Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Campground California
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Overview
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area (Mesa) Campground has 136 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs (up to 31 feet) on a hill above the lake.
The campsites are organized in 2 loops – Old Mesa (sites 1-95) and New Mesa (sites 96-136). Campsites 96 to 136 are full hookups (50-amp), with parking pads that are 20 feet wide and 30 feet long. There are also 5 hike/bike campsites and 3 group campsites. Accessible (ADA) campsites include 26, 49, 66, 77, 80, 98, 99, 117 and 127. Campsites have paved parking spurs and each also has a table, fire ring and grill. Each site can have up to 8 people and 2-3 vehicles (depending on site).
Miller Canyon Group Site can accommodate up to 40 people and 20 vehicles. The other 3 group sites (GRIO, GVAL and GBAR) can accommodate up to 100 people and 30 vehicles. The group sites have tables, BBQ, large fire ring and shade ramada, but no electric hookups.
Campground amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, showers ($) and a dump station. Wi-Fi service is also available 150 feet from the entrance kiosk. There’s also a marina that rents boats and has a store with supplies. A boat ramp is near the marina. Firewood can also be delivered to your campsite.
To reach the lake, you can hike about 1,200 feet on a trail from the campground, or drive 1.25 miles (via Sawpit Canyon Road) to the day/use area and marina.
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area – Area Recreation
The area offers a variety of outdoor recreation activities including camping, hiking, swimming, boating, jet skiing, water skiing, fishing, biking/mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The lake also has some great beaches and picnic areas a few miles from the campground.
Dogwood campground is another nice option located in the mountains close to Lake Arrowhead.
Make a Reservation for Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Amenities
- Amphitheater
- BBQ Grills
- Boat Launch/Ramp
- Boat Ramp
- Boat Rental
- Boat Trailer Lot
- Camp Store
- Campfire Center
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Electrical Hookup
- Equestrian trail
- Equipment Rentals
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
- Grills
- Group Camping
- Ice
- Marina
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Ranger Station
- Recycling Center
- Rentals
- Restrooms (Flush Toilets)
- RV Hookups
- Showers
- WiFi
Activities
- Backpacking
- Beach
- Beach Access
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Boating
- Boating (non motorized)
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Horseshoes
- Jet Skiing
- Kayaking
- Kite Surfing
- Lake
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Trails
- OHVing
- OTV Trails/Riding
- Paddle boarding (SUP)
- Paddle Boating
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Sailboarding
- Sailing
- Skin Diving
- Snorkeling
- Stargazing
- Swim Beach
- Swimming
- Wake Boarding
- Walking Trails
- Water Skiing
- Water Sports
- Wilderness Area
- Wildlife Viewing
- Wind Surfing
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Availability Alerts
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area sold out? Get an alert when a campsite becomes available at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area!
Create Campsite Availability AlertBest Campsites
13, 15, 20, 21, 25, 27, 33, 35, 39, 40, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 62, 63, 64, 67, 68, 70, 76, 77, 90, 92, 103, 104, 108, 109, 116, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 132, 133, 134, 135
Regions
Campsite Types
- ADA
- Group
- Hike/Bike
- Primitive
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
# of Campsites:
136
# of RV Hookup Campsites:
41
Campsite Vehicle Size:
Up to 31 feet.
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
3,400
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Photos & Video
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Comments & Reviews
Visited Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Campground lately? We'd love to hear about your adventure. Did you find us useful? Did we forget something? Anything our community should know before heading out to Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area?
campsitephotos.com
campingworld.com
When were these pictures taken? I heard that site 1-13 is not as shady because of the 203 fire. Thank you.
Is camping with a tent allowed on the camp grounds OR are there designated campgrounds for the use of a tent.
Thanks
Hi Gilbert,
Tent camping is allowed at Silverwood Lake State Recreation area campground.
Does anyone know how soon group campsites are available at Silverwood. I’m trying to book something for next summer but it’s only allowing me to book out to March.
Hi Joshua,
For Silverwood Lake Campground reservations are available on the first day of the month, six months prior to arrival. For example, if you wanted to stay sometime in July, then the reservation window opens on January 1 at 8:00AM PST.
Boat Rentals and Kayak rentals how much? How close are full hook up sites to the lake? Curious.
Hi Douglas,
CampsitePhotos doesn’t have that info. I recommend you call the Marina at Silverwood Lake: 760-389-2299
For the 14ft boat it is $35 for the first 2 hours and then and additional $10 every hour after that.
Hi there,
I prepaid for my reservation online, and wanted to find out how check-in works? Is there a cut-off time? We’re coming up from San Diego after work, and expect to get in around 7-8pm on Friday.
Thanks!
Hi Cass,
CampsitePhotos.com is not associated with the campgrounds listed on our site. We provide the campsite photos and some campground information. Generally check-in is 2PM and you have until 6AM the day after you’re suppose to arrive to be in the site so you should be fine. However, I’d call the campground directly to confirm: 760 389-2281
Are there showers? To take a shower after swimming in the lake.
Hi Damaris,
Yes, there are showers (coin operated) at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area.
Hello when you say coin operated for the showers. Can you tell me how much it is for the showers
Hi Yolana,
Unfortunately the crew here at CampsitePhotos.com doesn’t know how much the showers cost at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. In other campgrounds the showers generally cost $1 (4 quarters or tokens) for 2-3 minutes.
Can we put a tent and trailer (EWS) on the same site, if it is large enough?
Hi Debi,
That depends on the campsite. Did you look at the photo of the campsite you have at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area?
Do the silver lake group site have elextricity?
Hi Jennifer,
The three group campsites at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area have tables, BBQ, large fire ring and shade ramada, but no electric hookups. The can accommodate up to 100 people and 30 vehicles.
Is there areas to ride ATV’s
Hi Anthony,
There are a few fire-roads/forest service roads that are within a mile of Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area and you can ride ATVs on these roads.
Hi Camp Ranger
Do you ever see any bears or bobcats? Is there any restrictions for food at night because of wild animals?
Thank you
Hi Barbara,
There are bears and bobcats in the general area of Silverwood Lake State Recreation area, but they are rarely seen. It’s always a good idea to store food properly though as there are other critters about that will take advantage of a midnight snack if left laying around.
Is campsite 88 shady? It’s hard to tell in the photo
Hi K,
Campsite 88 will get some shade (in the tent/table area) late in the day.
Site 112 has a lot of trees in the photo. Do you know if there is room for a tent and for kids to play? The kids like the trees but I can’t tell if there is enough room for 3 adults and 4 children to hang out.
Hi Nicole,
Silverwood Lake campsite 112 will have some room over by the table/fire ring area for a tent; and there will be a little room for the kids to play around (on both sides of the parking pad). Have a great time!
Do sites have electricity for tent camping.
Hi DeeDee,
Sorry, there are no electrical hookups at Silverwood Lake SRA tent campsites.
Is there a telephone number I can call for reservations at silverwood lake thankyou
Hi Blanca,
Yes you can call ReserveCalifornia at 800-444-7275 to reserve a campsite.
Hi Camp Ranger,
My family and I would like to stay. There would be about 5 trucks, 4 trailers, 6 RZRs. What would be a good campsite where all of us could be together? Also can we ride the Rzrs out of the campsite or would we need to trailer them to a different location?
Thanks
Hi Huntley,
Sounds like you have a fun camping trip planned! Any of the 6 group campsites at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area would fit your group. There are 3 in Miller Canyon area, and 3 others of Cleghorn Canyon. You can check availability and make a reservation at ReserveCalifornia.com. Have a great time!
Oh, and if the group sites are sold out, try our Campsite Assist tool. It will send you a campsite availability notification (text or email) if the site becomes available on the dates you want to camp.
I’m looking at booking site 67. I have young kids, this looks away from other spots and the lawn behind the spot looks great. Is their a lot of road traffic going by that spot?
Hi Natascha, Silverwood Lake campsite #67 is nice and will have very minimal traffic (just campers going in and out of your loop.
Hi, there are 4 adults and 5 kids ages 2-7. The campsite says only 8 people. Does my 2 year old count or can we use one site?
Thanks 🙂
Hi Amy,
Most likely you’ll be okay, but it is ultimately up to the camp host and/or ranger at Silverwood Lake campground.
Hi there, I’m looking at a date range next month, there are only 2 sites left, #89 and #94. I’m taking a group of 7 teens, and I’d like to use 2 tents. Can you tell me which of these 2 sites can accommodate 2 medium size tents? I was able to set up perfectly in #67, but that isn’t available. Tyank you
Hi Natascha,
Campsite #94 will work fine for two medium sized tents. I’d go with that over campsite #89.
Are there RV full hook up sites at this lake?
Hi Larry,
There are no hookups at Silverwood Lake SRA campground.
We want to book a site in the New Mesa Campground. Trailer is 25′ and towing vehicle is 25′. Is there adequate space in the site to park them both, hitched or side by side? Sites we are looking are 110, 112, 113, 114, 120, and 134.
Hi Sue,
Campsite 110 parking pad is 20×22 feet, Site 112 is 14×22, Site 113 is 17×21, Site 114 is 15×15, Site 120 is 15×22 and Site 134 is 14×17. I’d say other than 114 and 134, you’re 25 foot trailer will fit (because there’s some overhang space in back, and you can fit your towing vehicle to the side. With that said – the Camp Host makes the final call.
Are they very strict with trailer/motorhome length?
Hi CW,
The final call comes from the camp host, but usually there’s a few fee overhang off the back of the parking spur (to get you a few extra fee). All vehicle tires must be on the paved parking spur though.
Just booked site 38, looks pretty wooded all around. We will be in our Van and no tent. Is there a fire pit? How far are these sites to the water? First time to this lake. Any advice appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Ann,
Campsite #38 at Silverwood Lake campground will have a fire ring and grate. Also, the campsite/campground is about a 2 mile drive down to the water (beach/day use area and marina). Have fun!
Thank you! The water that shows near the Mesa campground on the map (not beach/day use area) how far is that walking from the campground?
As the crow flies, the water is about 150-200 feet from the campsites (which are located up on a hill). There is a developed trail from the campground and if you stay on it (with out going off trail), it’s about a 1/2 mile walk. Hope this helps.
Hi,
We just booked campsites#70 and 71, will these 2 sites have enough space for 4 tents?
Yes both sites will be able to fit 4 tents. Have a great time!
I have a reservation for a campsite but I wanna go fishing early that morning. Would I have to pay to get into the park before 2 pm.
Most likely not, if you have a camping reservation for an arrival that day, but it’ll be up to the park ranger at check in. He/she may charge you if you arrive very early in the morning. You can try calling to confirm: 760 389-2281
Hello there,
Would like to go up there Labor Day weekend. Are there any first come first serve tent campsites? Or are they all reservations only?
Thank you,
Hi Orestes,
Silverwood Lake campgrounds campsites are all reservable (no first-come, first-serve) and all are sold out through Labor Day. Sorry about that. In the future you can click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button to check availability, pricing and make reservations. If sold out, you can also click on the ‘Create Alert’ button to use Campsite Assist and get notified when a campsite becomes available on the dates you want to camp. There is a one time fee for Campsite Assist.
Hi,
Do you know if any of the camp sites offer a view of the lake?
HI Jenil,
I do not believe any of the campsite at Silverwood Lake have a view of the lake.
Will the wifi be able to support a zoom video meeting? We have 3 vehicles (2 auto/ 1 legally towed rv) will #102 accommodate if we pay the extra 10 day fee for the 3rd vehicle?
Hi Danielle,
I doubt it. The WiFi is spotty and not very strong. I doubt that Zoom will work well if at all.
We have 4 adults and 6 kids would that be ok I know it’s only 8 but most of them are very little kids
Hi Nicole,
You should be okay, but the final decision comes from the camp host.
How strict are they with the amount people at the campsite. My family wants to go but their is a lot of us in one household.
The camp host will make the final determination. Generally if you have a few (extra) that are smaller children it’s okay, but if you have 2-4 extra adults it probably would not be okay, especially with the social distancing in place.
Do you know how well the cell phone service is?
Hi Megan,
Both Verizon and T-Mobile have good cell service coverage at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area.
How is the wifi (verizon and t-mobile). I see that rangers posted it is spotty and another stated it is good. Wondering how it might be in the RV row (114-126)
Thank you
Hi Violeta,
We’ve heard the same – sometimes the cell service signal is good, sometimes spotty. The campground/park doesn’t offer a WiFi connection though. Perhaps someone else can chime in on strength of cell service at Silverwood Lake.
Hello, we are staying on site 116. Can this spot accommodate one motorhome, one tent, and two vehicles? Thank you.
Hi Jenny,
Yes – Silverwood Lake campsite #116 can accommodate 1 RV/motorhome and two additional vehicles. You can also pitch a tent. Have a great time!
Hello Park Ranger,
I have reserved Campsite 122 for 10/30/20–11/03/20.
Will the space accommodate 40′ MotorHome?
Best, Ron
Hi Ron,
Silverwood Lake campsite #122 has a parking area that is 15 feet wide by 30 feet long. There is some decent amount of overhang in the back . . . so if you back your RV’s tires all the way to the curb it may fit. Also, the campsite can accommodate up to 3 vehicles and 8 people.
Hello,
My friends and I are trying to camp next week on the weekend 11/13/2020. I was wondering if the camp fire pits are still available? I wanted to make sure since there was a lot of fires going around.
Thank you!
Hi Julie,
It appears there are no restrictions on campfires at Silverwood Lake SRA. You can check for updates at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sbnf/recarea?recid=26377
Hello,
What do you mean by best camping site in your selection? We’ve never been there and we are looking for some shade and space for two tents. We are undecided between 130,132,133 and 134. Thank you!
Hi Venessa,
Our ‘best campsite’ selections are based on location, size of he size and privacy. And we also like to pick sites that are fairly level. As the photos show, there are many sites at Silverwood Lake State Recreation area with good shade. The sites you are looking at all have hookups, have some nice privacy (trees/bushes between sites), are level and have nice views. I don’t think you could go wrong with any of those picks.
Hello, which sites would accommodate a 31ft trailer full hookups with electric, water, and sewer with enough room for two kids to play around but shaded? Ha ha ha, thank you I’m advance for your help! 🙂
Hi Jennifer,
Campsites 96 to 136 are full hookups and they all have nice shade too. Probably 123-129 have the most room for kids to play. Sites 104-109 are not bad too. And you can check sizing for each site on ReserveCalifornia’s website – just click on the site # and then on ‘details’. Have a great time!
I’m interested in reserving 53. How many tents can be out on there and is it shady or sunny
Hi Bertha,
You can fit 2-3 tents on campsite #53, depending on the size of the tents. The site has a maximum occupancy of 8 people and 3 vehicles.
Dear Camp Ranger,
I have booked campsite #69 for this coming Summer. Can this site accommodate 2 x 6 person tents with 4 adults and 3 kids?
Respectfully,
Alan
Hi Alan,
You can have a maximum of 3 vehicles and 8 people in campsite #69 at Silverwood Lake SRA campground. Your tents will also fit fine. Have a great time!
I would like to book Site 2 at Miller canyon site, Sliverwood lake, in June, but reservecalifornia does not show it is open at all. I have also called but cant get through. Will Miller canyon sites be open in June. When do you think they will open?
Hi Virginia,
Just checked and I’m showing availability for campsite #2 in June (see screen shot example below). ReserveCalifornia seems to have been having some technical issues, but all looks good now. I’d give it another try – click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button to get started.
Thinking of booking site 32 and 33. Is the area open so we can use use both areas as one bigger site. I know some are separated by bushes.
Hi Virginia, Campsites #32 and #33 are connected/next to each other, but there is some vegetation in between the sites. Still, there looks to be an area where you can walk back/forth between sites without having to crawl through he bushes.
Hi There, which sites would you recommend to be next to each other and easily interact without too much bushes in the way? We have 3-4 families needing 2-3 sites together. Thank you!
Hi Carissa,
I’d take a look at these combos of sites together:
33-34-35, 39-40-41, 51-52-53, 62-63-64, 75-76-77, 90-91-92, 102-103-104, 108-109-100, 124-125-126-127-128-129, 132-133-134-135
We have 3 families together. For the combo you suggested for 108-109-100, 100 seems to be far off from 109? Did you mean 110? Or what is a good 3rd site to go with already booked 108-109? Thank you.
Oops, sorry – I meant campsite #110.
I was reading that it said there’s bears and rattlesnakes is this true and has there been any story about anyone getting hurt or close contact ?
Hi Celeste,
There are bears and rattlesnakes in the area. On rare occasions campers have seen them, but there has never been an issue and no campers have been hurt. If you happen to see either, I recommend reporting to the ranger. With that said, I seriously doubt you’ll see any.
First and foremost, you guys are awesome for putting this site together AND answering questions! Thoroughly impressed with the site overall, but the little details put it over the top (e.g. best site list).
Now to my question, are the Miller group campsites open? I see that there are several days booked, but the site says they are not… Also, which Miller group campsite would you recommend, GMC 1,2 or 3?
Hi Chris,
Thanks so much for the kind words and you’re most welcome! Miller Group campsites are open and ReserveCalifornia.com is taking reservations. I’m hoping we get photos of those sites soon. I’d lean toward #2 or #3. If I had to pick one – I’d go for #2. Hope you get one of the sites!
Hi. I have reservations this weekend may 21. We have 2 spots. 53 & 54. We have one tent each but it’s a pretty big one, 10person tent. Would that fit in the area. Also will we be able to be next to each other or is there bushes in the way?
Hi Stephanie,
Campsites 53 and 54 are right next to each other and there is a gap in the bushes to move back/forth between the campsites. Also, you’ll have room for your large tent in at least one of the campsites. Enjoy your trip!
Thank you. So only one tent will fit in one camp area, because the other is small and won’t fit or one big tent will fit in each spot. Sorry got a little confused.
No worries Stephanie,
We don’t have a CampsitePhotos.com rep on site so we don’t really know (recall), but site #53 certainly has a tent pad area for a very large tent. Campsite #54 also has room, but we’re not sure if it will handle a 10 person tent too.
hello,
we have reservations in june for campsite #118. there is mention of a 50 amp rv hookup but no mention of a 120 volt connector. does the electrical hookup include 30/50 amp and 120 volt connectors? thank you in advance for any info!
Hi Ohana,
Unfortunately we don’t know if the electric hookups at Silverwood Lake have a 120 volt connector and/or include 30 amp. You may try calling the campground to confirm:
760 389-2281
Hello. I have reserved campsite #35. Will it accommodate a large 10 person tent? Thank you!
Hi Lorraine,
Campsite #35 can accommodate up to 3 vehicles and 8 people. The tent pad area is 20 feet x 25 feet.
There are some decent small beaches located by the Pacific Crest Trail in the north western area of Silverwood Lake. Is overnight camping allowed at these areas or along the PCT? Thank you.
Hi El,
Not sure about that. Sure would be nice as there are a few small beaches on lake/along PCT. I recommend calling the park to check: 760 389-2281
Hi, are dogs allowed in the group campsites? Also, if we are staying in the group campsites, are we still allowed to go to the Lake free or do we have to pay a fee? Thanks!
Hi Johnny,
Dogs are allowed at group campsites, but must be on leash at all times. And you don’t have to pay extra to access the lake.
Thanks! Sorry..another question. Reservation site says holds up to 40, but I saw other places that say up to 100 per group site. Is it 40 people limit and if you go over 5 or so will they turn the last 5 away? Thanks!
Hi Johnny,
Miller Canyon Group Site can accommodate up to 40 people and 20 vehicles. The other 3 group sites (GRIO, GVAL and GBAR) can accommodate up to 100 people and 30 vehicles. The group sites have tables, BBQ, large fire ring and shade ramada, but no electric hookups.
I’m not sure on their flexibility on going over the # of people allowed per site. The final call comes from the camp host/ ranger. I think if the group is well-behaved you’d be okay.
We’ll be camping there this coming weekend with a popup trailer. Is there a place where I can fill up my water tank at the site? Our site has no hookup.
Hi Marc,
There are water spigots located throughout the campground. Not positive it is allowed, but pretty sure it’s okay.
Hello! I’m looking to make a reservation for this coming summer and I’m wondering if you would recommend a spot that would be able to accommodate 4 tents. There would be 2 people in each tent, so their sizes wouldn’t be too big. Or do you think we should get two spots next to each other and have two tents on each spot? Thanks!
Hi Sonia,
There may be a few campsites that have large camping areas. I’d check out our list of favorite campsites and see if some work for you. Keep in mind that you can have up to 8 people per site, so if there are more in your group you should probably get 2 campsites.
Thank you for putting this site together. Very informative. I just booked for
April 8 – April 11th. Any idea what the weather is like during April?
You are most welcome Mac!
The weather in April up at Silverwood Lake should be pretty decent. I’d say high temps in the 60s with lows dipping down to high 40s at night. You may get a storm (chance of rain/snow) though so check the weather 10 days out. Most likely it should be sunny/clear.
I book new mesa 121 because I have a Ev car and want to charge. I wanted to to know how big is the are behind the parking spot and can it fit a big tent, it’s going to be six of us but we have a tent for 12 people. Will it fit??
Hi Bri,
You have quite a bit of room for a tent in campsite #121. I’d say your tent camping area is about 20×30 feet (near fire pit), and you also have other places. Not sure how big your tent is though.
Hi, I want to book at the new location for a hook up, but also need room for 2 tents. Is that possible? also how far is this location to the lake?
Thanks!
Hi Tracy,
To reach the lake, you can hike about 1,200 feet on a trail from the campground, or drive 1.25 miles (via Sawpit Canyon Road) to the day/use area and marina.
Most campsites are large and can accommodate 2 tents.
Hope this helps!
Hi! I booked camp #89 and I wanna know if that space is shady and can accomodate 3 small tents. I know there’s no electricity hook up but what about water. thanks
Hi Rowena,
You’ll have some decent morning and afternoon shade at campsite #89. There’s also room for 3 small tents. Have a great time!
HI Folks, I stayed here a while ago and noticed that some of the tent camping sites had a water spigot. Is there a list of sites that have these spigots? Thanks in advance!
Hi Chris,
I’m not aware of a list and unfortunately the campground map doesn’t indicate where water spigots are located. Perhaps someone else can comment/help.
What is the best secluded camp site at silverwood lake? One that is away from roads or alot of car traffic.
I am looking for mid July 2022, 2 adults and 2 toddlers. Thanks for recommendations. I love your site!
Hi Rebecca,
A great question! I happened to be the photographer for Silverwood Lake SRA campground (back in late 2020), but don’t have a real good memory on which ones were the most secluded/private. Although these may not be the best sites (size, view, being level), I’d check out: 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 57, 72, 73, 74, 76, 86, 87, 91, 92, 104, 105, 124 and 125. Hope you find one you like and thank so much for the kind compliment!