Sly Guard Cabin

About

Sly Guard Cabin offers a unique lodging experience in Eldorado National Forest, providing the charm of a historic woodland cabin with modern conveniences. Built in the early 1940s as living quarters for Forest Service rangers stationed in the Sly Park area, the cabin features electricity with 50-amp service, a flush toilet, and a bathtub with shower. The single-bedroom cabin has 3 beds across 4 rooms and can accommodate up to 12 guests. The cabin sits at nearly 3,600 feet elevation among Ponderosa and Jeffrey pines, staying cool and shaded during summer months. Cedar Park Trail begins just steps from the cabin, offering a 1.2-mile paved loop with an observation deck overlooking Pyramid Peak and the Crystal Range. A horseshoe pit is on the grounds. Sly Park Creek runs nearby with a swimming hole, and Sly Park Reservoir attracts boaters and anglers. Gold panning is permitted in the creek. Access is via a 65-foot gravel driveway accommodating 2 cars, 1 RV/trailer up to 45 feet, and 2 boats. Guests must contact the Placerville Ranger Station in advance to arrange check-in and receive the door lock combination. Bedding and towels are not provided. Note that the woodstove is currently non-functional, and no air conditioning is available.

Directions

From Highway 50, take Exit 60 (Sly Park Road) at Pollock Pines and travel south approximately 6.2 miles. The cabin is at 5561 Sly Park Road on the left. Check-in is done in person at the Placerville Ranger Station at 4260 Eight Mile Road, Camino, CA 95709.