Recreation at Sly Park Reservoir is managed by the El Dorado Irrigation District under an agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation's Central CA Area Office. The reservoir was created by Sly Park Dam across Sly Park Creek. The dam is a feature of the Central Valley Project, American River Division. Sly Park offers an ab
Maybe — confirm before you go.
Reclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Official / Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.eid.org ↗
- Contact 530.644.2545
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Sly Park Reservoir — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — Reclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you fish at Sly Park Reservoir?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Sly Park Reservoir. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you camp at Sly Park Reservoir?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Trail 8B, Ferrari Mill Road, Blue Gouge Mine Road, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Sly Park Reservoir. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Yes Can you bring a dog?
Generally yes — dogs are welcome when kept under control (usually leashed). Confirm any local rules.
Depends Are drones allowed?
Sometimes — often allowed away from wilderness and developed or crowded areas, with rules. Check locally before you fly.
Nearby sites
Sebastian Werner / CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Forest Service Eldorado National Forest
CheckThis Forest Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
American River North Middle South Forks
CheckThis Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
