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Sly Guard Cabin

Eldorado National Forest, California

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As of October 2026, Sly Guard Cabin is a campground in Eldorado National Forest, California with 1 campsite. Sly Guard Cabin is booked through Recreation.gov.

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Sly Guard Cabin is located at 38.7086° N, 120.5953° W.

people allowed on each site: 12

Sly Guard Cabin reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

Maximum stay: 14 nights

Published by Recreation.gov for Sly Guard Cabin, read on September 30, 2026.

Campsites at Sly Guard Cabin

Cabin 1
Hookups 1

What an RV fits

45 ft1 site

At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: Paved road.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, photography, horse riding.

All sites at Sly Guard Cabin, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the SLY GUARD CABIN loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Max RV	Hookups
Sly Guard Cabin	Cabin	12	45 ft	Electric

About Sly Guard Cabin

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.

Rules and notices at Sly Guard Cabin

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Sly Guard Cabin on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Your permit, door lock combination, and directions will be emailed to you before your visit; be sure to check your spam folder for this email. Call (530) 644-2324 during regular business hours, M-F, 8:00-4:30 with any questions relating to your stay.

Check In is 2:00pm

Check Out is 11:00am

Woodstove is currently out of order. Please do not use. There are alternative heat sources available.

There is no air conditioning in the cabin. Please consider bringing an electric fan during hot summer months.

Mice are present in wooded areas including the area surrounding Sly Guard Cabin. Please clean up crumbs and spills immediately. Do not leave food out on any surfaces. Cleaning up thoroughly when you leave is essential to keeping Sly Guard cabin mouse-free.

DO NOT EAT ON THE FURNITURE. This attracts mice.

In order to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience to all visitors, a stay limit is now in effect. Use of any Eldorado National Forest cabin is limited to 6 nights per recreation rental facility and a combined total of 12 nights per calendar year for all rental facilities. This stay limit includes any combination of stays at Harvey West Cabin, Loon Lake Chalet, Robbs Hut, Sly Guard Cabin, and Van Vleck Bunkhouse.

No RV hookups or dump stations available

Vehicles must park in the gravel areas, not on vegetation

Lock the building and close the gate when leaving the cabin unattended

Pets are not allowed at the cabin. This overnight facility is used by many people, including those with pet allergies. Respect other visitors by following this rule.

Smoking is not allowed in the cabin

This is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility; Bedding (sheets, pillows etc.) and towels are not provided. Please bring garbage bags and haul trash out with you.

Off-Road vehicles cannot be unloaded at the cabin grounds.

Fire restrictions are in effect. No campfires, no charcoal bbq's. Propane stove usage is allowed outside the cabin.

No open flames, candles, backpacking stoves or propane stoves inside cabin.

Practice Leave No Trace. Please clean cabin and grounds before leaving.

Do Not Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Sly Guard Cabin FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Sly Guard Cabin?

Sly Guard Cabin is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Sly Guard Cabin?

Cancellations happen frequently at Sly Guard Cabin, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Sly Guard Cabin have?

Sly Guard Cabin has 1 campsites.