El Dorado Irrigation District
Home Sitemap ContactCaples Lake Frequently Asked Questions
Caples Lake
Kirkwood is the only gas station in the area around Caples and Silver lakes It is about seven miles north of Silver Lake and a half mile south of Caples Lake.
Premium fees are charged in this remote locations, plan appropriately. Hours of operation are also limited and seasonal. There is no cell or wiFi service.
Not directly with EID.
Both Caples and Silver lakes (Hwy. 88 Recreation) has other resorts located around the lakes that may have boat rentals.
Sly Park Recreation Area offers non-motorized boat and paddle board rentals through a vendor, Current adventures Sly Park Paddle Rentals.
EID does not oversee use on the water and so we discourage this activity.
No. Parking at Caples Lake Boat Launch or Silver Lake is limited and reserved for day guests.
If you plan to stay overnight you will need to pay the camping fee at one of the campgrounds. Silver Lake West Campground is first come, first served. Silver Lake West also has a limited season, normally open from Memorial Day through mid-September. Check the news posts for when the campground officially opens or closes.
Yes, the Annual Passes are valid at all EID day-use parking facilities, including Silver Lake and Caples Lake day use areas.
Separate fees are required for Camping at Sly Park Recreation Area and Silver Lake West Campground.
No, EID only operates certain facilities mentioned on our website. The appropriate counties have jurisdiction on the waters. Recreational access can be from a variety of sources so it is important to know where you are.
Sly Park Recreation Area/Jenkinson Lake:
You may leave your trailer in your campsite if the campsite space allows. We also have a designated parking area for boat trailers or you can leave it in the boat launch parking lot. When you arrive the gatehouse can give you directions.
Highway 88 Recreation: Silver Lake West Campground, Caples, and Silver lakes
While camping at Silver Lake West it is preferred to park in your site, but it is tight. Silver Lake West does have limited additional parking that is first come, first served. Leaving your boat trailer in the day-use areas overnight is prohibited.
If you are using the Caples or Silver lakes boat launch for day-use only, you may leave your vehicle and trailer in the parking lot while you are out enjoying the lake.
No. There are no WiFi connections at any of our recreation facilities; take this time to disconnect from the world and plan accordingly.
Sly Park Recreation Area: There is limited cell phone reception near the entrance of the park. The signal diminishes as you travel into the park.
Silver Lake West Campground: No cell coverage. Please do not offend your neighbors by attempting to locate services.
Silver Lake and Caples Lake: No cell phone coverage.
Yes, Annual Permits are available for your boat. See our Annual Day Use Permit page for an application. Annual Day-use permits are valid at Sly Park Recreation Area and our facilities at Caples and Silver lakes.
No. Personal watercraft of any kind is not allowed on Jenkinson, Lake at Sly Park Recreation Area.
Caples and Silver lakes do allow personal water craft. Caples has a 10 mph speed limit.
Yes, there is a fee non-motorized and motorized boats at Sly Park Recreation Area. Currently, there is no fee to launch a non-motorized vessel at Silver or Caples lakes. Please see the fee schedules linked below.
You will need to pay the day use fee and any additional fees for a pet or oversized vehicle or trailer.
Fee Schedules:
- There is a 5 fish per person limit for trout and bass. Refer to the California Fishing Regulations for more information.
- We do not have fish cleaning stations at this time.
No, your pets are included with the Annual Passes. There is an additional pet fee if you have not purchased an Annual Pass.
Dogs must be on a leash AT ALL TIMES.
Dogs are NOT ALLOWED in Jenkinson Lake at Sly Park Recreation Area per our state drinking water permit. Please don't risk our permit exemption by allowing your dog in Jenkinson Lake.
Annual Passes are available for purchase all year; they are valid for twelve (12) months from the month of purchase.
They can be purchased year-round at Sly Park Recreation Area, either at the Reservation Office or the Gate House.
Passes are valid at all of EID's day-use parking facilities at Sly Park Recreation Area/Jenkinson Lake, and Caples and Silver lakes located along Highway 88.
Additional fees are required for camping or launching a boat unless you purchase a permit that includes a boat.
- Yes, the mandatory entry fee applies to all guests. All fees collected are put right back into maintaining our recreation facilities.
Annual passes may be used at all EID day-use parking and facilities at Sly Park Recreation Area/Jenkinson Lake, and at Caples and Silver lakes (Highway 88 Recreation).
Launching a boat is a separate and additional fee unless you have purchased a boat pass.
Camping at Sly Park Recreation Area (reservations required) and Silver Lake West (first come, first served) require additional camping fees.
Your pass DOES NOT allow for parking at or in a campground for the day.
- Yes, your day use pass is good at any of EID's day-use areas during the same day of purchase.
- Kirkwood Meadows has cell service that has the most reliable connection.
Highway 88 Recreation
No, Silver Lake West Campground is first come first served.
Silver Lake, Caples Lake, and Silver Lake West Campground (seasonal high-elevation recreation)
Kit Carson, Plasses and Kirkwood all have a small mom and pop general stores with limited supplies. Be prepared and plan, check weather, road conditions, and fire restrictions before leaving!
Silver Lake West Campground:
- Vaulted toilets
- Potable water (please check our news postings as this service does get turned off at times)
- Fire ring with barbecue grate in each site
- Picnic table in each site
- Bear proof food lockers in each site
- Firewood is available for purchase (while supplies last)
There is limited to no cell service and no wiFi.
Day-Use Areas:
- Picnic tables
- Vaulted toilets
- Boat Launch (Silver and Caples)
Annual Day-Use Permit Application
Kirkwood is the only gas station in the area around Caples and Silver lakes It is about seven miles north of Silver Lake and a half mile south of Caples Lake.
Premium fees are charged in this remote locations, plan appropriately. Hours of operation are also limited and seasonal. There is no cell or wiFi service.
No, the nearest is Plasses Resort located down a long grade on the South end of Silver Lake. Travelers who find themselves passing Sly Park Recreation Area on their way home can dump for free with proof of stay at Silver Lake West.
- No power is available in the Silver Lake West Campground.
Not directly with EID.
Both Caples and Silver lakes (Hwy. 88 Recreation) has other resorts located around the lakes that may have boat rentals.
Sly Park Recreation Area offers non-motorized boat and paddle board rentals through a vendor, Current adventures Sly Park Paddle Rentals.
No. Parking at Caples Lake Boat Launch or Silver Lake is limited and reserved for day guests.
If you plan to stay overnight you will need to pay the camping fee at one of the campgrounds. Silver Lake West Campground is first come, first served. Silver Lake West also has a limited season, normally open from Memorial Day through mid-September. Check the news posts for when the campground officially opens or closes.
Yes, the Annual Passes are valid at all EID day-use parking facilities, including Silver Lake and Caples Lake day use areas.
Separate fees are required for Camping at Sly Park Recreation Area and Silver Lake West Campground.
No, EID only operates certain facilities mentioned on our website. The appropriate counties have jurisdiction on the waters. Recreational access can be from a variety of sources so it is important to know where you are.
The primary fee pays for the first vehicle in the site; most sites have room for one more vehicle.
Parking is very limited and carpooling is encouraged.
If you are camping at Sly Park Recreation Area you can call our reservation office at (530) 295-6810 to see if there is room for more that two vehicles at the site you are reserving.
Additional vehicles will need to pay fees when they arrive, please see our fee schedule for current costs.
While camping at Sly Park Recreation Area you may have up to six (6) people in an individual site. Family campsites have a maximum of twelve (12).
At Silver Lake West Campground there is a maximum of six (6) per campsite.
Please note that maximum occupancy for all campsites includes children and infants.
Campfires are allowed in the designated fire ring, the fire cannot exceed the size of the ring, the flames cannot be more than 3 feet tall and the wood cannot be more than 6 inches around.
No, we do not have shower facilities.
Sly Park Recreation and Silver Lake West: No hookups.
Sly Park Recreation Areas does have a septic dump station you can use (included with the price of the campsite). If you are camping at Silver Lake West and drive by Sly Park Recreation Area on your way home, you may utilize the dump station there at no charge with proof of your stay.
Water spigots are available to fill your tank but you cannot stay connected.
Sly Park Recreation Area: Generator hours are limited to 7am to 9am, Noon to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm only.
Silver Lake West Campground: Hours are limited from 8am to 8pm. Guests are asked to keep the duration of run time to a minimum.
Sly Park Recreation Area: Bears have not been a problem in the campgrounds. It is always a good idea to put away food and garbage at night for the other critters like squirrels, raccoons or birds.
Silver Lake West Campground: Bears are known to be in the area. It is always a good idea to put away food and garbage at night. Each campsite provides a bear proof locker.
Sly Park Recreation Area/Jenkinson Lake:
You may leave your trailer in your campsite if the campsite space allows. We also have a designated parking area for boat trailers or you can leave it in the boat launch parking lot. When you arrive the gatehouse can give you directions.
Highway 88 Recreation: Silver Lake West Campground, Caples, and Silver lakes
While camping at Silver Lake West it is preferred to park in your site, but it is tight. Silver Lake West does have limited additional parking that is first come, first served. Leaving your boat trailer in the day-use areas overnight is prohibited.
If you are using the Caples or Silver lakes boat launch for day-use only, you may leave your vehicle and trailer in the parking lot while you are out enjoying the lake.
No. There are no WiFi connections at any of our recreation facilities; take this time to disconnect from the world and plan accordingly.
Sly Park Recreation Area: There is limited cell phone reception near the entrance of the park. The signal diminishes as you travel into the park.
Silver Lake West Campground: No cell coverage. Please do not offend your neighbors by attempting to locate services.
Silver Lake and Caples Lake: No cell phone coverage.
Yes, Annual Permits are available for your boat. See our Annual Day Use Permit page for an application. Annual Day-use permits are valid at Sly Park Recreation Area and our facilities at Caples and Silver lakes.
No. Personal watercraft of any kind is not allowed on Jenkinson, Lake at Sly Park Recreation Area.
Caples and Silver lakes do allow personal water craft. Caples has a 10 mph speed limit.
Yes, there is a fee non-motorized and motorized boats at Sly Park Recreation Area. Currently, there is no fee to launch a non-motorized vessel at Silver or Caples lakes. Please see the fee schedules linked below.
You will need to pay the day use fee and any additional fees for a pet or oversized vehicle or trailer.
Fee Schedules:
No, your pets are included with the Annual Passes. There is an additional pet fee if you have not purchased an Annual Pass.
Dogs must be on a leash AT ALL TIMES.
Dogs are NOT ALLOWED in Jenkinson Lake at Sly Park Recreation Area per our state drinking water permit. Please don't risk our permit exemption by allowing your dog in Jenkinson Lake.
Annual Passes are available for purchase all year; they are valid for twelve (12) months from the month of purchase.
They can be purchased year-round at Sly Park Recreation Area, either at the Reservation Office or the Gate House.
Passes are valid at all of EID's day-use parking facilities at Sly Park Recreation Area/Jenkinson Lake, and Caples and Silver lakes located along Highway 88.
Additional fees are required for camping or launching a boat unless you purchase a permit that includes a boat.
- No. Campsites must be occupied within the first 24 hours and for the duration of your stay.
Annual passes may be used at all EID day-use parking and facilities at Sly Park Recreation Area/Jenkinson Lake, and at Caples and Silver lakes (Highway 88 Recreation).
Launching a boat is a separate and additional fee unless you have purchased a boat pass.
Camping at Sly Park Recreation Area (reservations required) and Silver Lake West (first come, first served) require additional camping fees.
Your pass DOES NOT allow for parking at or in a campground for the day.
- Yes, your day use pass is good at any of EID's day-use areas during the same day of purchase.
- Kirkwood Meadows has cell service that has the most reliable connection.
Project 184 Recreation
No, Silver Lake West Campground is first come first served.
Kirkwood is the only gas station in the area around Caples and Silver lakes It is about seven miles north of Silver Lake and a half mile south of Caples Lake.
Premium fees are charged in this remote locations, plan appropriately. Hours of operation are also limited and seasonal. There is no cell or wiFi service.
No, the nearest is Plasses Resort located down a long grade on the South end of Silver Lake. Travelers who find themselves passing Sly Park Recreation Area on their way home can dump for free with proof of stay at Silver Lake West.
- No power is available in the Silver Lake West Campground.
Not directly with EID.
Both Caples and Silver lakes (Hwy. 88 Recreation) has other resorts located around the lakes that may have boat rentals.
Sly Park Recreation Area offers non-motorized boat and paddle board rentals through a vendor, Current adventures Sly Park Paddle Rentals.
EID does not oversee use on the water and so we discourage this activity.
No. Parking at Caples Lake Boat Launch or Silver Lake is limited and reserved for day guests.
If you plan to stay overnight you will need to pay the camping fee at one of the campgrounds. Silver Lake West Campground is first come, first served. Silver Lake West also has a limited season, normally open from Memorial Day through mid-September. Check the news posts for when the campground officially opens or closes.
Yes, the Annual Passes are valid at all EID day-use parking facilities, including Silver Lake and Caples Lake day use areas.
Separate fees are required for Camping at Sly Park Recreation Area and Silver Lake West Campground.
No, EID only operates certain facilities mentioned on our website. The appropriate counties have jurisdiction on the waters. Recreational access can be from a variety of sources so it is important to know where you are.
The primary fee pays for the first vehicle in the site; most sites have room for one more vehicle.
Parking is very limited and carpooling is encouraged.
If you are camping at Sly Park Recreation Area you can call our reservation office at (530) 295-6810 to see if there is room for more that two vehicles at the site you are reserving.
Additional vehicles will need to pay fees when they arrive, please see our fee schedule for current costs.
While camping at Sly Park Recreation Area you may have up to six (6) people in an individual site. Family campsites have a maximum of twelve (12).
At Silver Lake West Campground there is a maximum of six (6) per campsite.
Please note that maximum occupancy for all campsites includes children and infants.
Campfires are allowed in the designated fire ring, the fire cannot exceed the size of the ring, the flames cannot be more than 3 feet tall and the wood cannot be more than 6 inches around.
No, we do not have shower facilities.
Sly Park Recreation and Silver Lake West: No hookups.
Sly Park Recreation Areas does have a septic dump station you can use (included with the price of the campsite). If you are camping at Silver Lake West and drive by Sly Park Recreation Area on your way home, you may utilize the dump station there at no charge with proof of your stay.
Water spigots are available to fill your tank but you cannot stay connected.
Sly Park Recreation Area: Generator hours are limited to 7am to 9am, Noon to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm only.
Silver Lake West Campground: Hours are limited from 8am to 8pm. Guests are asked to keep the duration of run time to a minimum.
Sly Park Recreation Area: Bears have not been a problem in the campgrounds. It is always a good idea to put away food and garbage at night for the other critters like squirrels, raccoons or birds.
Silver Lake West Campground: Bears are known to be in the area. It is always a good idea to put away food and garbage at night. Each campsite provides a bear proof locker.
Sly Park Recreation Area/Jenkinson Lake:
You may leave your trailer in your campsite if the campsite space allows. We also have a designated parking area for boat trailers or you can leave it in the boat launch parking lot. When you arrive the gatehouse can give you directions.
Highway 88 Recreation: Silver Lake West Campground, Caples, and Silver lakes
While camping at Silver Lake West it is preferred to park in your site, but it is tight. Silver Lake West does have limited additional parking that is first come, first served. Leaving your boat trailer in the day-use areas overnight is prohibited.
If you are using the Caples or Silver lakes boat launch for day-use only, you may leave your vehicle and trailer in the parking lot while you are out enjoying the lake.
No. There are no WiFi connections at any of our recreation facilities; take this time to disconnect from the world and plan accordingly.
Sly Park Recreation Area: There is limited cell phone reception near the entrance of the park. The signal diminishes as you travel into the park.
Silver Lake West Campground: No cell coverage. Please do not offend your neighbors by attempting to locate services.
Silver Lake and Caples Lake: No cell phone coverage.
Yes, Annual Permits are available for your boat. See our Annual Day Use Permit page for an application. Annual Day-use permits are valid at Sly Park Recreation Area and our facilities at Caples and Silver lakes.
No. Personal watercraft of any kind is not allowed on Jenkinson, Lake at Sly Park Recreation Area.
Caples and Silver lakes do allow personal water craft. Caples has a 10 mph speed limit.
Yes, there is a fee non-motorized and motorized boats at Sly Park Recreation Area. Currently, there is no fee to launch a non-motorized vessel at Silver or Caples lakes. Please see the fee schedules linked below.
You will need to pay the day use fee and any additional fees for a pet or oversized vehicle or trailer.
Fee Schedules:
No, your pets are included with the Annual Passes. There is an additional pet fee if you have not purchased an Annual Pass.
Dogs must be on a leash AT ALL TIMES.
Dogs are NOT ALLOWED in Jenkinson Lake at Sly Park Recreation Area per our state drinking water permit. Please don't risk our permit exemption by allowing your dog in Jenkinson Lake.
Annual Passes are available for purchase all year; they are valid for twelve (12) months from the month of purchase.
They can be purchased year-round at Sly Park Recreation Area, either at the Reservation Office or the Gate House.
Passes are valid at all of EID's day-use parking facilities at Sly Park Recreation Area/Jenkinson Lake, and Caples and Silver lakes located along Highway 88.
Additional fees are required for camping or launching a boat unless you purchase a permit that includes a boat.
- No. Campsites must be occupied within the first 24 hours and for the duration of your stay.
Annual passes may be used at all EID day-use parking and facilities at Sly Park Recreation Area/Jenkinson Lake, and at Caples and Silver lakes (Highway 88 Recreation).
Launching a boat is a separate and additional fee unless you have purchased a boat pass.
Camping at Sly Park Recreation Area (reservations required) and Silver Lake West (first come, first served) require additional camping fees.
Your pass DOES NOT allow for parking at or in a campground for the day.