Sly Park Campground
Jenkinson Lake

Jenkinson Lake, CA
Jenkinson Lake, CA

Sly Park Campground
Jenkinson Lake


Sly Park Campground

Sly Park Campground is operated by the El Dorado Irrigation District (EID). The Sly Park facility is off Sly Park Road, south of Highway 50. Hiking and equestrian trails lead off into the adjacent Eldorado National Forest. On 640-acre Jenkinson Lake visitors enjoy water skiing, wake boarding, fishing, and sailing. Jet skis are not allowed.

Sly Park Campground is divided into 9 camps along the north shore. Some premium sites are lakefront while others may be as many as 300 yards from the shore. All have good amenities. Sly Park also has Youth Camps, Group Camps, and an Equestrian Camp.

A two-night minimum stay is required for weekends, and 3 nights on holiday weekends. Reservations for individual campsites can be made up to 14 months in advance and for group sites, 2 years in advance. First-come, first-served sites are often available.

Shop Amazon: Camping Essentials



Sly Park Campground Basics
Sly Park Campground Location: On Sly Park Road, 4½ miles south of Highway 50 at Pollock Pines
Elevation: 3,450 feet
Miles/Driving time: Sacramento - 63 miles, 1:13
Campground Open: year-round
Number of Sites: 191
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 ($15 for extra vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended, $5 per night
Operated by El Dorado Irrigation District
Information: (530) 295-6810

Reservations for Sly Park Campground
Reservations accepted Reservations for camping dates can be made up to 14 months in advance.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 40 feet
Accessible Sites: Many available
Fees: Family campsite (2 vehicles, 12 people) - $80 per night
Waterview campsites - $50
Pinecone Strip - $45
Standard sites - $35
Reservations: Sly Park Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Sly Park Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, BBQ; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: no
Dump Station: yes
Campground Map: Sly Park Campground Map
Attractions near Sly Park Campground:
  • Enjoy hiking, mountain bike, and equestrian trails.
  • Visit the marina for summer rentals of kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, and canoes.
  • A launch ramp is available.
  • Fishing, boating, and water skiing are popular.
  • Nearby find Apple Hill and wineries.




Sly Park Campground Etiquette (partial list)

  1. Protect the environment. Do not put nails in trees, cut live trees, gather dead wood, or pick wildflowers.
  2. Clean your campsite before you leave, including grill and firepit.
  3. Swim within the buoy line and no farther than 150 feet offshore.
  4. Dogs are not allowed at the public swimming area or in the water.
  5. Babies in diapers are not allowed in the lake.

Sign for Equestrian Camp at Sly Park,  Eldorado National Forest, CA

Black Oak Equestrian Camp

Black Oak Equestrian Camp is located on Mormon-Emigrant Trail Road, near Sly Park Road. The campground is for those with horses. Trailer sites have room for only one trailer. Campground amenities include picnic table, BBQ, fire ring, some portable corrals, and hitching posts.
Equestrian Camp Map
Fees: summer - $42 per night, winter - $25
Reservations: Black Oak Equestrian Camp Reservations

Sly Park Group Camps

Sly Park has 6 group areas located on a peninsula near the dam. Camp amenities include fire ring, BBQ, picnic tables, piped water, vault toilets, and horseshoe pits. Campers at these sites have access to the lake and a dock. A 2-night minimum is required on weekends, and 3 nights on holiday weekends. Reservations can be made up to 2 years in advance.

Five of the group camps can accommodate up to 50 people. Each camp has different numbers and types of vehicles which they allow. Check the information on the reservation website for details. Camp #6 is a walk-in, tents-only site for up to 40 people.
Group Camps Map
Fees: $310 - $395 per night
Reservations: Sly Park Reservations

Sly Park Youth Camps

Scout Hill is for organized youth groups up to 100 people. It is located on 40-acres of forest land with lake views. It is walk-in, tent-only camping.
Fees: $4 per person, per night
Reservations: Scout Hill Reservations


Sly Park Marina, Jenkinson Lake, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Sly Park Marina at Jenkinson Lake

Eldorado National Forest Attractions

Visitors to Sly Park Campground at Jenkinson Lake in the Eldorado National Forest find some wonderful outdoor adventures nearby.

  • Try fishing in all the lakes and streams in the Crystal Basin.
  • Enjoy boating and water skiing on Jenkinson Lake.
  • Set out on a hike into the Desolation Wilderness.
  • Take in the scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rushing mountain streams.
  • Try mountain biking along the network of logging roads.
  • Take advantage of the bike trail around Union Valley Reservoir.

Places to Visit

  • Visit historic Placerville and tour Gold Rush era buildings.
  • Explore the Crystal Basin, including stunningly beautiful Wrights Lake.
  • Drive up Highway 50 to Strawberry and Lovers' Leap rock.
  • Visit ski resorts and snow play areas along with cross country ski trails
  • Spend the day high on Echo Summit at Echo Lakes.

Key Sly Park Campground Regulations

  1. Park gates in the summer open at 6:30 AM and close at 10:30 PM (12:00 midnight Sat. and Sun.).
  2. To avoid problems with bears. please store all foods, soap, and garbage in bear boxes.
  3. Quiet Hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM.
  4. Generators may only be run from 7 AM to 9 AM, noon to 2 PM, and 5 PM to 8 PM.
  5. Keep dogs on leash and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the water.
  6. Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings.

Check Sly Park Campground for any campground updates.