Is Sylvan Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sylvan Lake Campground 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 Sylvan Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Sylvan Lake Campground has 10 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 Sylvan Lake Campground?

Sylvan Lake Campground is open Best access and full services in summer through early fall; winter access is possible but conditions and services are limited and colder.. 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 Sylvan Lake Campground?

Yes, Sylvan Lake Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at Sylvan Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sylvan Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Sylvan Lake Campground?

Sylvan Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sylvan Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Sylvan Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sylvan Lake Campground

4.53

73 reviews

Top 5% in COSummer

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,530 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Best access and full...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Colorado State Parks)

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,530 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Best access and full...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Colorado State Parks)

Get Directions

Sylvan Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No official overall fee schedule provided in source materials. Visitor reports note paid hot showers (reported as $1 for the first 4 minutes, then...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Colorado State Parks

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Sylvan Lake Campground

39.4781, -106.7331

Nearby places

Eagle, CO

Weather at Sylvan Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sylvan Lake Campground

Summer through early fall is when Sylvan Lake truly shines, offering the warmest days and easiest access for your adventure. Even during peak summer months, pack layers—those cool mountain nights remind you you're sleeping at altitude. While winter blankets the area in snow and limits both access and services, hardy visitors have been known to embrace the snowy solitude for a true backcountry experience.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in CO

Best access and full services in summer; campground 'truly shines' in summer/early fall.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Best access and full services in summer through early fall; winter access is possible but conditions and services are limited and colder.

About Sylvan Lake Campground

Tucked into the heart of the Rockies, Sylvan Lake Campground surrounds a pristine 42-acre alpine lake where towering conifers, shimmering aspens, and spruce-fir forests create a picture-perfect mountain retreat. You'll find simple campsites alongside cozy cabins and yurts, excellent trout fishing, and the kind of peaceful solitude that comes with true remoteness—just know that cell service is scarce and hookups are limited.

Provides basic tent and RV campsites plus on-site lodging options (cabins and yurts); no full-service RV hookups.

Historical Significance

No major historical structures or events are noted in source materials; the area is presented primarily as a mountain recreation landscape within the Colorado state park system.

Weather and SeasonsSummer through early fall is when Sylvan Lake truly shines, offering the warmest days and easiest access for your adventure. Even during peak summer months, pack layers—those cool mountain nights remind you you're sleeping at altitude. While winter blankets the area in snow and limits both access and services, hardy visitors have been known to embrace the snowy solitude for a true backcountry experience.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mirror-like reflections dancing across a high-mountain lake, cradled in Bush Creek Valley where Rocky Mountain slopes rise on all sides. The 42-acre lake is framed by a tapestry of aspen groves that shimmer gold in fall, dense mixed-conifer stands, and delicate wildflower meadows that burst with color come summer. The shoreline remains wonderfully undeveloped, inviting you to explore quiet creek areas and discover your own peaceful corner of wilderness.

Geological RegionBush Creek Valley, Rocky Mountains (high-mountain lake surrounded by mixed-conifer, aspen, and spruce-fir forests)

Scenic ViewsWide views of Sylvan Lake with reflective water, surrounding mountain slopes, aspen-covered hillsides and alpine meadow scenery.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsColorado Parks and Wildlife reservation system (Use-Direct)

Best CampsitesDesirable sites are lakeside or creek-adjacent sites, especially in the Elk Run area overlooking Sylvan Lake. Secondary sources mention specific recommendations such as a creek-side tent site (Site #31) and Cabin #8 for solitude.

Need help booking Sylvan Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Colorado State Parks Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Basic mountain-park amenities including potable water, restrooms (vault and flush), showers, picnic areas, a boat ramp, and an RV dump/ hydrant; no utility hookups or Wi-Fi/cell service.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Alpine lake and trail-focused recreation: lakeshore hiking, fishing, paddling and non‑combustion boating, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and general day-use/outdoor recreation.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo cell or internet service; visitors report ticks and occasional large wildlife (including moose). Some access roads are rough and some campsites are uneven—plan for limited services and variable road/terrain conditions. Expect cold nighttime temperatures at elevation.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

73 reviews

Top-Rated

Sylvan Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing spectacular mountain-and-lake scenery, clean facilities (restrooms and showers), accessible cabins/yurts, good trout fishing, and plentiful wildlife sightings. Reviewers note the park is remote and quiet, with friendly staff and well-maintained basic amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 73 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic alpine lake views and reflective mountain backdrops; cabins and yurts with lake overlook options; easy lakeshore hiking; boating/kayak/paddleboard opportunities and boat ramp; good trout...

Based on 73 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve early for desirable lakeside/creek sites; bring supplies since the area is remote and has no cell service; expect basic facilities (no hookups); prepare for cool nights and limited shade;...

Based on 73 reviews