Silver Creek Group Campground
Silver Creek, located in the Crystal Basin area, offers a fun atmosphere with beautiful scenery for group gatherings. The Ice House Reservoir is less than 2 miles away, providing fun options for motor boating, jet skiing and more.
Eldorado National Forest includes the famed gold mining territory of the 1800s. Remnants of the days of the California Gold Rush are all around the region.
No drinking water is available, so bring water or use properly boiled stream water. The group site can accommodate 40 guests for tent camping. The sites include 9 walk-to units and 4 sites with parking spurs.
There is a central kitchen area for cooking. Here, there is one large group fire ring. This is the only fire ring at the site. Parking is only in the parking lot (more campground details).
A dump station is provided at nearby Ice House Campground, and showers are at Fashoda Campground.
Need to Know
Travel Notice: Starting May 2024 and continuing through September 2024, Ice House Road will be undergoing repairs. There will be traffic delays so plan your camping trip accordingly.
- Drinking water is not available at this campground
Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers.
- Entrance gates are locked; call (530) 293-0827 from 8am - 5pm to arrange entry
- There are no electric site hook-ups at this facility
- Tent camping only
- Limit 12 vehicles; a fee will be charged for additional vehicles
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. Call (530) 644-6048 for local information and conditions.
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
- Use only dead and down wood for campfires
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
- For more information on Eldorado National Forest, click here
Natural Features
Silver Creek sits under canopy of conifers like the ponderosa pine. The South Fork Silver Creek runs through the southern end of the campground, providing a peaceful soundtrack with its gently flowing water.
The Eldorado Forest is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, an area known for granite peaks, alpine lakes and pine forest.
An abundance of wildlife can be found within the Sierra Nevada Range, including black bears, mule deer, bobcat, gray fox, bighorn sheep, pikas, martens and a variety of squirrels. Several species of reptiles, amphibians and birds also inhabit the area.
Nearby Attractions
The Desolation Wilderness is nearby, offering the opportunity to get away from the crowds and enjoy the serenity of nature.
Recreation
Swimming and fishing are both excellent recreation options on the creek. Rainbow and brown trout are found in these waters.
The nearby Ice House Campground is convenient for access to Ice House Reservoir. Here, campers can swim, sunbathe, canoe or go water skiing. Hikers and mountain bikers can also find trails in the area.
Changes & Cancellations
- Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes.
- Cancellation Fee: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
- Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 14 days before your arrival date.
- Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld.
- Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
Contact Information
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PACIFIC RANGER STATION POLLOCK PINES CA 95726
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 831-245-6891
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Travel 23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50. Turn north and travel 9 miles on Forest Road 3 (Ice House Road). Look for signs to Silver Creek Campground.
