Silver Creek

This is a beautiful campground. Some of the campsites are quite small and others are very specious. I think that some are singles / some doubles. It straddles Highway 4, but there's little to no traffic at night. We stayed one night only (on a Thursday) and there were many spaces still available for a last minute camper. The campground has no water. We knew this in advance, so we brought our own and it worked out great. The campground host is fantastic - really goes out of his way to be helpful.

Beautiful campground and Gunny was an excellent campground host. Our only disappointment was in the lack of water available at the pumps. That said we will be returning n the future.

When I arrived my campsite was raked, clean, tables and bear bins leveled. I have never seen that in any other forest campground in CA. Gunny the host was great and keeps a keen on how the campground runs.

The camp host was amazing. Gunny was the best. Campground clean. Campsites raked, tables leveled along with the bear box.

The host was very kind and the camp was very clean. However...
He drove around the camp doing laps just about every hour on his golf cart during the day and into the evening. It was the first time I had ever experienced anything like that and would honestly have rather gone without the "patrols." I feels silly to write now, but it felt excessive at the time.

Luckily we brought a gas stove with us, otherwise we would have gone hungry for breakfast as we were told "we dont do fires in the mornings."
It wasn't hot or the middle of the day and there were were no restrictions in place. I understand the cause for concern, but with water jugs in every camp, fire rings, and regular patrols one would think you could cook some eggs.

If you are on the loops anywhere near the highway you will hear and see the cars and headlights late into the night. Lastly the lack of water was very frustrating. We had accepted it going in and brought enough with us, however, it was still frustrating.

Watch out for 13, there's a huge ant's nest right under the only spot to put a tent. Sure you expect wildlife when camping, but if you pause for even a long moment in front of your tent they will be ALL over your feet and legs.

I've been camping at Silver Creek since 1994, long enough to recall the era when running water was available. Best thing about it: NO CELL SERVICE, so it really forces one to unplug from the noise that accompanies 21st century life. I live in the Reno area so getting to this facility is a breeze. Wildfires in the area leading to the campground have decimated the scenery along significant sections between Woodfords and Ebbetts Pass, but the views from the campground and along Highway 4 as it passes Kinney Reservoir remain pristine. As it is a DRY campground, bring more water than you think you'll need. Westrek, the vendor responsible for staffing the campground has had good success with its campground hosts as the last three have been great at keeping up with site cleanliness and maintaining the vault toilets also.

If you are bringing a RV over 20' long over Ebbetts Pass ( Highway 4) from West to East, be aware the road is one lane in spots and features some blind hairpin turns.

Great place

If you get the right campsite here (some are pretty small) you will love it. It was quiet except for sound of the rushing creek, which was relaxing. Camp host was terrific and there were clean restrooms 👏🏻👏🏻. Easy access to places along Highway 4.

Silver Creek is well administered by WESTrek. They are not responsible for the USDA's unwillingness to restore water service to the Campground but it appears they aren't pushing the issue. Humboldt-Toiyabe staff don't see it as a big deal. Hazard trees removed throughout the campground mean less shade than in years past. Fire rings and bear boxes are of recent vintage. Access roads are in fair shape as are the parking pads. A camper improvised walking path between Sites 3 and 4 provides easy access to Hiway 4, a hundred yards or so from Raymond Meadow Falls, a pretty spot for photos or a refreshing dip on a hot day. Using those Falls involves risk and children cannot be left unattended, especially when the Spring run-off is in full force. Bring plenty of bug spray, sunblock, and water. Pop-Up Shades are also very handy. Vault toilets are cleaned daily. Dumpsters are a bit undersized for the amount of traffic the campground receives; be prepared to haul your trash home if the dumpsters are full. Markleeville and Grover Hot Springs State Park are within a half hour drive. You can venture west on Hiway 4 to the Ebbetts Pass summit which includes scenic Kinney Reservoir and access to the Pacifc Crest Trail. Have been going to Silver Creek since 1994 (tent camping) and will continue to visit as long as I able.

Our camp host Gunny was great!