How much does camping cost at Sly Guard Cabin?

Camping fees at Sly Guard Cabin range from $65/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sly Guard Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Sly Guard Cabin accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sly Guard Cabin before I book?

Yes! Sly Guard Cabin has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Sly Guard Cabin?

Sly Guard Cabin is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sly Guard Cabin?

Yes, Sly Guard Cabin has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Sly Guard Cabin?

Fire policies at Sly Guard Cabin: Fire restrictions are in effect. No campfires, no charcoal bbq's. Propane stove usage is allowed outside the cabin.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Sly Guard Cabin have?

Sly Guard Cabin has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sly Guard Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Sly Guard Cabin. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Sly Guard Cabin?

Sly Guard Cabin offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sly Guard Cabin?

Popular activities at Sly Guard Cabin include Hiking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sly Guard Cabin

4.05

31 reviews

5561 Sly Park Road

Top 18% in CAWinter

Summer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Eldorado National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Eldorado National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Sly Guard Cabin

$65.00 - $65.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN ELECTRIC: $65.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-644-2324

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5561 Sly Park Road

Sly Guard Cabin

5561 Sly Park Road

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)

Weather at Sly Guard Cabin

Current alerts(12)

Do Not Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
In order to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience to all visitors, a stay limit is now in effect. Use of any Eldorado National Forest cabin is limited to 6 nights per recreation rental facility and a combined total of 12 nights per calendar year for all rental…
Lock the building and close the gate when leaving the cabin unattended
No RV hookups or dump stations available

Best Time to Camp at Sly Guard Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and the fullest range of outdoor activities — expect comfortable daytime highs in the mid-to-upper 60s°F (roughly 65–72°F) with cool nights dipping into the mid-40s (40–50°F). Lake and creek activities (swimming, boating, fishing) are at their peak, trails are dry and very accessible, and long daylight makes multi-hour hikes and evening stargazing easy. Expect higher weekend and holiday crowds, but the cabin and nearby lake access make it an excellent base Peak months: July, August, June, September

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for lake activities; shaded property keeps cabin cool despite no A/C.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Sly Guard Cabin

Sly Guard Cabin sits in the Eldorado National Forest foothills near Pollock Pines, offering a remote rental cabin with access to Jenkinson Lake and surrounding trails. Operated by Eldorado National Forest, the property includes basic amenities like flush toilets, showers, and potable water. Guests use the cabin as a base for hiking and boating during the warmer months when the property is open.

Sly Guard Cabin offers a blend of cabin lodging and space for primitive camping, tents, and RVs/trailers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and the fullest range of outdoor activities — expect comfortable daytime highs in the mid-to-upper 60s°F (roughly 65–72°F) with cool nights dipping into the mid-40s (40–50°F). Lake and creek activities (swimming, boating, fishing) are at their peak, trails are dry and very accessible, and long daylight makes multi-hour hikes and evening stargazing easy. Expect higher weekend and holiday crowds, but the cabin and nearby lake access make it an excellent base Peak months: July, August, June, September

Elevation3600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa and Jeffrey pines dominate the mixed-conifer forest surrounding the cabin. Sly Park Creek runs nearby, cutting through granite outcroppings typical of this Sierra Nevada transition zone between foothills and higher elevations. Jenkinson Lake provides shoreline access for swimming and boating. The 3,600-foot elevation puts you in decomposed granite soils and weathered bedrock terrain, with forest cover offering consistent shade around the cabin grounds.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin is equipped with one bedroom containing two single beds and a living room with a queen-size sleeper sofa. It provides accommodations for up to four people, with additional room for two tents, one RV/trailer/camper, or two boats on the grounds.

Programs & ActivitiesGuided nature walks are conducted daily on the trail adjacent to the cabin, courtesy of the Sly Park Environmental Education School.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

6nights per visit. Maximum of 14 nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

12 guests maximum (including cabin and grounds).

Groups

No designated group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility details are not explicitly stated in the source.

Site SizeThe cabin is 600 sq. ft. and can accommodate up to 12 occupants, with outdoor space for tents, RVs, or trailers.

PrivacyThe cabin grounds are surrounded by a split cedar fence, offering some privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesThe cabin is ideal for small groups or families with children. It suits those looking for a blend of rustic and modern amenities. Guests recommend visiting Apple Hill (~6 miles away) and Jenkinson Lake (~1 mile away).

Best CampsitesThe cabin is the sole rental site. Reviews highlight its suitability for families and couples, with proximity to trails and Jenkinson Lake making it a functional base for multi-day stays.

Need help booking Sly Guard Cabin?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No RV hookups or dump stations available Pets are not allowed at the cabin. This overnight facility is used by many people, including those with pet allergies.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

31 reviews

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

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

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a small-group cabin base for lake access and trail hiking in the Eldorado foothills.

Skip if

You need open gate access after hours or want to avoid reported maintenance issues with stoves and rodents.

Nearby Campgrounds

Capps Crossing sits in mid-elevation forest within Eldorado National Forest near Camino, operated by American Land and Leisure. This small campground offers shaded sites under cedar and fir, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike, climb, and try their hand at gold panning along nearby waterways.