Silver Lake East- Eldorado

Star4.31
151 reviews
Eldorado National Forest
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

7,200 ft

Price

$36 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

72 campsites

Season

Open from June 27th ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Royal Elk Park Management site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Silver Lake East- Eldorado
$36.00 - $72.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation fees range from $36–$72 depending on the site type (standard non-electric, tent-only, walk-to). Additional reservation fees apply: $8...
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Standard Site Fee$36.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$36.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
209-258-2287
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What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 151 reviews

61 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciouslakefriendlysites

"Silver Lake East Campground is well-regarded for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. However, reviews highlight recurring issues such as management inefficiencies, water shortages, and restroom maintenance."

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Campground Map

Eldorado National Forest

Silver Lake East- Eldorado

Eldorado National Forest

Driving directionsFrom Pioneer, CA, take State Route 88 east 36.6 miles to the campground on the right.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from State Route 88. While the roads are well-maintained, seasonal closures due to weather may apply.
Nearby places
Jackson, CA (50 miles east, approximately 1 hour driving time).
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including boating rentals, food, and essentials, are available at the nearby Kit Carson Lodge. Groceries and additional supplies can be found in Jackson, CA.

Best Time to Camp at Silver Lake East- Eldorado

Summer arrives like a gentle whisper at Silver Lake East, bringing mild days perfect for exploration and crisp nights that invite cozy campfire gatherings. As wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant hues, the campground reaches its peak splendor, offering ideal conditions for all lake activities. When winter's snow blanket descends, the landscape transforms into a frozen wonderland, making summer the crown jewel of camping seasons here.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Peak season: mild days, wildflower displays, full access to lake activities; busiest time.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open early Sept by FCFS; fewer services and more risk of water/restroom issues late season.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Snow and high elevation likely keep site closed until late June; spring season not supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside late June–Sept window; winter camping not supported onsite.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 27–August 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from June 27th through August 31st (reservable). From September 1st to September 28th, sites are first-come, first-served.
  • Current Alerts: Potential seasonal water outages and fire restrictions may apply.

About Silver Lake East- Eldorado

Perched at 7,200 feet where the alpine air meets crystal waters, Silver Lake East Campground beckons adventurers to its pristine mountain sanctuary. Here, beneath the watchful gaze of Thunder Mountain, outdoor enthusiasts discover a playground of possibilities—cast a line into the shimmering lake, explore winding hiking trails, dive into refreshing mountain waters, or glide across the lake's glassy surface by boat. This high-country haven transforms camping into an unforgettable alpine experience.
Silver Lake East Campground accommodates a range of campers, from tent camping to walk-in sites and standard non-electric options.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
11 AM
Stay Limit
Amaximum of 14 nights is allowed during a calendar year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. It's an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation.
HikingNumerous trails connect the campground to Silver Lake and other swimming areas. The Granite Lake Trail, which leads to the Hidden Lake Trail, offers scenic hikes with varying levels of difficulty. Hikers can explore alpine lakes and mountain meadows, with highlights including wooden bridges and creek crossings.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Silver Lake, which is stocked with Rainbow, German Brown, and Mackinaw trout. Early mornings are a favored time for anglers.
SwimmingSilver Lake offers clean and refreshing swimming areas with beautiful views. Some campers also enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding.
BoatingBoating is facilitated by a nearby lodge that offers boat rentals and a boat ramp. The calm waters of Silver Lake are suitable for various boating activities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of eagles and other bird species. The surrounding natural environment supports diverse fauna.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are frequent visitors; proper food storage is mandatory. Occasional thunderstorms may occur, and tree sap and insects can be nuisances.
Active AlertsPotential seasonal water outages and fire restrictions may apply.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food lockers are available at most sites to prevent wildlife disturbances.

Weather at Silver Lake East- Eldorado

Reviews

4.3
151 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Silver Lake East- Eldorado is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Silver Lake East Campground is well-regarded for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. However, reviews highlight recurring issues such as management inefficiencies, water shortages, and restroom maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 151 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the stunning natural environment, proximity to Silver Lake, and the variety of outdoor activities available. Camp hosts are often described as friendly and helpful. Sites are noted...
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Based on 151 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poorly maintained vault toilets, water system outages, and management's failure to enforce site reservations. Some guests reported noise disturbances and issues with...
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Based on 151 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water supply in case of outages. Early mornings are ideal for fishing. Choose sites in the upper loop for better proximity to the lake and less highway noise.
Based on 151 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer months, with visitors enjoying the wildflower blooms and cool lake waters. However, water shortages and restroom maintenance issues seem more common during...
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Based on 151 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Silver Lake is one of the most beautiful places on the planet." - Derek Wilson. "The bathrooms are terrible! The awful ammonia smell made it almost impossible to breathe." - Wen JT. "Beautiful lake,...
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Based on 151 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 53 is described as less desirable due to grading issues. Site 19 is reported as non-existent despite being listed on maps. Sites near the upper loop offer better proximity to the lake.
Based on 151 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited mentions of accessibility. Some campsites are marked as accessible, but terrain challenges are noted.
Based on 151 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and seem to be a common presence, but there are no specific reviews highlighting pet-related amenities.
Based on 151 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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