Camp Observer1 of 6 photos
Silver Lake East Eldorado
Overview
Silver Lake East is located 50 miles east of Jackson, California, just a short distance from the shores of Silver lake, where activities like boating, fishing, swimming and hiking, provide campers with the perfect outdoors retreat. Numerous trails leaving the campground connect with the lake and swimming beaches. Silver Lake West is adjacent to Silver Lake East on the other side of Highway 88, and offers additional trails and access to the Silver Fork of the American River.Recreation
Because the campground is already at such a high elevation, hiking is particularly popular, allowing visitors to access high alpine lakes and other destinations through short but spectacular hikes. In addition to the trails which connect this campground to Silver Lake and other swimming areas, the Granite Lake Trail, which gives way to the Hidden Lake Trail, begins on the east shore of Silver Lake at the Minkalo TH. The trail ascends and crosses Squaw Creek on a wooden bridge. Approximately one-half mile beyond the bridge is a junction. The right fork will take you to Plasse's and the left fork will take you to Granite Lake. At the southeast end of the lake you will find the trail to Hidden Lake. Anglers will be happy to know that Silver Lake boasts stocked populations of Rainbow, German Brown and Mackinaw trout.Facilities
Vault toilets, drinking water, campfire rings and picnic tables are provided. Some sites have bear-proof food storage containers as well.Single units are limited to a maximum of 2 vehicles and 6 people. A pay phone, restaurant, boat rentals and boat ramp are located at a nearby lodge.
Natural Features
The campground is situated at the base of Thunder Mountain at an elevation of 7,200 feet, on the north end of beautiful Silver Lake. A small pond in the middle of the campground attracts ducks, but cannot be seen from any of the camp sites. Silver Lake spans 200 acres in a large granite basin surrounded by a forest of mixed conifers. The lake's mirror-like waters are known to reflect the colors of the sky above, attracting both hikers and photographers to its scenic shores. The Silver Lake area blooms with bright wildflowers in the summer months, delighting visitors with their presence around the lakes and high in the mountain meadows.Nearby Attractions
Take a scenic drive on Carson Pass Highway, which runs past Silver Lake along the mountains and crosses the picturesque Carson Pass. It is a must-do activity for those who love mountain views and landscape photography.The campground is an easy drive south of Lake Tahoe, the popular lake and ski area.
Charges & Cancellations
- Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity.
- Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person.
- Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes.
- Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation.
- Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below).
- Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld.
Camp site features
Across 48 camp sites:
- Pets allowed: 47 of 48 sites
- ADA accessible: 10 of 48 sites
- Longest rig: 55 ft
- Largest party: 12 people
Directions
From Pioneer, CA, take State Route 88 east 36.6 miles to campground on right.
Stay Limit
Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.
Reviews
Ratings (124)
5 stars
72
4 stars
24
3 stars
14
2 stars
9
1 stars
5
Roberta P
Loop:Silv
Site:039
Reviewed 18 hours ago
Silver Lake East is an awesome campground! We enjoyed our stay and the camp host “Hobie” was fantastic. He was very friendly and helpful, always engaging the various guests to ensure they were enjoying their stay. He is an excellent example of how a camp host should perform their job. It was obvious he loves what he is doing. I cannot remember the name of the 2nd camp host but he was good too. The campground was is great condition and their attention to detail with the maintenance was noted! We had easy access to the lake to utilize our SUP/Kayak, and the lake was beautiful! We also hiked the Potholes Trail and took a dip. We will definitely be back!
Joe B
Loop:Silv
Site:015
Reviewed 4 days ago
Campground is nice, but the restrooms are no fun. And we could use some running water, too.
Kellie T
Loop:Silv
Site:024
Reviewed 5 days ago
We missed out favorite lake the last couple years while the campground was being renovated. But I am happy to be back and the updates are amazing. The parking spots are nicely paved and level. We did not need to adjust anything for our trailer to perfectly level. Loved it!
Kelly S
Loop:Silv
Site:022
Reviewed 7 days ago
Silver Lake is the most beautiful place, and Silver Lake Campground East is the best camping spot. I have been coming to the lake since I was a child and went to summer camp there. As an adult be been camping here every summer I can. My favourite place in the world. A little slice of heaven.
Karen S T
Loop:Silv
Site:004
Reviewed 7 days ago
Site #4 IS NOT 45 ft. long! It's 36 ft. on one side and 18 ft. on the other.
Robert B
Loop:Silv
Site:019
Reviewed 9 days ago
Darrell and the rest of the team are amazing. Super clean site, helpful and very friendly. I look forward to my next stay!
Tiffany D
Loop:Silv
Site:040
Reviewed 10 days ago
First, the camp host was fantastic. The issue I encountered was that #39 & #40 on the PDF map were not correct. On the PDF map #39 is actually #40 at the campground and #40 on the PDF map is actually #39. When I booked I booked site #40 on the PDF map because it was a double site with a larger pad. When I arrived, my campsite was actually #39 on the PDF map which has a much much smaller pad. We brought this to the hosts attention, showed him the PDF map we got from the booking website. He did acknowledge it was listed wrong. However we were unable to switch campsites.
Sean G
Loop:Silv
Site:033
Reviewed 10 days ago
The campground was clean and the sites were spacious. Easy walk to the lake. The star of this campground is the host, Hobie. He was welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable of things to do in local area. You’re lucky to have such a host! We will be back.
Mark B
Loop:Silv
Site:041
Reviewed 11 days ago
Excellent camp host, he had all the answers and was very helpful. His space (site) was near the entry to campground, don’t remember his name.
Julia T
Loop:Silv
Site:011
Reviewed 11 days ago
Wow! This was my husband’s and I first time camping and it was absolutely amazing that we ended up extending our trip. The campsite is close to the lake and many hiking trails, that we didn’t have to drive anywhere. The campsite host Hobie and Daryl were so kind and checked in with us many times. The entire campground had really positive energy and that is 100% because of Hobie and Daryl. We were also so happy it was so dog friendly. We are already planning our next trip back! The only thing that surprised us was that almost everyone was in a camper and not tent camping like us.
Leah F
Loop:Silv
Site:022
Reviewed 11 days ago
Great camp hosts! Clean bathrooms and gorgeous environment. Exceeded our expectations.
Loop:Silv
Site:036
Reviewed 12 days ago
Camp host was excellent, and the campground "re do" made the sites better than ever.
Carolyn B
Loop:Silv
Site:031
Reviewed 12 days ago
Both hosts were great: Darryl and Hobie (sp). Bathrooms were in good shape; clean and well stocked with TP. I have no c/o about the campground except that the large waste receptacles for garbage were too heavy for me to lift; in fact I feel like I could injure myself trying to open the cover. So I resorted to bringing a rock with me to prop open the cover so I could lift it with one arm and throw in my trash with the other. Sometimes people resorted to leaving garbage outside the container for the next person to throw in. Why make the cover so heavy that it discourages people from tossing in their garbage? Overall great camping experience.
Janet p
Loop:Silv
Site:045
Reviewed 13 days ago
The location offers so much for outdoor adventure: many moderate hikes and paddles surrounded in beauty. "The Potholes" is very close and so much fun on a warm day with all sorts of pools and cascades to play in. We found the camp hosts to be outstanding in their friendliness, helpfulness, and good cheer. They are to be commended!
CHANGTIAN Z
Loop:Silv
Site:037
Reviewed 15 days ago
Spacious camping site with shades, well maintained. Vault toilets are super clean. Convenient to hiking trails and lakes. There is no cell signal, pro or con up to the individual.
Tom S
Loop:Silv
Site:039
Reviewed 15 days ago
The newer campsites are very spacious. The camp hosts are the best! Clean bathrooms.
Could be better if there were trash receptacles besides the dumpsters.
Ketaki D
Loop:Silv
Site:033
Reviewed 18 days ago
Very clean campsite and restrooms. The ranger were absolutely amazing and very kind, thank you. Great hiking , swimming and kayaking.
Antonio D
Loop:Silv
Site:041
Reviewed 20 days ago
Campsites are well spaced, campground is tucked away among the trees. Easy walking distance to lake, hiking trails, Kit Carson lodge and general store. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained. Really great little hidden gem of a campground :)
Claudia M
Loop:Silv
Site:003
Reviewed 7 months ago
camp grounds are kept in great condition, camp ground host was super helpful,friendly and attentitive to campers needs. all this while camp grounds had no water all season.
Arlene W
Loop:Silv
Site:022
Reviewed 7 months ago
Darryl the campground host is helpful, accommodating and a great man. The improvements on the back half of the campground is well implemented.
Bob S
Loop:Silv
Site:034
Reviewed 10 months ago
"Hobie" was by far the friendliest, most helpful and knowledgeable camp hosts we've ever met! He gave us great info on hikes and paddling, was flexible on our campsite choice, and kept the facilities cleaner than I've seen at any campground. He seemed to treat everyone with the same positive attitude, quite refreshing to see. We liked the location, paddling on the lake, hiking options nearby, beauty in the surrounding area.
Caleb L
Loop:Silv
Site:042
Reviewed 10 months ago
Super clean, the camp host was awesome.
Beautiful location. The water was off but we were warned and it was no big deal to bring some extra. Awesome experience all around.
Gus V
Loop:Silv
Site:021
Reviewed 10 months ago
Our campsites designated no. Was changed. We were now in a different site. But because the camp was mostly empty the camp host said switching to our original location was OK. A big camp like this and no available potable water is a disgrace. Turn the system on.
JoAnn K
Loop:Silv
Site:036
Reviewed a year ago
The second loop of camp sites is brand new so they are in excellent condition and level for RVs. The pit toilets are very clean. The only issue was that the water was not turned on.
Tara C
Loop:Silv
Site:039
Reviewed a year ago
Campground is lovely and spacious. The bonus is the camp host Hobie (Daryl) . He is super friendly and helpful.
Kelly S
Loop:Silv
Site:005
Reviewed a year ago
Most beautiful place. Been going for over 25 years. There was no water this year though, first time I’ve ever had this. The ranger man said the state is behind in inspecting something and that’s why, not cuz they don’t have it. Very annoying, not their fault. Will be back next year and for many more to come.
Sallie jane S
Loop:Silv
Site:003
Reviewed a year ago
Beautiful campground, and the sites are well maintained.
The bathrooms are clean and well stocked.
Cindy W
Loop:Silv
Site:008
Reviewed a year ago
The camp ground host were the best! Very friendly and accommodating.
Just need water back on.
Tommy W
Loop:Silv
Site:001
Reviewed a year ago
Great campsite in the new section. Darrell and the other host were super friendly and helpful. I had forgotten to fill my propane and Darrell loaned me a tank and would not accept any money for the gas! Great job! Will return. Tommy
Annette F
Loop:Silv
Site:008
Reviewed a year ago
Silverlake East - El Dorado is our favorite camp ground now, its beautiful and serene and the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature and a fun fishing spot too. The camp host is very helpful and kind and the lake is a close walk on the trail as well as the camp sites are good size and the pad was perfect for our RV!! We will definitely be coming back!!
Gerald b
Loop:Silv
Site:014
Reviewed a year ago
The campground had no water. We were informed that would be the case a week before we went. At that point there was no other options. I understand things happen but why should we have to pay the full price of $70 a night when the camp is dry? We should have been given a discount.
Madeleine A
Loop:Silv
Site:011
Reviewed 2 years ago
Lovely quiet campground with a great host. Beautiful hike around the Silver Lake.
Connie D
Loop:Silv
Site:013
Reviewed 2 years ago
Nice campground, we were in site 13. A nice hike up to Granite Lake, and easy to walk over to Silver Lake (although it would be nice if the trail was marked, it's next to the restroom near site 10). Also a great hike to the Potholes along Silver Creek.
William S
Loop:Silv
Site:042
Reviewed 2 years ago
First our reservations were cancelled or moved to Caples Lake [we were told the upper loop was undergoing renovations]; fortunately camp host helped us move reservation to a FF site. Second, arrived to find there was no water; very hard to have to boil all our water from the creek; third the trail from campground to lake still strewn with many fallen logs one had to climb over or around. Kudos to the camp host and a FS employee that finally came with a chain saw and within a few hours had the trail cleared [almost]; for some reason they left a few logs across the trail at the top near lake [really wondered why its taken years for this to get cleared]. The cleared trail makes it so convenient for campers and bikers that use this trail to get to the lake. Silver Lake is still gorgeous; the lake is great to cool off on hot days. Over the July 4th week, the beaches were packed. So sad to see all the dead trees on route from Jackson to Silver Lake and all the burned trees from Silver Lake to Kirkwood. Even though there were cans for recyclables, we noticed an employee dumped all the recyclables into the garbage bin which filled up rather quickly. We are looking forward to the campground renovations and hope 2025 will be a better camping experience for all.
Wendy R
Loop:Silv
Site:014
Reviewed 2 years ago
Great camping spot. Keep your food in the bear box. We had a bear visit our camp. No running water, and no cell service (welcomed for our trip). Take your bug spray. Biting flies and mosquitoes we’re hungry!!!
Carol P
Loop:Silv
Site:026
Reviewed 3 years ago
The camp host was friendly and had valuable suggestions for us
Kathy H
Loop:Silv
Site:047
Reviewed 3 years ago
Camped near the lake, but with windy conditions, we had to switch from lake activities to hiking. Lots of great hikes nearby. We will be back!
Steve C
Loop:Silv
Site:029
Reviewed 3 years ago
Very nice campsites. Beautiful lake. Camp hosts are very nice and helpful.
Audrey H
Loop:Silv
Site:005
Reviewed 3 years ago
Friendly camp host / dog, and decent location for hiking along HWY 88 but the bathroom were so gross (at least 100 flies in the one closest to us). I also wouldn't recommend D5 as a spot. The campsite seemed like it was 90% RVs and 10% tents.
Melinda M
Loop:Silv
Site:050
Reviewed 3 years ago
Silver lake is such a beautiful spot. All the campsites are pretty nice, the campground is clean and the hosts are helpful, accommodating and just really nice guys! We will be back for sure.
- only comment is on the reservation system: there are a lot of first come first served sites that are not on the recreation.gov website. So it seems like you’re reserving 2 sites next to each other, but when we arrived there was a site in the middle.
Patrick B
Loop:Silv
Site:029
Reviewed 3 years ago
We spent 4 days at the campsite and a wonderful time! Jay and Darrell were outstanding hosts making sure everyone was had their needs met and answering many questions that came to mind. They were outgoing and great conversationalist and a hoot to to talk with, additional they were letting us know about the importance of fire safety within the camp ground. The bathrooms were stocked and cleaned daily by these gentlemen.
Will return ASAP!!
Daniel S
Loop:Silv
Site:011
Reviewed 3 years ago
Seemed to be quite a bit of trash from previous campers. Flies were pretty bad on some of the restrooms. But overall beautiful area and neat sites. Camp host was great too! 10/10 will be back next year!
Popularity
Moderate · 50%
Busiest in July, when about 50% of sites are booked. Based on 9 years of reservations.
