Silver Fork Campground
Closed — Closed for the season due to winter conditions. Typically reopens in late May.
Barrett Lake 4 X 4 Trail Motor Vehicle Prohibition
Barrett Lake Jeep trail closed to motor vehicle use in the winter.
Trash service ending for the winter in Crystal Basin on Oct. 20, 2025
Trash service within the Crystal Basin area is ending on Oct. 20, 2025, for the winter season. Please pack-out all trash with you when visiting.
Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping and Occupancy Restrictions for Desolation Wilderness, Mokelumne Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through the Eldorado National Forest boundary.
Desolation Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage Restriction
Possessing or storing any food in Desolation Wilderness unless it is in a bear proof container.
Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead are Closed for Reconstruction
The Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead is closed this season for reconstruction. The boatramp is open for day use only though Labor Day weekend and then it will close for construction. The water system will not be operational during this time.
Deer Valley Trail (19E01) & Meadow Lake Road (09N01)
Motor vehicle use restricted in these areas during snowmelt. See Forest Order Exhibit A for area map.
Horse Canyon Trail (17E21) Closure
This order prohibits use of a motorcycle or motor-driven bicycle on this trail.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions - Desolation Wilderness Area
Prohibited acts within Desolation Wilderness.
Travel Management Designation
Routes designated in Travel Management Subpart B are included as part of the current road system.
About
Silver Fork Campground is located in Eldorado National Forest, approximately 32.5 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50, then 8 miles south of Kyburz on Silver Fork Road. The facility offers 35 campsites in a single loop, including standard nonelectric sites and walk-to sites for those seeking a more secluded experience. The campground sits in a forested setting typical of the western Sierra Nevada. During the operating season, the campground provides vault toilets and drinking water from faucets. The area offers access to non-motorized trails and is situated in the Silver Fork drainage, a tributary of the American River. The campground serves as a base for exploring the surrounding Eldorado National Forest backcountry. Reservations are handled through Recreation.gov. The campground operates seasonally, typically opening in late May and closing in fall due to snow and winter conditions at elevation. No hookups or electrical sites are available, making this a rustic Forest Service camping experience.
Directions
From Placerville, travel 32.5 miles east on Highway 50. Turn south on Silver Fork Road at Kyburz and continue 8 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $36 - $72 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Silver Fork Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!