Sly Guard Cabin

Star4.24
31 reviews
5561 Sly Park Road
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Eldorado National Forest 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
Sly Guard Cabin
$65.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for the cabin is $65 throughout the year. Additional fees may apply for services such as reservation ($8-$9) and cancellations ($10)....
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-644-2324
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What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 31 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlake

"Overall, user reviews reflect positive sentiments about the cabin, emphasizing its cleanliness, modern amenities, and convenient location."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5561 Sly Park Road

Sly Guard Cabin

5561 Sly Park Road

Driving directionsSly Guard Cabin is located off U.S. Highway 50 in Pollock Pines, approximately 16 miles east of Placerville. Take Exit 60 (Sly Park Road) and travel south approximately 6.2 miles. Arrive at 5561 Sly Park Road on the left.
The cabin is accessible from U.S. Highway 50, which is a major paved and maintained road. The access road (Sly Park Road) is also paved and easily navigable. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain are noted.
Nearby places
Placerville (16 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Apple Hill (6 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Jenkinson Lake/Sly Park Reservoir (2 miles, approximately 5 minutes)
Nearby supplies
A resort at the entrance of Jenkinson Lake, located 2 miles away, offers a small store, restaurant, bar, pay phone, gas, and fishing supplies. For major grocery and camping supplies, Holiday Market in Pollock Pines is recommended.

Best Time to Camp at Sly Guard Cabin

Experience the Sierra Nevada's gentle climate at its finest, where summer days warm to a comfortable 67°F and evenings cool to a refreshing 46°F—perfect for campfire gatherings and stargazing. The region's signature clear skies dominate the forecast, punctuated by occasional mountain showers that keep the forest fresh and fragrant. While winter may dust the landscape with light snow, the moderate winds and low humidity throughout peak season create ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and outdoor dining. This temperate mountain climate ensures comfortable adventures from dawn to dusk.

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

Comfortable summer temps (~67°F), shaded grounds, swimming hole and lake boating nearby.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Forest setting and trails make fall attractive; reviews note pleasant shoulder-season stays.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Nearby trails, flowing creek and lake access make spring appealing though specifics limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 23% in CA

Open year-round; guests praised cozy winter stays, but no winter-sport infrastructure noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Peak season: January 1 - December 31.
  • Current Alerts: The wood-burning stove is currently out of order. Fire restrictions may be in effect depending on the season.

About Sly Guard Cabin

Nestled in the heart of Eldorado National Forest, Sly Guard Cabin beckons modern adventurers with a perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort. This 1940s-era ranger cabin has been thoughtfully transformed into a welcoming retreat, where original wood beams and rustic character meet the convenience of electricity, running water, and a fully equipped kitchen. Whether you arrive with an RV, pitch a tent on the spacious grounds, or tow your boat for nearby lake adventures, this versatile property adapts to your camping style while serving as your gateway to Sierra Nevada exploration.
Sly Guard Cabin offers a blend of cabin lodging and space for primitive camping, tents, and RVs/trailers.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
6nights per visit. Maximum of 14 nights per year.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations

Activities you can enjoy

Sly Guard Cabin offers various recreational opportunities. Guests can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and observing nature on site. The nearby Cedar Park trail is a 1.2-mile paved loop with an observation deck offering views of Pyramid Peak and the Crystal Range. Swimming and fishing are available at Sly Park Creek and Reservoir. Gold panning is also permitted in the creek.
HikingCedar Park trail, located adjacent to the cabin, is a 1.2-mile paved loop suitable for relaxing walks. The trail features an observation deck with scenic views of Pyramid Peak and the Crystal Range.
FishingFishing is available at Sly Park Reservoir, which is a short distance from the cabin. Anglers can expect a range of fishing opportunities.
SwimmingSly Park Creek offers a swimming hole for guests to enjoy during their stay.
BikingMountain biking paths are accessible near the cabin grounds.
BoatingThe nearby Sly Park Reservoir attracts boaters and offers opportunities for a variety of water-based activities.
Wildlife viewingThe cabin’s location among Ponderosa and Jeffrey pine trees provides natural habitats for wildlife viewing.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMice have been reported as an issue at the cabin. Guests are advised to clean thoroughly to prevent infestations. Firewood pests are a concern, and wood must be bought locally and burned on-site.
Active AlertsThe wood-burning stove is currently out of order. Fire restrictions may be in effect depending on the season.

Weather at Sly Guard Cabin

Reviews

4.2
31 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Sly Guard Cabin is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews reflect positive sentiments about the cabin, emphasizing its cleanliness, modern amenities, and convenient location.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciated the property's cleanliness, the proximity to trails and Jenkinson Lake, and the cabin's suitability for families and couples.
Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues mentioned include mice problems within the cabin and the absence of air conditioning.
Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests suggest thoroughly cleaning up after meals to avoid attracting mice, and recommend visiting nearby attractions such as Apple Hill and Jenkinson Lake.
Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors during the summer months noted the shaded property kept the cabin cool despite the lack of air conditioning. Winter visits were praised for the cozy atmosphere and proximity to trails.
Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Even nicer than expected. Large kitchen and bedroom, beautiful property.' - Jennifer Q 2. 'This was a last-minute end-of-season trip, and luckily the Sly Guard Cabin was available. We spent the...
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Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Guests visiting the Sly Guard Cabin praised its proximity to trails and Jenkinson Lake, as well as its suitability for small groups (up to four people).
Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are provided.
Based on 31 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed inside the cabin. Outdoor pets are permitted, but guests must clean up after them.
Based on 31 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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