There’s something about heading up Highway 88 for a summer camping trip that always takes me back a bit. The pace around Caples Lake and Silver Lake feels different—quieter, a little more timeless, like the Sierra before everything became a destination.
Set between Echo Summit and the Lake Tahoe basin to the west and the open stretches of the Mokelumne Wilderness to the east, this pocket of the Sierra Located in the Western Sierra Nevada has always been one of our favorites. It’s easy to reach, but it still delivers that high-country feel the moment you step out of the car.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the camping options around Caples Lake and Silver Lake to help you find the right basecamp for your next West Sierra adventure.
H2: Why Camp at Silver Lake and Caples Lake?
- Part of the Carson Pass corridor along Highway 88 , Easy access off Highway 88 makes several of the campgrounds that take reservations in the area great options. Silver Lake in particular provides great camp spots close enough to reach the lake and popular swimming holes (The Pot Holes) in the river.
- Alpine lakes without Yosemite crowds. Caples Lake and Silver Lake provide incredible boating, kayaking, swimming and fishing locations with easy dock options and day use parking areas. Silver Lake is known to have friendlier shoreline for casual sitting along the lake, but Caples lake might be better known for its deep cool water access and great rock bottom coves for kayaks and paddleboarders.
- Fishing, kayaking, hiking access – The entire 88 corridor is incredible destination for fishing and hiking.
CAMPGROUNDS AT SILVER LAKE
Silver Lake offers some of the most accessible lakeside camping along Highway 88, with a mix of reservable sites, first-come options, and nearby off-the-grid opportunities. Whether you’re pulling in with an RV or just looking for a quick overnight setup, this area makes it easy to settle into the Sierra without a long approach.
Silver Lake East Campground (Reservable)
Located right off Highway 88 at 7,200 feet, Silver Lake East Campground is the largest and most popular option in the area—and for good reason. With 60+ sites and direct access to the lake, it’s a reliable basecamp for families, anglers, and anyone looking for a straightforward Sierra camping experience.
- 62 sites (tents, trailers, RVs up to 40 ft)
- Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, fire rings, some grills, bear boxes
- Walking distance to Silver Lake (swimming, fishing, boating, hiking)
- Reservations: Recreation.gov
- Season: Typically June through mid-October
- Fees: ~$36 per night
👉 Sierra Rec Take: This is your easiest “just show up and camp” option at Silver Lake—but book early in peak summer.
Silver Lake West Campground (First-Come, Quieter Option)
Operated by El Dorado Irrigation District, Silver Lake West Campground sits just across the highway along the Silver Fork of the American River. It’s slightly smaller, a bit quieter, and often flies under the radar compared to the east side.
- 42 sites (tents, trailers, smaller RVs up to 24 ft)
- Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, bear boxes
- River access + short walk to Silver Lake- Easy access tot eh Popular Swimming hole (The Pot-Holes)
- Reservations: None (first-come, first-served)
- Season: Mid-May through mid-October
- Fees: ~$33 per night ($25 seniors, additional vehicle + pet fees)
👉 Sierra Rec Take: If you can time it right, this is one of the better spots for a quieter stay without losing access to the lake.
Dispersed & Nearby Camping Options
Beyond the developed campgrounds, there are several lesser-known options in the immediate area that open things up a bit if you’re willing to explore.
- Mudd Lake (west of Silver Lake): A short off-road route leads to a more rugged, dispersed-style setup in Eldorado National Forest Route located near Tragedy Springs just west of Silver Lake
- Shealor Lake: A short backpacking approach off Highway 88 that rewards you with a quieter overnight experience
👉 These are solid alternatives if the main campgrounds are full or you’re looking for a slightly different pace.
H3: Plasse’s Resort
- Plasse’s Resort: Located at the south end of the lake, offering private campground options with both tent and RV sites
- Cabins + camping mix
H2: Campgrounds at Caples Lake
Just a few minutes east of Silver Lake, Caples Lake offers a slightly more spread-out camping experience with fewer crowds and strong access to both the lake and nearby wilderness trailheads. It’s a great option if you’re looking to stay close to Highway 88 while still feeling a bit removed.
Caples Lake Campground (Best All-Around Option)
Located directly across from the lake at 7,800 feet, Caples Lake Campground is the primary developed campground in the area and the only one suited for larger RVs and trailers.
- 34 sites (tents, trailers, RVs up to 40 ft)
- Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings
- Walking distance to Caples Lake (fishing, boating, hiking)
- Reservations: None (first-come, first-served)
- Season: Typically June through mid-October
- Fees: ~$36 per night
👉 Sierra Rec Take: This is your best bet if you want easy lake access with a little more breathing room than Silver Lake.
Woods Lake Campground (High Alpine, Tent Camping)
Located about 2 miles off Highway 88 at 8,200 feet, Woods Lake Campground offers a quieter, more scenic setting with strong access to Carson Pass hiking trails.
- 25 sites (tent camping only) – Only one Group spot I believe, smaller tent locations.
- Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, bear boxes
- Swimming, fishing, hiking access (Round Top, Winnemucca Lake)
- Non-motorized boating only
- Reservations: None
- Season: July through mid-October
- Fees: ~$36 per night
👉 Sierra Rec Take: This is where you go if you want a more classic alpine feel and easy access to some of the best hikes in the area. Woods Lake would be considered one of Sierra Rec’s Favorite camping choice locations in the Sierra.
Kirkwood Lake Campground (Small & Simple)
A smaller campground tucked just off Highway 88 near Kirkwood Lake, this is a quieter, more low-key option best suited for tent campers. the Turn out is just past Kirkwood on the right hand side if you are headed west, before you climb the pass.
- 12 sites (tent camping only)
- Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, bear boxes
- Swimming, fishing, hiking
- Non-motorized boating only
- Reservations: None
- Season: Mid-June through mid-October
- Fees: ~$26 per night
👉 Sierra Rec Take: Limited sites, but worth checking if everything else is full or you’re looking for something simple and quieter. Tuck away under the Volcanic Landscapes and the feel of your own private lake resort, this is a hidden gem location off highway 88.
Dispersed Camping Near Carson Pass
If you’re looking to get away from developed campgrounds, the Carson Pass and Highway 88 corridor offers a surprising number of dispersed camping opportunities—but knowing where you can and can’t camp is key.
While much of the surrounding Eldorado National Forest and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is open to dispersed camping, there are important restrictions around the more developed recreation areas.
👉 Around Silver Lake, Caples Lake, and the Carson Pass summit, camping is generally limited to designated campgrounds, and posted signage is enforced.
Where You Can Find Dispersed Camping
That said, once you move just outside the core recreation zones, options start to open up.
Forestdale Road (Red Lake Area)
One of the better-known access points is near Forestdale Road by Red Lake. This area provides access to a network of forest roads and pull-offs where dispersed camping is commonly practiced.
- Easy access from Highway 88
- Multiple established pull-off sites
- Good basecamp for exploring Carson Pass
👉 Sierra Rec Take: This is one of the more reliable areas to find a spot without venturing too far off the highway.
Woods Lake / Caples Backroads
Between Carson Pass and Woods Lake, several smaller forest roads branch off Highway 88, offering informal dispersed camping opportunities.
👉 Sierra Rec Take: We’ve always liked this zone. It’s close enough to the main lakes to stay connected, but just far enough out to feel like you’ve stepped away from the crowds.
Important Rules and Restrictions
Dispersed camping comes with responsibility—and in this part of the Sierra, it’s taken seriously.
- Campfire Permit Required: A California Campfire Permit is required for any stove, BBQ, or campfire outside developed areas
- Check Fire Restrictions: Seasonal bans are common—always verify before your trip
- 14-Day Limit: Maximum stay per site (30 days per year total)
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: No trash services—leave no trace
- Distance from Water: Bury human waste at least 200 feet from lakes and streams
👉 Always check with a local ranger station or the Carson Pass Information Center for current conditions and restrictions.
Know Where Dispersed Camping is NOT Allowed
This is where a lot of people get it wrong.
Dispersed camping is not allowed in:
- Developed campground zones
- Heavily managed recreation areas
- Areas clearly marked with “No Camping” signage
This includes much of:
- Silver Lake shoreline
- Caples Lake core recreation area
- Carson Pass summit zone
👉 If you’re unsure, assume restrictions are in place until confirmed otherwise.
Why Go Dispersed Here?
Dispersed camping in this area isn’t about finding the “perfect campsite”—it’s about finding your own space.
- More privacy
- Flexible arrival (no reservations)
- Closer connection to the landscape
👉 Sierra Rec Take: Some of our better nights in this part of the Sierra haven’t been in campgrounds at all—just a quiet pull-off, a small fire (when allowed), and the kind of stillness you don’t always get in the more popular spots.
H2: Reservations, Access, and Seasonal Tips
- Reservations, Access, and Seasonal Tips
Camping along Highway 88 at Silver Lake and Caples Lake is one of the more accessible ways to experience the high Sierra—but timing matters here more than most places.
Highway 88 Access
Highway 88 is one of the few Sierra passes that stays open year-round, which makes this area unique compared to places like Tioga Pass or Sonora Pass.
That said, access doesn’t always mean availability.
Snow can linger well into late spring and early summer
Campgrounds and dispersed areas typically don’t open until conditions allow
In heavier snow years, openings can push close to late June or even around the Fourth of July
👉 Sierra Rec Take: You can reach this area in winter, and it’s actually a popular spot for snow camping—but summer-style camping doesn’t really start until the snow fully clears out.
Reservations and Booking
Only one campground in this area requires advance reservations:
Silver Lake East Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov
All other campgrounds in the Caples and Carson Pass area are first-come, first-served
👉 If you’re planning a peak summer trip:
Book Silver Lake East early
Or arrive mid-week / early in the day for first-come sites
Best Time to Camp
The prime camping season here runs from late July through early October, with conditions improving quickly once the snow melts out.
Late July – August: Warm days, busy campgrounds, best for families
Late August – Early September: Ideal balance of weather and fewer crowds
Late September – October: Cooler temps, quieter experience, early fall color
👉 Sierra Rec Take: We tend to favor late August into early September—warm enough to enjoy the lake during the day, but with a quieter, more relaxed feel as summer starts to wind down.
H2: What to Do from Camp
Hiking, Fishing, Kayaking and Paddleboarding are by far the most popular activities out this way. But Kirkwood access in summer give way to mountain bikers, disc Golf and horseback riding as well. On a warm summer day you would often find Charlie and Dakota on the East Shoreline of Caples Lake, Hammock strung in a tree just off shore, swimming in their own private oasis and paddleboarding between rocks. For a complete recreation Guide for this area check out our Caples Lake Recreation Area Guide.
Sierra Rec Take: Where I’d Camp
If I had to choose, I’d usually lean toward Woods Lake—either in the campground or tucked into one of the nearby dispersed spots. There’s something about being just far enough off Highway 88 that changes the feel of the trip. It’s quieter, a little more tucked away, and feels closer to the kind of Sierra experience I grew up with.
That said, some of my favorite memories in this area come from Silver Lake West Campground along the river. It has a more open feel, easy access to water, and it’s just a great place to settle in for a couple of nights.
I remember taking my youngest up there one summer—nothing complicated, just a simple overnight. We sat by Silver Lake eating fried chicken while the geese wandered nearby, then headed back to camp and spent the evening chopping firewood like we had somewhere important to be. The next morning started early with a swim down at one of the pothole spots along the river.
No fishing on that trip… don’t ask why.
👉 Those are the kinds of trips that stick. Not the big plans—just the time spent together in places like this.
Where to Stay: Cabins, Lodges, and Resort Options Along Highway 88
Not every trip to Caples or Silver Lake has to be a tent-and-dirt kind of weekend. This stretch of Highway 88 has a handful of classic Sierra resorts that offer a different kind of basecamp—one that mixes comfort with access to everything you came up here for.
Caples Lake Resort
Caples Lake Resort
4.5•Resorts•Open
Perched right along the shoreline, Caples Lake Resort has quietly come back to life after several years of closure—and it’s one of the more unique stays in this part of the Sierra.
The resort offers a mix of:
- Cabin rentals and lodge-style rooms
- A small marina with boat rentals and lake access
- On-site dining and a relaxed, social atmosphere
It’s the kind of place where you can wake up, grab coffee, and be on the water or trail within minutes.
👉 If you want a true lakefront experience without pitching a tent, this is your spot.
Kit Carson Lodge (Silver Lake)
Kit Carson Lodge
4.4•Hotel
This is one of those places that feels like it hasn’t changed in the best way possible.
Kit Carson Lodge has been hosting Sierra travelers for over 90 years, and it shows—in all the right ways.
You’ll find:
- Rustic housekeeping cabins and lodge rooms
- Lakeside views right on Silver Lake
- A full restaurant with breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- A slower pace that encourages you to actually unplug
There’s limited cell service, no distractions, and a setting that naturally pulls you outside.
👉 This is a family tradition type of place—the kind you return to year after year.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
3.9•Ski Resorts
Just a few minutes up the road, Kirkwood offers a different kind of stay—more modern, more built out, but still surrounded by some of the most dramatic terrain in the Sierra.
Kirkwood is best known for:
- Winter skiing and snowboarding
- Summer hiking, biking, and meadow exploration
- Condo-style lodging and resort amenities
The village-style setup gives you:
- Restaurants and services on-site
- Easy access to trails and high alpine terrain
- A good option for families or groups wanting more structure
The resort sits in a high alpine setting along Highway 88 and operates year-round with seasonal activities.
👉 Think of Kirkwood as your full-service mountain basecamp.
Sierra Rec Take
This stretch of Highway 88 gives you something a lot of Sierra destinations don’t—you can choose your experience.
You can:
- Camp right along the lake
- Disappear into the forest on a dirt road
- Or settle into a cabin and still wake up in the middle of it all
👉 That flexibility is what makes Caples and Silver Lake such an underrated basecamp zone.
H2: Sierra Rec Camping Essentials for This Trip
Sierra Rec Camping Gear for Silver Lake & Caples Lake
Camping along Highway 88 is a little different than lower-elevation Sierra trips. Even in mid-summer, nights at 7,000–8,000 feet cool off quickly, and weather can shift fast. Having the right setup doesn’t mean packing more—it just means packing smarter.
Here’s a simple, trail-tested setup we’d recommend for this type of trip.
Shelter That Handles Sierra Conditions
When you’re camping in this part of the Sierra, afternoon wind and quick temperature drops are part of the deal. A reliable tent that sets up quickly and holds up in changing conditions makes a big difference.
MSR® backpacking and camping tents from Cascade Designs are built for real trail use—light enough to carry, easy to pitch, and dependable when conditions shift.
👉 If you’re setting up near Caples or Silver Lake, this is the kind of shelter you want dialed before the sun drops.
SHOP NOW
Sleep System That Keeps You Comfortable
High-elevation nights here can surprise people. Even in August, temperatures can dip enough to make a basic setup uncomfortable.
Therm-a-Rest® gear from Cascade Designs has been a go-to for a reason:
- Sleeping pads that actually hold up in real backcountry conditions
- Comfort for side sleepers and cold sleepers alike
- Lightweight sleeping bags that still provide warmth for Sierra nights
If you’ve ever had one of those long, cold nights at elevation, upgrading your sleep system is one of the easiest wins.
SHOP NOW
Power, Light, and Charging
Between headlamps, phones, and cameras, having reliable power at camp is more useful than most people expect—especially on longer weekends.
- Compact solar panels
- Durable battery packs
- Simple, reliable charging for camp use
Great for keeping things running without relying on your vehicle.
SHOP NOW
Sierra Rec Take
You don’t need a massive gear setup for this area—but you do want a dependable one. A solid tent, a warm sleep system, and a simple power solution go a long way toward making these trips more comfortable, especially when temperatures drop and the wind picks up off the lakes.
H2: FAQs About Camping at Silver Lake and Caples Lake
FAQs: Camping at Silver Lake and Caples Lake
Do you need reservations to camp at Silver Lake or Caples Lake?
Only Silver Lake East Campground requires reservations, which are handled through Recreation.gov.
All other campgrounds in the area—including Silver Lake West, Caples Lake Campground, Woods Lake, and Kirkwood Lake—are first-come, first-served.
👉 During peak summer weekends, arriving early in the day or mid-week gives you the best chance of finding a site.
When do campgrounds open at Silver Lake and Caples Lake?
Most campgrounds typically open between mid-June and early July, depending on snow conditions.
Even though Highway 88 is open year-round, snowpack often delays campground access until:
- Roads are cleared
- Sites are dry and accessible
- Facilities are ready for use
👉 In heavy snow years, openings can push close to the Fourth of July.
Is Highway 88 open year-round?
Yes—Highway 88 is one of the few Sierra passes that remains open year-round.
However:
- Winter conditions can still impact travel
- Camping access is limited outside of summer
- Snow camping is possible but requires proper gear and preparation
Is dispersed camping allowed near Silver Lake and Caples Lake?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in surrounding National Forest areas, but not everywhere.
Dispersed camping is generally:
- Allowed outside developed recreation zones
- Restricted around Silver Lake, Caples Lake, and the Carson Pass summit area
👉 Look for posted signage and avoid camping in clearly designated campground-only areas.
Where are the best dispersed camping areas near Carson Pass?
Some of the more commonly used dispersed camping zones include:
- Forest roads near Forestdale Road (Red Lake area)
- Pull-offs and backroads near Woods Lake and Carson Pass
👉 These areas offer more space and flexibility, but require self-sufficiency and responsible use.
Are campfires allowed in this area?
Campfires are allowed only when conditions permit, and a California Campfire Permit is required for any fire or stove use outside developed campgrounds.
Restrictions can change quickly due to fire danger.
👉 Always check current fire regulations before your trip.
What is the best time of year to camp here?
The best time to camp at Silver Lake and Caples Lake is:
- Late July through August: Warmest weather, busiest season
- Late August through early September: Ideal balance of weather and fewer crowds
- Late September: Cooler temps, quieter experience, early fall color
👉 Many Sierra Rec trips land in that late August to early September window.
Can you camp at Woods Lake or Kirkwood Lake?
Yes, both Woods Lake and Kirkwood Lake have campgrounds, but they are tent-only sites and do not accept reservations.
- Woods Lake offers strong access to hiking around Carson Pass
- Kirkwood Lake is smaller and more low-key
Are RVs allowed at Silver Lake and Caples Lake campgrounds?
Yes, but options vary:
- Silver Lake East and Caples Lake Campground can accommodate larger RVs (up to ~40 ft)
- Silver Lake West allows smaller RVs (up to ~24 ft)
- Woods Lake and Kirkwood Lake are tent-only
Is Silver Lake or Caples Lake better for camping?
It depends on what you’re looking for:
- Silver Lake: More accessible, more developed, easier for families
- Caples Lake: Slightly quieter, more spread out, great for a more relaxed basecamp
👉 Many campers choose based on availability—or stay in one and explore both.
