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Sly Park Recreation Area
Overview
Sly Park Recreation Area is a premier outdoor destination nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Centered around the scenic Jenkinson Lake, this park offers a classic California mountain experience where towering pines and clear blue waters take center stage. Managed by the El Dorado Irrigation District, it serves as a year-round haven for those looking to escape the bustle of city life and reconnect with the rugged beauty of the forest. The park is well-known for its serene atmosphere and its ability to provide a deep immersion in nature without traveling deep into the high sierra wilderness.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just off Highway 50 in Pollock Pines, California, the park provides a convenient gateway to the high country. At an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet, the air is crisp and scented with cedar and pine. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, dense forest canopies, and the expansive shoreline of the lake. Its proximity to both the historic Gold Country and the higher Sierra peaks makes it a perfectly positioned basecamp for mountain exploration and local sightseeing in El Dorado County.
Amenities & Park Features
While the park focuses on a rustic experience, it provides essential facilities for a comfortable stay. RVers should note that campsites are dry camping only, as there are no hookups available. The park features several key amenities:
- A convenient dump station and potable water access for filling tanks.
- Individual picnic tables and heavy-duty fire rings at every site.
- Clean restrooms and coin-operated hot showers located throughout the grounds.
There are over nine miles of multi-use trails circling the water, providing ample space for exercise and photography. The park also maintains a boat launch and seasonal rental facility for watercraft.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Activities here revolve primarily around the water and the woods. Visitors often spend their days kayaking and paddleboarding on Jenkinson Lake or fishing for rainbow trout and bass. Just a short drive away, travelers can explore the seasonal charm of Apple Hill, famous for its orchards and bakeries, or visit the historic downtown area of Placerville. For those willing to drive further, the world-class scenery and emerald waters of Lake Tahoe are less than an hour to the east, making day trips incredibly easy.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for self-contained RV travelers who prioritize natural beauty over resort-style amenities. It is a favorite for families who enjoy swimming and biking, as well as hikers seeking well-maintained trail systems. If you prefer a peaceful, wooded setting and do not mind relying on your on-board power and water systems, Sly Park offers one of the most refreshing and authentic camping experiences in Northern California. It is particularly popular with birdwatchers and photographers looking to capture the local wildlife.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Dema
They will nickel and dime you for everything. Campsites allow for two cars but they will only let you drive one car with the price of reservation. Second car is $20/day as if you're taking an extra space that someone else would've used. Have a pet? Pay up $7/day. Brought a paddle board? Pay up $3/day each! It really adds up and it shouldn't! And all of your excuses for these fees don't stand up to logic. Otherwise the lake is great.
Vishnu Sivadas
Very beautiful. Lake is majestic. Lots of pines, very tall. Such a cool climate. You can go there and be with family. Just sitting on the bench and watching the lake suffice.. ❤️❤️❤️
Lisa
We lucked out and got one of the best campsites ever. We were right on the water yet also had shade. The deer would come down in the morning to sip water in the lake. We love the waterfalls, even though they’re man-made and all of us enjoyed a cold plunge. We also were thrilled that we were so close to the water so we could throw out our paddle boards and other flotation devices. The campgrounds are kept very clean.
Denise Lopez
Sly Park is a beautiful campground. It was well maintained with sites right on the lake. We had a group site with bathrooms(vault) and its own dock. There are plenty of trees and we had no problem finding level spot for our tent. I highly recommend.
CHRIS CULLEN
Beautiful place! But you have to pay for it. 😒 We reserved a lakeside campsite. $130 for two nights seemed a little expensive, but it cost us over $300 with all the extra fees! Extra vehicles, dog, canoes. $300 for two nights is ridiculous. This place is a cash cow for El Dorado Irrigation District.
Ishaq El-Amin (Gordie Mac)
Had a blast as usual, pup loved it also. Rangers and park staff are absolutely awesome and extremely friendly. There's a Country store just before the entrance, if you need a few supplies. Or there's a Safeway a few miles down the road if you need more than a little. If you need fire wood, there's a gentleman that sells bundles on the way up. Great prices and way better than Safeway. He also sells wood carvings. Make time to hike to the waterfall also, definitely worth it.
Andre Cosens (ALKaPWN916)
Nice campground. Big family campsites and the park rangers are cool. Nice proximity to the lake with boat and shore fishing access. I haven't been able to catch anything here though. If you have a campsite reservation be careful about arriving early, depending on who is working the gate, you may not get in.
Mike Raspovich
This place is absolutely Amazing. Def coming back next time I'm in Cali. It's So pristine and quiet and all around Beautiful.
Sam D
This is the second time I've brought one of my 3 kids here for a weekend to do some camping and fishing. Made some excellent lifelong memories. To me it's not camping unless there's Pine trees and a campfire and this is the closest place like this to Sacramento. Big shout out to our camp host at the pinecone strip, John! He was super helpful with an issue I had with my boat trailer. This has now become an annual tradition with the kids. Can't wait to come back!