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Camping · California

SLY GUARD CABIN

USFS · Campground · Fee

Fast facts

Cost
Fee charged
Managed by
USFS
Type
Campground
Hours
Check in: 2:00 p.m.; Check-out: 11:00 p.m.
Reservations
recreation.gov
Phone
530-644-2324
Nearest dump station
Sugar Pine Dump Station · 30.5 mi
Nearest water fill
Indian Creek Camp Ground-Potable Water · 43.8 mi
Coordinates
38.7086, -120.5953
Last verified
September 19, 2026
38.7086° N · 120.5953° W
Last verifiedSeptember 19, 2026

About this place

Overview The Sly Guard Cabin is less remote than other cabins on the Eldorado National forest and is a great choice for families with children. Sly Guard provides the cabin in the woods experience with the convenience of modern amenities. The cabin is near Sly Park Reservoir, also called Jenkinson Lake, the tourist area of Apple Hill, a variety of wineries, a number of hiking trails, and the historic mining towns of Coloma and Placerville. The Sly Guard Cabin was constrcuted in the early 1940s by the Forest Service as living quarters for rangers "on guard" in the Sly Park area. Recreation Hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking are great options while staying at the cabin. Cedar Park trail is just steps away from the cabin, where you can take a relaxing walk along the 1.2 mile paved loop trail. There is also an observation deck along the trail offering views of Pyramid Peak and the Crystal Range. There is a horsehoe pit on the cabin grounds. Sly Park Creek has a swimming hole and Sly Park Reservoir attracts lots of boaters and anglers. Gold panning may also be done in the creek. Natural Features At nearly 3,600 feet in elevation, Sly Guard Cabin sits among Ponderosa and Jeffrey pine near the town of Pollock Pines. The cabin is well shaded during the day, keeping it cool in the summer. A downhill dirt trail leads guests south to Sly Park Creek and the bottom of the spillway at Sly Park Reservoir. Nearby Attractions The Sly Park Environmental Education School is located across the street. Guided nature walks are conducted daily on the trail adjacent to the cabin. A resort at the entrance of Jenkinson Lake (Sly Creek Reservoir) offers a small store, restaurant and bar, pay phone, gas and fishing supplies. It is about a 2-mile drive.

From the USFS.Official page

Is SLY GUARD CABIN free?

No. SLY GUARD CABIN charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.

How do I get to SLY GUARD CABIN?

From Highway 50, take the Sly Park exit at Pollock Pines, turn right on Sly Park road for 6 miles. Check in is done in person at the Placerville Ranger Station 4260 Eight Mile Rd., Camino Ca. 95709.

Nearby

SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.

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Disclaimer TerrainKit is an independent product with no affiliation with, sponsorship from or endorsement by the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service or any other public agency. Site and access information is compiled from publicly available sources and can go out of date without notice. Confirm current rules, closures, fire restrictions and stay limits with the managing ranger district or field office before you camp.
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47.5053° N · 111.3008° W
SLY GUARD CABIN, Camping in California - TerrainKit