Silver Lake Campground

Star4.54
30 reviews
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Romantic GetawayPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,797 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

No closing for any s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Plumas National Forest site

Official Website
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Silver Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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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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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 30 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikinglake

Some mention

reservation

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the campground's tranquil setting, suitability for kayaking, and proximity to trails. However, there are concerns about squatters reserving spots without using them."

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Campground Map

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Silver Lake Campground

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Driving directionsThe campground is located off Bucks Lake Rd, 16 miles west of Quincy. To reach Silver Lake Campground, access it via Silver Lake Road, which branches off Bucks Lake Road.
Access is via Silver Lake Road, which reviewers describe as a 'rough-in-some-places sharply-curved gravel road.' This road includes sharp curves and gravel surfaces, potentially challenging for large vehicles.
Nearby places
Quincy (16 miles)
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Silver Lake Campground

Silver Lake transforms with the seasons, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Winter wraps the campground in a crystalline blanket, with temperatures hovering between 35°F and 40°F as snow accumulates—sometimes reaching depths of 20 inches after particularly generous storms. When summer arrives, the mountain air warms to a perfect 83°F, creating ideal conditions for hiking and exploration under brilliantly clear skies. The dry summer months promise reliable sunshine, making this the perfect season to experience all the wilderness has to offer.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak use in summer; great for paddling and trails though extreme heat (102°F) was reported by one user.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 5% in CA

Seasonal change offers solitude and scenic views; fewer crowds implied and pleasant conditions likely.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring likely offers quiet trails and melting snow; access and conditions may vary seasonally.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winters wrap the site in snow; no services/closures listed — winter camping possible but harsh.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not stated but summer was a focus for usage. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: No closing for any season was listed
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts were mentioned.

About Silver Lake Campground

Hidden away in the shadows of towering pines, Silver Lake Campground beckons those seeking true solitude in nature's embrace. This intimate retreat features just nine tent-only sites, each one a peaceful sanctuary where the only sounds are rustling leaves and distant bird calls. Perched on the edge of the magnificent Bucks Lake Wilderness Area, the campground serves as your personal basecamp for adventures along the Gold Lake and Granite Gap trails, where pristine alpine vistas and untouched wilderness await discovery.
Silver Lake Campground offers primitive camping with a focus on tent setups. The site is explicitly not recommended for RVs, and its wilderness feel appeals to those seeking a secluded experience.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Unknown
Check-out
No times were listed
Stay Limit
Not specified


Activities you can enjoy

Silver Lake Campground is adjacent to the Bucks Lake Wilderness Area, offering a range of outdoor activities. It serves as a trailhead for Gold Lake and Granite Gap trails. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic enjoyment. The lake is especially suitable for kayaking and canoeing.
HikingThe campground provides access to Gold Lake and Granite Gap trails. As one user noted, the 'Gold Lake trail has some amazing views.' The trails are popular for their scenic beauty and wilderness feel.
FishingFishing is available at Silver Lake, a serene mountain water body described as 'perfect for kayaks, canoes.' Users enjoy the tranquil environment for these activities.
BoatingThe lake is ideal for non-motorized boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing. As a user noted, 'a pristine mountain lake, perfect for kayaks, canoes.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is one of the recreation opportunities listed, although no specific species or locations are detailed.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential road hazards on the access road due to sharp curves and gravel surfaces. Also, exposure to extreme heat in summer, as mentioned by Budget Camp Quest.
Active AlertsNo active alerts were mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Silver Lake Campground

Reviews

4.5
30 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Silver Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the campground's tranquil setting, suitability for kayaking, and proximity to trails. However, there are concerns about squatters reserving spots without using them.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciate the campground's scenic beauty, serenity, and suitability for activities like kayaking and hiking. Specific mentions include 'a real hidden gem especially if you have kayaks'...
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Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback revolves around squatters taking up spots without occupancy. One user noted, 'squatters saved 4 spots for at least 48 hours.' Another noted the effect of summer heat: 'The 102°F...
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Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring water and be self-sufficient due to the lack of facilities. Avoid visiting during peak heat or holidays to ensure a better experience. Kayaks or canoes are highly recommended for enjoying the...
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Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as usually empty except during hunting season or holidays. Summer temperatures can be extreme, as noted by one user, who left due to the 102°F heat.
Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'My favorite place to camp. A real hidden gem especially if you have kayaks.' (Krystal Bailey) - 'Lovely quiet lake with campsites tucked into the trees. Not a place for RVs or jet skis!' (Lois...
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Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 30 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews explicitly address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pet-related experiences or policies.
Based on 30 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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