Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, CA)

Campground · 9 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Plumas National Forest (NF) · Open Access

9
Bookable sites
up to 8
People per site
5,785 ft
Elevation

Overview

Large landscape views of trees and valleys can be seen along the six mile drive to Silver Lake. Sitting at just over 6,000 ft in elevation, the Silver lake campground set up for solitude and tranquility. The sites are spread out and isolated to provide for an optimal quiet experience to enhance the camping experience. Easy access to hiking trails, high alpine lakes and OHV riding is just a short distance from the campground. 

Recreation

High alpine lakes, granite boulders and blue bird skies are treats for those who camp here. Access to hiking is located along the eastern side of Silver Lake. Continue up and on to Bucks Summit on the PCT or climb the prominent Spanish Peak where the ole look out once stood. 

OHV routes also leave from the campground area but were severely impacted by the Dixie Fire in 2021 and have not been maintained so be aware of hazard trees and other debris that might slow down your route. 

Facilities

  • There are eight first come/ first serve campsites. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and food storage locker. 
  • No trash service is provided 
  • Vault toilets are located in two areas of the campground
  • Parking for day use and hiking is located near the lake by the vault toilets
  • The Mount Hough Ranger Station maintains this campground and uses the fees collected to purchase cleaning supplies, toilet paper and general cleaning of campsites. 

Natural Features

High alpine lakes, granite boulders and blue bird skies are treats for those who camp here. Access to hiking is located along the eastern side of Silver Lake. Continue up and on to Bucks Summit on the PCT or climb the prominent Spanish Peak where the ole look out once stood. 

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 283-0555.

The facts

  • 9 bookable sites
  • 13 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • Up to 8 people per site
  • Loops: Scan and Pay, Silver Lake

Site types

  • 9 Standard Nonelectric
  • 4 Management

Amenities

  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Pets allowed
  • Water hookups — not available

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, grills, shade.

Book on Recreation.gov

13 campsites at Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, CA)

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
ScanPay 2Scan and PayManagement————
ScanPay 3Scan and PayManagement————
ScanPay 4Scan and PayManagement————
StandardScan and PayManagement————
01Silver LakeStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
02Silver LakeStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
03Silver LakeStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
04Silver LakeStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
05Silver LakeStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
06Silver LakeStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
07Silver LakeStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
08Silver LakeStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
09Silver LakeStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾

Getting there

39.95908, -121.13547 · 39°57'32.7"N 121°8'7.7"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in11.510.810.35.73.41.20.10.10.42.96.312.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

$15 per night standard rate The fee station is located at the information station by campsite 1 Pay with the QR Code directly to REC.gov if the app is preloaded onto your portable device

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Member photos

Common questions about Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, CA)

Can you reserve a site at Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, CA)?
Yes, Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, CA) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, CA) have?
13 sites in total, of which 9 can be booked.
Are pets allowed at Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, CA)?
Yes, pets are allowed at Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, CA).
Does Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, CA) have hookups?
No hookups are recorded here.

Also listed by

Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, CA) also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, CA)'s operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

    Restrictions:

    • Not recommended for RVs

    USDA Forest Service's own page

    Camping near Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, CA)

    Comments

    Contact

    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.