Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
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Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is a state park located in the Inland Empire area of California, a geographic region just east of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. The park is in the forested, mountainous area of the San Bernardino National Forest. Silverwood Lake is formed by the Cedar Springs Dam and has a surface area of 976 acres and 13 miles of shoreline. The city of San Bernardino is nearby on the famous Route 66 highway and is known for having an annual festival dedicated to this iconic entryway to California. You can also see much natural beauty in San Bernardino, which sits between mountain ranges and the Mojave Desert.
Spring 44-73 F
Summer 49-90 F
Fall 48-86 F
Winter 42-60 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
While you are visiting Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, you can also take the time to stay at any one of the numerous RV campgrounds in the surrounding areas. Using an RV for your road trip is one of the most convenient ways to get to everywhere you want to go in your own RV or a rental RV from RVshare. Each of the following campgrounds has its own charms and is entertaining for short or extended stays.
Yucaipa Regional Park
You will enjoy your stay at this beautiful and shady RV campground with its views of the San Bernardino Mountains and Mount San Gorgonio. It features three lakes that offer fishing, boating and swimming activities, and it has numerous hiking trails. There are outside activities and a dual-flume waterslide. There are equestrian trails and a large pavilion.
• Number of sites: 42 pull-through sites
• Rates: $30 - $40 daily, senior discounts
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical amps: 30 and 50
• Pool/hot tub: Waterslide
• Wi-Fi: Available
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Showers: Restrooms but no showers
• Laundry: Yes
Bonita Ranch Campground
Bonita Ranch Campground is a restful respite from the city but is still close to many fun attractions. The Lytle Creek runs through the campground, and there are mountains all around the site. There is also a short hike to the Bonita Falls waterfall. It is close to Disneyland, the Auto Club Speedway, Lake Arrowhead and Mount Baldy, and there are plenty of dining and shopping opportunities nearby.
• Number of sites: 83 pull-through sites
• Rates: $30 daily
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical amps: 30 and 50
• Pool/hot tub: No
• Wi-Fi: Available
• Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed on a leash
• Showers: Yes
• Laundry: No
• Other amenities: Two dump stations, large communal grill
Calico Ghost Town & Campground
You will have a great time staying at this former silver mining town. It's now a historic landmark, and it features restored buildings from its former heyday during the silver mining period in California. Visitors will enjoy the many tours and museums, and there are always various events throughout the year. The park is family-friendly and full of history.
• Number of sites: 253 pull-through sites
• Rates: $30 - $40 daily, senior discounts
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical amps: 30 and 50
• Pool/hot tub: No
• Wi-Fi: Available
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Laundry: Yes
• Other amenities: Walking and biking trails, souvenir shops, mystery shack
What to Do at
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Inside Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
There are many types of activities available in Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. Visitors can swim, boat and fish on the lake, and there are 13 miles of hiking and biking trails in the park. Part of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail runs through the park along the crest of the San Bernardino Mountains. During the months of January through March, the park offers Bald Eagle Barge Tours, and there are several activities for Junior Rangers throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the park for a day or stay overnight at one of the many campgrounds in the park.
Outside Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
When you are ready to take an excursion outside of the park, you have many choices for your trips. You can visit other natural attractions in the area or visit one of the nearby eateries or shops in the city of Hesperia and the outlying areas.
Restaurants
Havanazucar Cuban Restaurant
This restaurant serves authentic Cuban cuisine that features favorite ingredients like saffron rice, plantains, yucca root, seafood, beef, pork and chicken. Two of their specialty entrees are the Paella Valenciana, which features saffron rice, clams, fish, calamari, pork, chorizo and other ingredients, and the Mofongo de Camaron, which features smashed green plantain, shrimp and a creole sauce.
Type: Cuban
Location: Hesperia, CA
Texas Roadhouse
This steakhouse serves up hearty and traditional steakhouse fare. There is plenty of variety as to steak cuts, and there are ribs, pork chops, chicken, seafood, burgers and sandwiches.
Type: Steakhouse
Location: Hesperia, CA
Bangkok Cuisine
Bangkok Cuisine is a Thai restaurant that has traditional Thai dishes, like Pad Kee Mow and Pad Thai.
Type: Thai
Location: Hesperia, CA
Louisiana Shabang Seafood
Louisiana Shabang Seafood is a typical family-style seafood restaurant that serves large portions and platters of all things seafood: broiled, grilled and fried.
Type: Seafood
Location: Hesperia, CA
Pita Barn
Pita Barn features Mediterranean cuisine that is healthy, tasty and affordable.
Type: Mediterranean
Location: Hesperia, CA
Shopping
Chavez Outlet
This outlet bargain store sells overages, markdowns and returns from retailers such as Amazon and Target.
Carriage House Antiques
Carriage House is an antique mall with lots of vendors.
The Mall of Victor Valley
This mall is an outside shopping center that has Macy's, JCPenney and DICK'S Sporting Goods. There are more than 60 stores and restaurants.
Lake Arrowhead Village
This is a vacation resort village located in nearby Lake Arrowhead that features unique shops, boutiques and eateries.
Location: Lake Arrowhead, CA
The Goods at Crestline
The Goods features an eclectic mix of new and used furniture, home décor and gift items located in the town of Crestline.
Location: Crestline, CA
Sightseeing
Original McDonald's site
This unofficial museum pays homage to McDonald's and Old Route 66 and is a State Historic Site. There are thousands of examples of McDonald's memorabilia inside and the largest collection of historic McDonald's merchandise in the U.S. There is an extensive library of information and interpretive displays. You can enjoy viewing the displays of vintage Happy Meal toys.
Rim of the World Scenic Byway
Called the gateway to the mountains, this scenic route travels along parts of Highways 138, 18 and 38 through the San Bernardino National Forest. You will pass through Bear Lake, Cajon Pass and Lake Arrowhead and view the entire Inland Empire of California. This route is both beautiful and refreshing as it takes you away from the desert heat into the forested mountains.
Kelso Sand Dunes
These dunes are the largest section of dunes in the Mojave Desert. The dunes are 45 square miles of feldspar and quartz sand with dunes rising up to 650 feet in height. When the winds are blowing during times of dried-out vegetation in the sand, the dunes will begin to "sing."
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake offers plenty of outdoor recreation for all seasons. Skiing at Big Bear Mountain Resort is popular in the winter, and there are also lots of snowshoe and mountain bike trails. In the summer, visitors enjoy running the trails, riding the bike paths and participating in various water activities. Throughout the year, you can stay at hotels, cabins and cottages. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses near Big Bear Lake and is a popular hiking trail.
Joshua Tree National Park
This iconic park in California is only an hour and a half away from San Bernardino. It features interesting boulder formations, desert plants and a large forest of Joshua trees. Inside the park, there are several oases that provide palm tree shade and green spaces to rest from the heat.
How to Get to
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Silverwood Lake is located on Highway 138 and Cleghorn Road. Head 11 miles east on I-15 or 20 miles north from San Bernardino.
By Car
Entering Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
The park is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. May - September and 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. October - April. The park is open seven days a week.
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Vehicle with up to nine people : $10.0
$9 for seniors
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Watercraft : $10.0
No fee for canoes and kayaks
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area One vehicle and one or two watercraft : $20.0
$28 with two watercrafts
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Bus : $30.0
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Annual vehicle pass : $195.0
Plus $10 for annual watercraft pass
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Hike and bike : $5.0
The San Bernardino area of California is a great place to visit for its own attractions, and it is also ideally located to many other interesting sites in California. The Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park, Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean and many other fun places are all within easy traveling distance. Be sure to share your fun memories of your travels by emailing them to RVshare at [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions About Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
In the Inland Empire of California, the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is a mountainous and forested park that's great to visit all year. However, if heat isn't your thing, consider visiting in the fall, winter, or spring.
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area has a semi-arid climate. You can expect wet but mild winters and hot, dry summers. Although temperatures get hot in the summer, the humidity often stays low.
When hiking or enjoying the outdoors at this state park, you might encounter a Western rattlesnake, a Southern alligator lizard, or a gopher snake. You might even catch sight of a lone bobcat!
You bring your RV to the Silver Lake State Recreation Area! Campsites can accommodate trailers, campers, and motorhomes up to 31 feet. Many of the campsites include hookups. If sites aren't available, try the nearby Yupcaipa regional park.
Pets are allowed at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. They must be leashed and with you at all times. However, you can't bring your dogs to the beach or into the water.