountain lake camping

Gorgeous views of the lake but it was very open with little cover and the wind almost tore our tent down. 

Pretty but windy. 

Nice place for a short hike around lake. Not far from eagle. 

Beautiful area

This is a pretty, but small lake. It's nice to be able to camp so close to the lake, but ultimately you are shoulder to shoulder with your neighbors and your are fully exposed to the wind and sun. The Summer is packed. Winter you will be by yourself. 

Perhaps this is nice if you have kids, want to allow them on the lake but in close view, and are new to camping. But ultimately, this is not that great of a place. 

Leave no trace.

Starter Camping

This park has so much character that it should have it’s own tv show. There are conservation areas, trails galore, historical buildings, and a beautiful lake that is surrounded with alpine forests. 

  

The staff is really sweet and willing to help in any way they can. We lost our pump for our inflatable and they found us one to borrow. 

  

The campground is large and can accommodate a lot of campers, the bathrooms are fully equipped and clean. It was quiet at night which was surprising since you are basically in a cul-de-sac of tents and rv's. There are cabins and yurts to rent as well. They are even building (or just finished) a new section of a campground that looks like it will accommodate more rv’s and boats. It is called fisherman’s paradise. 

  

There is also a day use area with grills and picnic tables. 

  

The road to get out here can be rough in bad weather but low clearance is fine to get out here. WInter excursions are probably a bit tougher and would require an all wheel drive.

A cornucopia of glamping and camping options

Fall camping is the best!  The aspens around this beautiful lake are really showing their color. 
The campsites are very spacious and spaced well apart.  
Flushing toilets and showers are around the campground.  Water is available too.

Very nice campground !

I love this lake. It's beautiful and you can always walk away with some fish.