Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is located in the San Bernardino Mountains, at 3,378 feet above sea level. Silverwood Lake was formed by the 249-foot Cedar Springs Dam. Silverwood is considered a large lake with 980 surface acres and 13 miles of shoreline at capacity. It’s also a deep lake with a maximum depth of 166 feet and is the highest reservoir in the State Water Project.
The lake is open from 6am to 9pm during the summer with an entrance fee of $10 per vehicle and pets are welcomed. The lake features activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking, bicycling and nearly 100 miles of paved and/or unpaved trails. The lake has trout, large-mouth bass, crappie and catfish. Also a great place for wildlife sightseeing since the lake attracts waterfowl, raptors, songbirds, Canada Geese and even Bald Eagles can be seen in the area on occasions.
There is a marina with a launch ramp where you can find boat and equipment rentals, and a bait & tackle store. Any size boat may be launched at the paved boat ramp, which offers 7 lanes for your use. The maximum lake speed limit is 35 mph & no fires or stoves are allowed in boat-in areas. “All vessels entering Silverwood Lake will be required to pass the Quagga Mussel inspection before launching. ALL VESSELS MUST BE CLEAN, DRAINED, AND DRY. Vessels that fail inspection will be quarantined from launching for seven days” stated on the National Parks & Recreation site.
Silverwood Lake is truly a great place to camp with friends and family. The campgrounds are very clean, each space comes with an area to pitch tents. You also get a picnic table with benches, and a fire pit assigned to have the perfect bonfire. The park features 2 swimming beaches, 4 picnic areas, including three that can be reached only by boat. For your convenience there is a marina which will provide you with grocery items, ice, hot and cold drinks, snacks, toys, swimming apparel, camping goods, and firewood.
Volunteers are playing an ever-increasing role in California’s parks. Volunteers serve in almost all of California’s state park units and lend invaluable assistance in one or more of the following program areas: Interpretation for Visitors, Public Contact, Public Safety, Park Operations, Natural Resource Management, Cultural Resource Management, And much, much more…!
Volunteers play a vital role in promoting public awareness of area wildlife and the lakes amenities. They inspire visitors to better appreciate the lake and help protect the animals that live in it. This is a unique opportunity to help and to foster a caring attitude in other people, especially youth. In many parks, annual and special events take place to celebrate our resources while teaching visitors about the wonders of nature and history. Join us—be part of what makes California so extraordinarily unique and wonderful!
If you would like to receive a volunteer packet, please contact (916) 653-9069 or vipp@parks.ca.gov and leave your name and address.
Directions to Silverwood Lake:
The park is located via Highway 138, 11 miles east of I-15; or 20 miles north of San Bernardino via Highways 18 &; 138 Silverwood Lake, CA.
PARK OFFICE TELEPHONE: (760) 389-2281
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=650
Camping Information: Be sure to make reservations https://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Silverwood_Lake_Sra/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=CA&parkId=120088
