Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is perched high in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains near Hesperia, California. It unfolds as a refreshing alpine reservoir retreat. This is where boating, hiking, and history converge amid pine-lined shores. Visitors can enjoy sweeping Mojave vistas.
What Makes This Park Unique
Silverwood Lake is the highest reservoir in California’s State Water Project. It is situated at over 3,300 feet in elevation, surrounded by nearly 2,400 acres of rugged landscape, and uniquely bridges water-based adventure. Activities include boating, swimming, and waterskiing. There is scenic Pacific Crest Trail access. The nature-rich backdrop is filled with pine, oak, sycamore, and chaparral. Seasonal eagle barge tours attract wildlife enthusiasts. Trout stocking appeals to anglers. Together, these make it one of Southern California’s most diverse recreation destinations.
Top Activities and Amenities
Boating & Marina Services
The Silverwood Lake Marina offers comprehensive support. It includes boat rentals like pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, and jet skis. The marina also provides fuel, supplies, and both dry and wet storage. A well-maintained launch ramp and marina allow easy access to 976 acres of water recreation. This includes designated water-ski zones. There is a 35 mph max limit in open areas and a 5 mph limit in coves.
Fishing & Swimming
Anglers will find largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. They will also discover seasonal rainbow trout, which is stocked from late winter through spring. Swimming is available at two lifeguarded beaches near the marina and Cleghorn areas—ideal during summer months.
Camping & Group Sites
Mesa Campground offers over 130 family campsites. These sites include fire rings, picnic tables, flush restrooms, and coin-operated showers. They also have drinking water and an RV dump station. There’s also one full-hookup RV site available. Group campsites—Valle, Barranca, and Rio—host up to 100 people each. They feature shade ramadas and BBQ grills. Restrooms are available, and there is capacity for multiple vehicles.
Hiking, Biking & Trails
More than 13 miles of trails, both paved and unpaved, wind through the park. These trails include access to a segment of the famed Pacific Crest Trail. The Cleghorn Trail offers accessible views of the surrounding forests and lake shores—great for nature lovers, hikers, and bikers alike.
Picnicking & Visitor Center
Numerous picnic benches, shaded areas, and grassy patches: perfect for lakeside lunches or family gatherings. The Nature Center is located near the park entrance. It hosts interpretive displays and educational programs. It also provides wildlife information, enhancing visitors’ appreciation of the region.
Wildlife Viewing & Eagle Tours
Winter months bring migratory bald eagles to the lake, and barge tours for eagle viewing operate Jan–Mar by reservation. Wildlife viewing also includes ducks, songbirds, and occasional terrestrial species visible from shoreline and trail vantage points.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Day-use parking fee is typically $10; $20 during summer weekends and holidays. Annual state park passes are accepted.
- Boat launch fee is $10 per vessel and reservations for launches and campsites are strongly recommended via ReserveCalifornia.
- Anglers 16+ must carry a valid California fishing license; adhere to swim-zone restrictions when fishing.
- Dogs are allowed on leash on trails and in campsites—but are prohibited from beaches and swim areas.
- Campfires allowed only in park-provided fire rings; follow posted fire restrictions closely.
- Be aware of frequent algae advisory updates—swimming restrictions may apply when blooms are detected.
- Cell service may be limited—download any digital maps or guides in advance.
Local insight: Plan a morning paddle in spring. Mist lingers over the lake’s calm coves. The air is filled with bird calls. Try to time your visit in winter or early spring. This is when you can catch bald eagles soaring. Take the guided barge tour for one of the most dramatic wildlife moments in Southern California. After the sun sets, stay by the lake. Watch as the stars ignite over the dark water. This will create a serene, unforgettable finale to your mountain escape.