California / El Dorado County / Eldorado National Forest

Harvey West Cabin

Closed — Closed for winter. The cabin typically operates seasonally. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov and require in-person check-in at the Placerville Ranger Station. Stay limit is 6 nights per visit and 12 nights combined per calendar year across all Eldorado National Forest rental cabins.

About

The Harvey West Cabin sits among ponderosa pine and cedar trees along the Silver Fork of the South Fork American River at 4,720 feet elevation. This historic two-level cabin was constructed in the early 1930s by the Sacramento Box and Lumber Company and served as an office and recreational facility before being purchased in 1936 by Harvey West, a prominent local businessman and philanthropist who used it as a family summer retreat until the early 1970s. The 2,000 square foot cabin features a large open great room with stone fireplace, kitchen, two downstairs bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, and two large lofts. It provides beds for 12 (one queen, two double, four single, two cots) and can accommodate up to 20 people total on the floor or large front deck. The cabin includes dining table and chairs, two couches, propane heating stove, and propane lights throughout. Modern conveniences include two flush toilets, hot and cold running water in the kitchen, bathrooms, and shower, plus a propane stove and refrigerator. There is no electricity. The cabin offers fishing access for brown and rainbow trout, with the China Flat Day Use Area within walking distance providing picnic tables and river beach access. The property sits on public forest land, so while cabin use is exclusive to permit holders, surrounding areas remain open to the public. Check-in is done in person at the Placerville Ranger Station in Camino, where guests receive the combination for the bridge and cabin. Use is limited to 6 nights per facility and a combined 12 nights per calendar year across all Eldorado National Forest rental facilities.

Directions

From Highway 50, go approximately 32 miles east of Placerville or 25 miles west of South Lake Tahoe. Turn south onto Silver Fork Road 11N40 and travel approximately 2 miles. Turn right into the China Flat Day Use parking area approximately 300 feet past the China Flat Campground entrance. The cabin is on the other side of the Silver Fork American River, accessible via a locked bridge. Check-in is required in person at the Placerville Ranger Station at 4260 Eight Mile Road in Camino (8 miles east of Placerville, Exit 54 off Highway 50).

Nearby Campgrounds