Silver Lake RV Parks & Campgrounds

California is home to some of the prettiest lakes in the country—possibly even the world. Lake Tahoe, for instance, is known around the world for its beauty. A lesser known yet nearly-as-beautiful locale is Silver Lake.

This gorgeous little body of water is hidden away in the El Dorado National Forest and presents the ideal opportunity for RV camping. The lake is surrounded by spectacular views, incredible wildlife, and awesome recreational opportunities. Who wouldn’t want to escape into nature by doing some Silver Lake RV camping?

Of course, you will need a place to stay when you go. Below we’ve compiled a list of the best camping in Silver Lake, as well as the surrounding areas.  

Silver Lake Resort and Campground Options

Want a campground by Silver Lake itself? The following options sit right next to the lake, making gorgeous views and immediate access possible during your Silver Lake RV trip.

Silver Lake Campground

The most popular Silver Lake camping option, Silver Lake Campground offers primitive camping to tent campers as well as RVers. This campground has bathrooms with showers, as well as a boat ramp, fire pits, and picnic tables.

• Hookups: None
• Other amenities: Drinking water, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, food lockers
• Price: Varies by season

Silver Lake West Campground

Another great option that is very near Silver Lake, Silver Lake West Campground is less crowded with private sites. Water spigots are available, and some sites will accommodate larger RVs up to 24 feet. That said, this is a first-come, first-served location, so arrive early to snag the larger spots.

• Hookups: None
• Other amenities: Drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, food lockers, vault toilets
• Price: $30

Plasse’s Resort

A south Silver Lake camping option, Plasse’s Resort is a well maintained option with an awesome staff. As it is a resort, you can expect amenities such as a store, propane refills, showerhouses, and a laundromat. That said, electric hookups are not available.

• Hookups: Water only
• Other amenities: Propane refills, camp store, full-service bathhouses, laundry room
• Price: $40–$52

Silver Lake Resort

Another option for those who prefer something a step above the primitive campground, Silver Lake Resort is absolutely lovely. This resort does offer full hookups—as well as a number of other fantastic amenities—meaning you can have a super comfortable camping experience.

• Hookups: Yes, full hookups
• Other amenities: Cafe, camp store, horseshoe pits, laundry room, full-service bathhouses
• Price: $44

June Lake Campgrounds

None of the options above suit you? Can’t get into any of the Silver Lake campgrounds or RV parks? Not to worry, June Lake is right next door and has even more awesome camping options. The campgrounds below are less than 15 minutes away from Silver Lake.

Reversed Creek Campground

One of the only rustic campgrounds near June Lake that will accommodate medium-sized rigs up to 30 feet long, Reversed Creek Campground is a favorite of many. The views are lovely, the bathrooms are heated with running water, and it is close to town.

• Hookups: None
• Other amenities: Flush toilets, drinking water, fire pits
• Price: $20–$23

Gull Lake Campground

Offering incredible views, Gull Lake Campground is on the small side but does have sites for some smaller rigs. Water spigots are available for refilling tanks, and flush toilets are provided in the restroom. This is a first-come, first-serve spot, so show up early.

• Hookups: None
• Other amenities: Drinking water, flush toilets, food lockers
• Price: $23

June Lake Campground

Best for campervans, truck campers, and tiny trailers, June Lake Campground is rustic but lovely. Restrooms are available, but hookups are not. This campground is less than 100 yards to June Lake.

• Hookups: None
• Other amenities: Drinking water, flush toilets, fire pits, food lockers, picnic tables, marina
• Price: $20–$23

Golden Pine RV Park

Want full hookups and an awesome glamping experience? Golden Pine RV Park is a great option. Here, you can camp in comfort while still enjoying everything nature has to offer.

• Hookups: Yes, full hookups
• Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire pits, recycling, fish cleaning station, full-service bathhouse
• Price: $45

June Lake RV Park

Another great option for those who prefer a plush experience, June Lake RV Park offers full hookups and free Wi-Fi. People love the staff here, and once you meet them, you’ll understand why.

• Hookups: Yes, full hookups
• Other amenities: Free Wi-Fi, fish cleaning station, laundry room, cable TV
• Price: $45

Camping Near Tahoe and Silver Lake

Looking for Lake Tahoe camping that also allows you to check out Silver Lake? There are a few wonderful camping options between the two places. Check out these options for come of the best camping in Tahoe and Silver Lake areas.

Bootleg Campground

A fabulous Silver Lake and Tahoe camping option, Bootleg campground is a small hidden gem. Flush toilets and potable water are available in the campground, and it is located right across from a river that offers fantastic fishing.

• Hookups: None
• Other amenities: Drinking water, flush toilets, river access, picnic tables
• Price: $22

Coleville/Walker KOA Holiday

A more luxurious option between Silver Lake and Tahoe is the Coleville/Walker KOA Holiday. This resort has full hookups on every site, as well as free Wi-Fi and cable TV. There are even pull-through sites available for those who have a hard time parking their RV!

• Hookups: Yes, full hookups
• Other amenities: Wi-Fi, cable TV, full-service bathhouses, pool, dog park
• Price: Varies by site type and season

Silver Lake FAQs

Need to know even more about camping in Silver Lake? Below are some FAQs about Silver Lake camping, as well as their answers.

Can you camp anywhere in Silver Lake?

Because Silver Lake is located in El Dorado National Forest, boondocking is allowed and there is no requirement to stay in designated Silver Lake campgrounds.

That said, while dispersed camping is allowed in this forest, there are some places that are off-limits to guests. For instance, all campers must be parked at least 100 feet away from bodies of water. Additionally, there are some roads that are off-limits to motor vehicles.

Be sure to find a ranger station and check with a staff member to understand where you can and can’t park your RV.

How do you camp at Silver Lake?

How you camp at Silver Lake depends on where you wish to stay and when you’ll be there.

During the summer, you’ll likely want to make a reservation at the campground you prefer. Make sure the site you reserve will accommodate your RV, as not all sites will fit long trailers and motorhomes.

Can’t make a reservation in advance? Silver Lake West Campground and Gull Lake Campground are both first-come, first-served, so by showing up early, you should be able to secure a spot.

Keep in mind that most campgrounds in this area are open mid-May through September or October, so winter camping is not always an option.

Can you go swimming in Silver Lake?

There is not a designated swimming area in Silver Lake. That said, the nearby June Lake does have a lovely swimming beach on its north end.

Silver Lake Prices

As mentioned above, there is the option of dispersed camping in Silver Lake. This amenity-free camping is 100% free of charge.

That said, if you wish to stay in one of the many lovely Silver Lake RV parks and campgrounds, you will pay a fee. These fees start at around $20 a night and can be as much as $50 or more, depending on where you stay and the time of year you choose to go RV camping in Silver Lake.

Choosing Silver Lake camping for your family’s next holiday is a decision you definitely won’t regret. Whether you pick a primitive camping spot or one of the many Silver Lake RV parks, you’re sure to have an absolute blast as you explore the wonders of NorCal nature.