Sylvan Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
Colorado
- Home
- State Parks
- Colorado
- Sylvan Lake State Park
Tree-covered peaks rise dramatically from a high-mountain lake at Sylvan Lake State Park. This postcard-perfect park sits in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, 140 miles west of Denver and 16 miles south of Eagle. The centerpiece of the park is the small but beautiful lake, which is only open to non-gas-powered craft to preserve the serenity and beauty of the natural surroundings. Campsites overlook the water and the mountains, and a beautiful set of trails starts just steps from your RV. This is a year-round adventure destination; fall turns the park’s aspen groves a shocking shade of yellow, and the snowy winters open up opportunities for ice and snow sports.
Spring 11-50 F
Summer 35-79 F
Fall 20-70 F
Winter 0-35 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Sylvan Lake State Park
Sylvan Lake State Park is located at 8,500 feet above sea level, which means that the weather is cool and prone to rapid shifts. An RV offers plenty of protection, ensuring that you always have a warm and dry place to rest your head. If you don’t have your own motorhome or camper trailer, an RV rental provides the same exciting experience without the commitment. You can even choose a model that’s pet-friendly or suitable for large groups.
Sylvan Lake State Park Campgrounds
There are three different Sylvan Lake State Park Campgrounds with 46 campsites inside the park: Fisherman’s Paradise, Elk Run Upper Loop, and Elk Run Lower Loop. There are no hookups, but every site is open to RVs, and you’ll find water and toilets within walking distance. In the summer, campers can access hot showers and flushable toilets; in the winter, expect only vault toilets. If you want to stay on the lake, book sites 35-46 in the Fisherman’s Paradise area. The Elk Run loops offer beautiful views. All camping areas welcome pets, as long as you keep them on a 6-foot leash and pick up any waste. From May through October, campsites are $28 per night. In the winter, the rates decrease to $14.
Yeoman Park Campground
Set in a lush meadow about 11 miles from Sylvan Lake State Park, Yeoman Park Campground is a beautiful place to park your RV. Wake up to views of Craig Peak, and enjoy excellent wildlife viewing right from your site. This campground has 18 RV-friendly sites for rigs up to 30 feet long, and each is equipped with a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. All sites are first-come, first-serve. The campground doesn’t usually fill up, so you should be able to find a spot on most days of the year. There are no hookups or water here, so be sure to stock up before you come. Sites are just $8 per night and available from June through October.
Wolcott Campground
Drive 24 miles from Sylvan Lake State Park to Wolcott Campground. This spot is located right off of I-70, so it’s a great choice if you’d prefer to explore the area by car. Sites are located next to the Eagle River, and you can fish right from the shore a few steps from your RV. These are primitive sites, so there are no hookups or services. However, the fee is just $10 per night, the views are spectacular, and the campground is open year-round.
What to Do at
Sylvan Lake State Park
Inside Sylvan Lake State Park
Summer is the most popular – and busiest – season at Sylvan Lake State Park. Fish for trout, or bring a non-motorized boat and paddle the calm, cool waters. You can rent boats and paddleboards from the park. On land, explore the short, kid-friendly Sylvan Lake Trail, or enjoy a longer day hike on the West Brush Creek Trail. Hiking, horseback riding, and biking are particularly spectacular when the leaves change in the fall. When winter descends on the Rockies, grab your snowshoes and cross-country skis and explore the snow-covered forests. Ice fishing is a popular mid-winter activity, and if you bring your own shovel, you can clear snow and go ice skating. Be sure to check with the park office, which lends out ice fishing gear and snowshoes.
Outside Sylvan Lake State Park
Sylvan Lake State Park sits near the White River National Forest and the Holy Cross Wilderness Area, which encompass vast swaths of the Colorado Rockies. Whether you want to climb a peak or enjoy a cocktail in a classic ski town, this part of the state has a huge range of opportunities. Eagle is the closest town to the park, but you’ll find more in the way of dining and shopping in Glenwood Springs.
Restaurants
Ekahi Grill
You might not expect to find authentic Hawaiian food in the middle of the Rockies, but Ekahi Grill delivers. Try the bubble tea or classic island dishes made with Spam for a fun twist.
Type: Hawaiian
Location: 500 Red Table Dr, Gypsum, CO 81637
Trigo Food Co.
Enjoy hearty dishes in a casual environment at this family-friendly spot in Gypsum.
Type: Mexican
Location: 116 Park St, Gypsum, CO 81637
Moe's Original BBQ
Come hungry to this popular local barbecue spot, which is known for its delicious meats and family-friendly vibe. There’s also a full bar and an area to relax outside.
Type: BBQ
Location: 630 Grand Ave, Eagle, CO 81631
Eagle Diner
With its fun, '50s-inspired decor and traditional diner menu, this spot is a charming place for breakfast or lunch. The menu is large and includes a range of breakfast options, hot sandwiches, cold sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
Type: Diner
Location: 112 Chambers Ave, Eagle, CO 81631
Gourmet China
Serving all of your favorite Chinese dishes, this spot is ideal for quick meals and takeout.
Type: Chinese
Location: 212 Chambers Ave, Eagle, CO 81631
Shopping
Mountain Pedaler Bike Shop
Get all of the supplies you need for your bike at this friendly store. Be sure to ask the staff about the best biking spots in the area.
Location: 106 Broadway St unit A, Eagle, CO 81631
Eagle Pharmacy Nearly Everything Store
It’s technically a pharmacy, but this historic spot carries everything from home decor to hunting supplies.
Location: 301 Broadway St, Eagle, CO 81631
Everyday Outfitters
Grab a Colorado-themed hoodie or find warm layers at this outdoor store, which carries clothing for women and men.
Location: 330 Broadway St # B, Eagle, CO 81631
A Good Sport Co.
Stocking everything from skis to biking supplies, this small store has something for every adventurer.
Location: 422 McIntire St #3, Eagle, CO 81631
Chics Couture
This women’s clothing store carries comfortable, on-trend pieces for women of all ages.
Location: 321 Broadway St, Eagle, CO 81631
Sightseeing
Fish the Eagle River
Head to the town of Eagle to fish the Eagle River. It’s known for its exceptional trout fishing and is easily accessible from several points around town. You can also fish the river where it flows near Gypsum and Vail.
Location: Eagle, CO
East Lake Creek Trail
Located south of Edwards in the White River National Forest, this trail is accessible for novice and experienced hikers. Walk 2 miles and you’ll reach the photogenic wooden bridge that runs over East Lake Creek; if you want a longer hike, the entire trail is 12.5 miles long. It’s a well-traveled path, so there are usually other hikers around.
Whitewater Rafting
If you’re visiting from May to June, book a rafting trip of the lower Eagle River. Many trips run from Wolcott to Eagle. Although the rapids vary from year to year, this stretch is usually family-friendly and safe for beginners.
Glenwood Hot Springs
Soothe your muscles after a weekend of outdoor adventure at this hot springs resort, which is heated by geothermal springs. With a kiddie pool, adventure river, and snack bar, this spot is popular with families.
Location: 401 N River St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Sneve Gulch Trail
If you’re looking for a challenging hike, this is it. It starts right from Sylvan Lake for easy access. Then, it climbs high into the mountains, offering panoramic views of the peaks and forests. In the summer, keep an eye out for the spectacular wildflower blooms.
How to Get to
Sylvan Lake State Park
To get to Sylvan Lake State Park, take I-70 to Eagle. Then, take Brush Creek Road south until you hit the park entrance.
Entering Sylvan Lake State Park
Sylvan Lake State Park is open every day of the year.
Sylvan Lake State Park Per vehicle : $9.0
Sylvan Lake State Park Individual : $4.0
Whether you’re visiting Sylvan Lake State Park in the height of summer or the coldest day of the winter, RVshare wants to hear about it. If you post about the trip on social media, feel free to tag RVshare to allow the team to see your adventures. Or, simply send photos, videos, tips, or anecdotes by email to [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions About Sylvan Lake State Park
Summer is arguably the best time to experience Sylvan Lake State Park. The summer months have the best weather conditions for boating, swimming, fishing and hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The state park and its surroundings experience a subtropical climate with warm, dry, and clear summers. Summer temperatures can reach 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are often snowy, cold, and sometimes cloudy.
Elk, mule deer, red foxes, marmots, voles, and shrews are the most common inhabitants of the park. Other animals you may spot in the area are black bears, coyotes, beavers, porcupines, rabbits, and pine martens.
Sylvan Lake State Park boasts 46 designated RV camping spots with spectacular vistas. The campground features access to fresh water and hot showers, and there is also a mix of flushable and vaulted toilets available.
Pets are allowed at Sylvan Lake State Park. The pets should be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. They must also be cleaned after to leave no trace.