A Day Trip to Silverwood Lake with dogs

It was a warm sunny day in December. It rained yesterday, but there was no shadow of gloom or dampness in the air. I heard that there was some open campsites there and thought well, before we go let's check out the campground/ Maybe we can come back with the trailer. 

Silverwood Lake has a day use area with a few different parking lots areas. 

 Location

We listened to the GPS on the way there and ended up going to the east where there is 4x4 off-roading. It led to the back of the lake. There was nowhere to really enjoy the lake here. We turned back around and took the main road back to the recreation area.

Just a few miles up the road was the turn out for the day use area and if you keep going toward the right, there are two group camping sites. These were closed at this time. 

Silverwood Lake Camping

There are two other campgrounds that are open. One is a full hookup campground for glamping and the other is a series of loops for dry camping. All sites in these areas are spacious and come with a picnic table and fire pit. There is hot showers and restrooms. 

Looking past some of the campsites you can see a bike trail that goes through all the camping loops. In fact, there is a lot of bike trails all over the lake area. 

The campground is well cared for. Clean and easily accessible. But be prepared. Buy your groceries before you arrive. Otherwise, you'll be left with the tackle shop and a small general store down the road. 

Day Use

Fishing

This lake is a popular fishing spot. We asked a couple of fishermen on the shore if they caught anything, but no one had. Trout, catfish, crappie and couple different types of bass.

You can fish from the shore or from a boat. There is a marina, and you can fish until sunset. 

Swimming

During the warmer months there is a couple of lake beaches that you can go swimming in. I say two because on both ends of the lake, there is a lifeguard tower. I am sure it gets quite busy during the summer months. 

No dogs allowed on the beach area 😒 

Boating

You can bring your boat, there is a boat launch area by the marina. Enjoy a nice day of fishing or just take in the serene landscape. 

Where to Stay

The area is surrounded by mountains. Besides the campgrounds, there isn't anywhere nearby that you can stay otherwise. If you're planning a day trip, this lake is not too far from the city of Fontana for example. 

There is a motel right off the 15-freeway called Cajon Pass Inn. It is roughly 15 minutes from the lake.  They are pet-friendly for an additional fee.  

Because the road to the lake is long and winding, if stopping for snacks or groceries, one should prepare to stop by the Stater Brothers of the Summit Ridge.

Silverwood Lake Weather

Again, be prepared. It gets cold up there. If like me, you too enjoy cold weather camping, then this is the place for you. Temperatures vary between the mid-50s and low 60s. If the sun is shining, you get the warm sun on your face. 

Pack your gloves, beanie and puffy jacket!

Don't forget the firepit or wood for a natural wood-burning fire. It's gonna be a chilly night. It could chill down to a freezing 30 ॰.  Click here to access up to the date weather condition for Silverwood Lake.

Overall, seems like a nice quiet place to hang for the day or possibly weekend if you're staying in the campground. If you have a California Explorer pass, day entry is free.  Make your camping reservations here.