Things to Do
RV & Site Information
For RV enthusiasts planning a visit, SLY GUARD CABIN accommodates recreational vehicles up to 45 feet in length. This USDA Forest Service is available for advance reservation, making it a reliable choice for planned trips.
Guests at SLY GUARD CABIN can enjoy essential amenities including Shower/Bath Type: Bathtub with Shower. The site is maintained by USDA Forest Service, ensuring consistent upkeep and facilities management.
Popular activities at this location include Boating, Camping, Hiking, and Historic & cultural site. The campground's proximity to Pollock Pines offers convenient access to additional outdoor recreation opportunities in the California region.
Located in Pollock Pines, California, SLY GUARD CABIN provides bookable camping options for visitors exploring America's public lands. Contact the site directly for real-time availability and current conditions.
About this place
Overview The Sly Guard Cabin is less remote than other cabins on the Eldorado National forest and is a great choice for families with children. Sly Guard provides the cabin in the woods experience with the convenience of modern amenities. The cabin is near Sly Park Reservoir, also called Jenkinson Lake, the tourist area of Apple Hill, a variety of wineries, a number of hiking trails, and the historic mining towns of Coloma and Placerville.
The Sly Guard Cabin was constrcuted in the early 1940s by the Forest Service as living quarters for rangers "on guard" in the Sly Park area.Recreation Hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking are great options while staying at the cabin. Cedar Park trail is just steps away from the cabin, where you can take a relaxing walk along the 1.2 mile paved loop trail. There is also an observation deck along the trail offering views of Pyramid Peak and the Crystal Range. There is a horsehoe pit on the cabin grounds. Sly Park Creek has a swimming hole and Sly Park Reservoir attracts lots of boaters and anglers. Gold panning may also be done in the creek. Natural Features At nearly 3,600 feet in elevation, Sly Guard Cabin sits among Ponderosa and Jeffrey pine near the town of Pollock Pines. The cabin is well shaded during the day, keeping it cool in the summer. A downhill dirt trail leads guests south to Sly Park Creek and the bottom of the spillway at Sly Park Reservoir. Nearby Attractions The Sly Park Environmental Education School is located across the street. Guided nature walks are conducted daily on the trail adjacent to the cabin.
A resort at the entrance of Jenkinson Lake (Sly Creek Reservoir) offers a small store, restaurant and bar, pay phone, gas and fishing supplies. It is about a 2-mile drive.
Getting There
Sly Guard Cabin is located off 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. Arrive at 5561 Sly Park Road on the left.