Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
A serene high-desert escape offering a beautiful reservoir, scenic trails, and camping, perfect for outdoor adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene high-desert escape offering a beautiful reservoir, scenic trails, and camping, perfect for outdoor adventures.
"A peaceful, scenic escape into nature that feels just far enough from the city to breathe."
🎯 Plan for Weekdays
Visit on weekdays for a tranquil experience; weekends can be very crowded and noisy. 🌊
💧 Check Lake Conditions
Algae blooms can affect swimming. Always check current lake status before your visit. :droplet:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 1,628 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Silverwood Lake Reservoir
Central to the recreation area
A stunning blue expanse perfect for boating, fishing, and enjoying scenic views. A true gem of the high desert.
Sawpit Beach
Southern end of the lake
An excellent spot for families to swim, relax, and enjoy the lakeside. Dogs are allowed in picnic areas but not on the sand or in the water.
Hiking and Biking Trails
Throughout the recreation area
Explore well-maintained paths offering beautiful lake vistas and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Campgrounds
Various locations including New Mesa Campground
Enjoy a peaceful camping experience with shaded sites and convenient amenities, ideal for a getaway.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Weekend Crowds
Lake Conditions & Water Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Plan for Weekdays
Visit on weekdays for a tranquil experience; weekends can be very crowded and noisy. 🌊
💧 Check Lake Conditions
Algae blooms can affect swimming. Always check current lake status before your visit. :droplet:
🦺 Life Vest Required
Mandatory for paddleboarding and kayaking. Safety first on the water! :life_buoy:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
Dogs welcome in picnic spots, but not on the beach sand or in the water. 🐕
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Plan for Weekdays
Visit on weekdays for a tranquil experience; weekends can be very crowded and noisy. 🌊
💧 Check Lake Conditions
Algae blooms can affect swimming. Always check current lake status before your visit. :droplet:
🦺 Life Vest Required
Mandatory for paddleboarding and kayaking. Safety first on the water! :life_buoy:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
Dogs welcome in picnic spots, but not on the beach sand or in the water. 🐕
💰 Bring Quarters for Showers
Showers are available but may require quarters for hot water. :moneywithwings:
🎶 Neighborly Etiquette
Be mindful of noise levels, especially at campgrounds, to ensure a peaceful environment for all. :speakerwiththreesoundwaves:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Silverwood Lake is praised for its beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere, especially during weekdays. Visitors enjoy the lake access for activities like fishing and boating, as well as the well-maintained trails. However, weekend crowds and noise can detract from the tranquility, and occasional algae blooms can impact water activities.
"Weekdays, Silverwood Lake Recreational Area is Dr. Jeckle...but on the weekends it turns into Mr. Hyde. In other words, enjoy it through the week. It's a beautiful place with lots of wildlife (had a little bobcat chasing quail around my campsite) very quiet and peaceful...but come friday night you can expect crowds and noise! Bathrooms were clean through the week...but weekend crowds with kids leave their mark, so to speak. Showers were clean, but no hot water. Bring your quarters. Nice paved bike trail...boat ramp and fishing."
Kyle Thompson
"Silverwood is definitely a great place to camp that's local to LA county. I highly recommend to experience this campground at least once. I usually stop once a year to camp with me and my big group of family members. However, when we went this last time the lake was closed due to the algae. Perfect place for hiking, mountain biking and campfires."
Martin21 Gonzalez
"Love the camp grounds, need some tree maintenance there were a lot of dead tree branches that were pretty large, but the campgrounds were pretty quiet and the Rangers were constantly driving around making sure everything was okay. lake had alot of algae . Could use a little better care they used to be a grass area where the picnic tables were down by the marina store and now it's just dirt. Maybe just some TLC down by the lake area"
Donna Brady
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Los Angeles, take I-10 E to I-210 E towards San Bernardino. Continue on I-210 E, which becomes CA-210 E. Take the CA-330 N exit towards Running Springs. Continue on CA-330 N, which becomes Highland Drive. Turn right onto CA-18 E. Turn left onto CA-138 W. Turn right onto Sawpit Canyon Road, which leads to Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. The drive is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. +1
Yes, Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is located at 13990 Sawpit Canyon Rd, Hesperia, CA 92345. It's well-marked and accessible via Sawpit Canyon Road.
The drive involves mountain roads, especially on CA-330 and CA-18. Be prepared for winding roads and potential weather changes, particularly in winter. Always check road conditions before you leave.
Public transportation options to Silverwood Lake are very limited. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle for convenient access.
While all roads are generally well-maintained, be aware of winding mountain passes. During peak seasons or holidays, traffic can be heavy on the main routes leading to the recreation area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically per vehicle. While specific prices can change, expect it to be around $10-$15 per day for day use. Camping fees are separate and higher. It's always best to check the official California State Parks website for the most current pricing.
Yes, booking campsites in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays. Popular campgrounds like New Mesa Campground fill up quickly. You can usually book through ReserveCalifornia.com.
The recreation area is generally open from sunrise to sunset for day use. Campgrounds have specific check-in and check-out times. It's advisable to verify the exact hours on the California State Parks website before your visit.
California State Parks may offer various passes, such as the Golden Poppy Pass, which can provide access to multiple state parks. Check the California State Parks website for details on available passes and discounts.
Day-use areas are typically closed at sunset. If you have a camping reservation, you can enter the campground during designated check-in times, but access to the park's general areas may be restricted after dark.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming at Sawpit Beach, fishing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and camping. The paved bike trail is also popular. +1
Sawpit Beach is a popular spot for swimming. However, the lake can sometimes experience algae blooms that may lead to closures for swimming. Always check current conditions before planning to swim.
Yes, fishing is permitted at Silverwood Lake. You'll need a valid California fishing license. Common catches include trout, bass, and catfish.
Absolutely! Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area offers several hiking trails, including a paved bike path that's also great for walking and offers beautiful lake views.
Yes, Silverwood Lake is highly recommended for families. Sawpit Beach is great for kids, and the campgrounds offer a fun outdoor experience. +2
Visitors often report seeing various wildlife, including bobcats, quail, and other birds. The natural setting provides opportunities for wildlife viewing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a marina store that may offer some basic snacks and supplies. However, dining options are very limited within the recreation area. It's best to bring your own food and drinks for picnics or BBQs.
Pack easy-to-eat picnic items like sandwiches, salads, fruits, and snacks. For longer stays or camping, consider grilling supplies, pre-made meals, and plenty of water.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas with tables, and BBQs are generally allowed in these areas. Ensure you follow all fire safety regulations.
Yes, water faucets are available around the camping sites and in picnic areas, providing potable water.
For camping, pack non-perishable food items, a cooler with ice for perishables, cooking utensils, plates, and plenty of water. Don't forget s'mores ingredients for campfire fun! +1
📸 📸 Photography
The lake itself offers stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset. Look for scenic overlooks along the hiking trails and the paved bike path for panoramic shots.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow over the lake and landscape.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with the California State Parks or the specific park management for current rules regarding drone operation within the recreation area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and landscape views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures during sunset.
Capture the reflections of the sky on the calm lake surface, the surrounding desert flora, and any wildlife you encounter. The Pilot Rock area also offers unique geological formations for photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit