Harvey West Cabin
Eldorado National Forest
The Harvey West Cabin is located on the Silver Fork of the American River. The cabin is easily access from Silver Fork Road. The cabin has beds for 12 and can accommodate an additional eight on the floor or on the large front deck. Harvey West Cabin provides a cozy mountain cabin getaway experience while also providing a few modern conveniences.
The Harvey West Cabin was constructed in the early 1930s by the Sacramento Box and Lumber Company. The building was used as an office and recreational facility until it was purchased in 1936 by Harvey West. West, a prominent local businessman and philanthropist, used the cabin as a summer retreat for his famiy until the early 1970s.
The 2,000 sq. ft.two level cabin has a large, open great room, kitchen, two downstairs bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, and two large lofts that overlook the great room. The cabin has beds for 12 (one queen, two double, four sinlge, two cots) and can accommodate an additional 8 on the floor of the great room or on the large deck that overlooks the river. The cabin contains a dining table and chairs, two couches, and other assorted furniture.
The cabin has two flush toilets and hot and cold running water in the kitchen, bathrooms, and shower. There is a limited assortment of pots, pans, dishes, utensils, cookware, and other kitchen items. The kitchen provides a propane stove/oven and propane refrigerator. No open flames, backpacking or Coleman type cooking stoves are permitted inside the cabin.
The cabin does not have electricity. Propane lights are placed throughout the cabin but guests are encouraged to bring their own flashlights. The great room contains a propane heating stove and large stone fireplace. Firewood is not provided.
Guests are required to bring their own food (in sealed containers) toilet paper, sunscreen, matches, clothing, towels, bedding, and any other items they will need for their stay. Limited cleaning supplies are provided. Guests are requred to bring their own trash bags and to remove all trash when they leave.
Need to Know
Campers will receive rental packet by email prior to reservation. Call (530) 644-2324 for current conditions information and fire restrictions.
In order to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience to all visitors, a stay limit is now in effect. Use of any Eldorado National Forest cabin is limited to 6 nights per recreation rental facility and a combined total of 12 nights per calendar year for all rental facilities. This stay limit includes any combination of stays at Harvey West Cabin, Loon Lake Chalet, Robbs Hut, Sly Guard Cabin, and Van Vleck Bunkhouse.
- Be prepared for emergencies; notify family or friends of trip details and expected return date
- Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility
- Nearest phone is 2 miles northwest at the Kyburz store; there is no cell service at the cabin
- Off-road vehicles may only be used on designated trails
This cabin sits on public forest land. While use of the cabin is exclusive for the permit holder, the surrounding property is still open for the public's enjoyment. This includes beaches along the river adjacent to the cabin.
- No pets allowed in building; please pick up after outdoor pets
- Bears frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
- For current weather conditions and fire restriction status, click here
- 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.
Natural Features
The cabin sits among Ponderosa pine and cedar trees along the Silver Fork of the South Fork American River, at an elevation of 4,720 feet. The region's climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Kyburz is 2 miles away and has limited services.
Recreation
Fishing for brown and rainbow trout is a popular activity on the river. Other pleasant pastimes include bird watching, hiking and wading in the river. The walking distance China Flat Day Use Area offers picnic tables and a beach on the riverbank.
Contact Information
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4260 EIGHT MILE ROAD CAMINO CA 95709
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 530-644-2324
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Highway 50: Go approximately 32 miles east of Placerville or 25 miles west of South Lake Tahoe. Turn south on to Silver Fork Road 11N40. Travel approximately 2 miles on Silver Fork Road. Turn right into the China Flat Day Use parking area approximately 300' feet past the China Flat Campground entrance. The Harvey West Cabin is located on the other side of the Silverfork American River. The combination for the bridge and the cabin will be given to you when you pick up your permit at the Placerville Ranger Station.
The Placerville Ranger Station is on Highway 50 in Camino (8 miles east of Placerville). Take Exit 54 and go south on Eight Mile Road. The Ranger Station is the first driveway on your right.
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