Sly Guard Cabin
Open — Open year-round for reservations through Recreation.gov. Fire restrictions are in effect prohibiting campfires and charcoal barbecues; propane stove usage allowed outside only. Stay limit of 6 nights per cabin and 12 nights combined total per calendar year for all Eldorado National Forest rental cabins. Check-in is 2:00 p.m., check-out is 11:00 a.m.
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
The Sly Guard Cabin was constructed in the early 1940s by the Forest Service as living quarters for rangers on guard duty in the Sly Park area. Today, this historic cabin provides a less remote option compared to other Eldorado National Forest cabins, making it an excellent choice for families with children who want a cabin-in-the-woods experience with modern conveniences. Situated at nearly 3,600 feet elevation among ponderosa and Jeffrey pines near Pollock Pines, the cabin offers well-shaded grounds that stay cool during summer months. The facility includes electricity, flush toilets, running water from faucets, a bathtub with shower, and sleeps guests in 3 beds across 4 rooms. A horseshoe pit is located on the cabin grounds, and a downhill dirt trail leads south to Sly Park Creek and the spillway at Sly Park Reservoir. Recreation opportunities abound in the immediate area. The Cedar Park Trail, a 1.2-mile paved loop trail with an observation deck offering views of Pyramid Peak and the Crystal Range, begins just steps from the cabin. Sly Park Creek features swimming holes and gold panning opportunities, while nearby Jenkinson Lake (Sly Park Reservoir) attracts boaters and anglers. The cabin is also close to the Apple Hill tourist area, local wineries, and the historic mining towns of Coloma and Placerville. A resort at the lake entrance, about 2 miles away, offers a store, restaurant, bar, gas, and fishing supplies.
Directions
From U.S. Highway 50 in Pollock Pines, approximately 16 miles east of Placerville, take Exit 60 (Sly Park Road) and travel south approximately 6.2 miles. The cabin is located at 5561 Sly Park Road on the left. Drive through the Cedar Park Trailhead parking lot then through the gate. A combination to unlock the gate and cabin will be provided with your reservation.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| 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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!