Sly Guard Cabin
Open year-round. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out 11:00 AM. Wednesday nights are blocked for maintenance. Fire restrictions are in effect with no campfires or charcoal BBQs permitted. Guests must contact the Placerville Ranger Station before arrival to arrange check-in and receive the door code. The woodstove is currently out of service.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Mormon Emigrant Trail Winter Vehicle Use Road Closure
Winter snow closure to passenger vehicles in effect per Mormon Emigrant Trail Winter Vehicle Use Forest Order 03-26-01.
Help Halt Golden Mussel Invasion
The non-native, highly invasive golden mussel was discovered in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024. Once established, they can affect flood control by reducing water flow and contribute to harmful algal blooms. Please contact the waterbody you plan to visit for latest information about…
Daily Burn Status
Burn Day Status: El Dorado County: (530) 621-5897Burn Day Status: Amador County: (209) 223-6246Fires do not stop at agency boundaries, nor do the agencies fighting them. The forest cooperates with other federal, state, and local partners in fire management activities. These relationships foster a…
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.
03-25-01 Silver Bear Wheeled Vehicle Closure
Using a motorized wheeled vehicle on roads and trails in Silver Bear Snowmobile Trail System
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. Allows highway legal and non-highway legal motor vehicle use by the public on 1,002 miles of Maintenance Level 2 native surfaced roads. In addition, there are 635 miles of surfaced roads suitable…
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.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $65 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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