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Are you looking for the best Sly Park camping spots? We’ve got you covered. Sly Park is a 1,600-acre recreation area near Pollock Pines. It’s known for its fishing, boating, water skiing, and photo opportunities. This hidden gem is in the Eldorado National Forest, surrounding Jenkinson Lake. The park offers both regular camping and equestrian camping, nine miles of trails, and some of the best views in the region. The park boasts a rich history, lush greenery, and abundant wildlife. These are the best Sly Park camping spots to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the eastern Sierra Mountains.
The Best Sly Park Camping Spots
1. Jenkinson Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Adventure M.
Jenkinson Campground in Sly Park Recreation Area is on the north end of the Jenkinson Lake Narrows. The campground has tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. You’re right next to miles of trails, a boat ramp, and boat rentals. You’re in a great spot to hike around the lake, check out the local waterfall, or fish for rainbow trout. The narrows’ speed limit makes it the perfect place for kayaking, SUPing, or swimming. Or you can drive a short distance to the main section of the lake to use your motorboat. Jenkinson Campground is a quiet place to rest, relax, and enjoy the peaceful scenery of Sly Park.
“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 9 miles. The hike to the waterfall is wonderful. 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.” – Syd D.
Campground Details:
- Price: $35
- Number of sites: 11
- RV sites: No
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Hilltop
Image from The Dyrt camper Lloyd C.
The Hilltop campground in Sly Park Recreation Area is also on the north side of the narrows, set back in the forest. The campground has spacious sites for tents and RVs up to 40 feet. Amenities include fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, and potable water. Some of the sites overlook the lake, giving you incredible views of the water. You have quick access to hiking trails, boat launches, and swimming spots. Hilltop is a great place for RVers to camp, as the sites are spread apart and accommodate larger rigs. It’s a great camping spot for a quiet respite from daily life where you can soak up the natural beauty of the Sierras.
“We stayed over the 4th of July weekend. Spot 117 is one of the best on Hilltop. Decent amount of shade and large area to park and set up tents. Beautiful lake and campground. We will be back in August.” – Lloyd C.
Campground Details:
- Price: $35
- Number of sites: 19
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
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3. Chimney
The Chimney campground in Sly Park Recreation Area is next to Hilltop, along the shore of the lake narrows. The campground has shaded lakeside sites for tents and RVs up to 24 feet. Sites come with picnic tables, vault toilets, fire rings, and potable water. You can fish for smallmouth bass, hike to the park’s event center or take in the photographic opportunities. If you want to do something especially relaxing, rent a kayak and paddle to the park’s resplendent waterfall. The Chimney campground is an excellent resting place where to enjoy the park’s abundant recreation and beauty.
“We live close by so going to camp in Sly Park, seems weird. However, I have had at least two kids camping trips here. Sly Park lake is great! We love kayaking on it, especially to the waterfall. It has vault toilets and they are pretty clean. I like that Chimney is close to the water however, this location really does not have a beach. It can be quite busy at times as it is also a day-use area.” – Amanda R.
Campground Details:
- Price: $35-50
- Number of sites: 8
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Capps Crossing Campground
Capps Crossing Campground is a great alternative that gives you quick access to Sly Park in a more remote location. This quaint campground is 20 miles southeast of Sly Park, on the North Fork of the Cosumnes River. There are shaded spots for tents and RVs up to 40 feet. The campground is known for spacious group sites that can accommodate up to 42 people. Amenities include fire rings, grills, vault toilets, and potable water. You’re right on the Cosumnes River, where you can wade, fish for salmon, or try your hand at gold mining. There are bouldering and hiking trails nearby, as well as the Sly Park Recreation Area. At 5,100 vertical feet, you’re surrounded by jaw-dropping views of the Sierras, so bring your camera. Capps Crossing Campground is a secluded retreat where you can enjoy Sly Park and the Sierras in peace.
“Great area to camp and great camp host! The restrooms were so clean!!” – C. G.
Campground Details:
- Price: $28-165
- Number of sites: 7
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Check out these gorgeous Sly Park camping spots to get the most out of your next outdoor vacation.
