Sly Guard Cabin
Campground · California · 1 bookable site ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Eldorado National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 1
- Bookable site
- 45 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 12
- People per site
- 3,553 ft
- Elevation
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.
The facts
- Season: Year-round — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
- 1 bookable site
- Vehicles up to 45 ft
- Up to 12 people per site
- Loops: SLY GUARD CABIN
Site types
- 1 Cabin Electric
Amenities
- Electric hookups
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Shade
Not recorded upstream: water hookups, sewer hookups, picnic tables, grills, pets allowed.
1 campsite at Sly Guard Cabin
Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sly Guard Cabin | SLY GUARD CABIN | Cabin Electric | — | Gravel | 45 ft | 12 |
Getting there
38.70861, -120.59528 · 38°42'31.0"N 120°35'43.0"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 8.6 | 7.1 | 9.8 | 4.6 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 3.1 | 5.8 | 8.6 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Sly Guard Cabin
- Can you reserve a site at Sly Guard Cabin?
- Yes, Sly Guard Cabin is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Sly Guard Cabin have?
- 1 site.
- What is the maximum RV length at Sly Guard Cabin?
- 45 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Does Sly Guard Cabin have hookups?
- Electric.
- Are campfires allowed at Sly Guard Cabin?
- Campfires are allowed at Sly Guard Cabin. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near Sly Guard Cabin
- Bridal Veil Group Area and Picnic Ground 7.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Capps Crossing 10.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Ponderosa Cove Campground 11.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Pipi Campground 12.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Stumpy Meadows 13.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Black Oak 13.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Silver Creek Group Campground 13.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- West Point Campground 13.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Fleming Trail System & Trailhead 2.7 mi · Facility
- Ponderosa Cove Group Campground 13.7 mi · Campground
- Old Flume Trail Trailhead 13.8 mi · Facility
- Camino Cove Campground 14.8 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 530-644-2324
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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