About SILVER CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND
Overview 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.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.Facilities 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.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.Charges & Cancellations C
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SILVER CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND
Heading to SILVER CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SILVER CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for SILVER CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234133) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SILVER CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND?
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.
How do I contact SILVER CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 831-245-6891 or email: info@royalelkparkmanagement.com.
References & Official Resources