Jenkinson Lake, also known as Sly Park, is a drinking water reservoir in El Dorado County run by the El Dorado Irrigation District, and one of Northern California’s family friendly paddleboarding experiences. The 640-acre reservoir sits at 3,482 feet, ringed by pine forest and granite outcroppings. Whether you’re a beginner seeking calm waters or an experienced paddler looking for scenic adventure, Jenkinson Lake delivers an exceptional day on the water with comprehensive facilities and diverse recreational opportunities.
Getting There and Basic Information
Take US-50 east from Sacramento to Exit 60 (Sly Park Road) and turn right. The park entrance is about 4.5 miles down Sly Park Road, on your left, at 4771 Sly Park Road in Pollock Pines.
Under the 2026 fee schedule, day use costs $16 per vehicle, $21 on holidays, and $11 for visitors 62 and over, military with ID, and disabled visitors. Pets are $8 each. Launching your own paddleboard, kayak, or canoe adds $4 per vessel, and a trailered boat is $15.
For repeat trips, the annual day-use permit is $180 per vehicle, plus a $45 non-trailered boat endorsement if you bring a board. At $20 a visit, that pays back in about a dozen trips. Passes are sold in person only, at the gatehouse or reservation office, and they also work at EID’s Caples Lake and Silver Lake day-use areas.
Gate hours: May through September, 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with every boat off the water by 8:00 PM. October through April, 7:30 AM until dusk, with boats off the water by 5:00 PM.
The lake operates year-round, though paddleboard rentals are seasonal, weekends only. December through February, campsites go first come, first served, and snow can cover parts of the trail system.
The El Dorado Irrigation District manages the recreation area, which has two concrete boat ramps: Doolittle, on the main lake, and Stonebraker, in the upper lake’s narrower section.
Both ramps work for paddleboarders, with Stonebraker particularly favored for its quieter waters and 5-mph speed limit.
Contacts: Gatehouse (530) 295-6824, Reservation Office (530) 295-6810, Recreation@EID.org. EID staffs these phones intermittently, so leave one message and wait for a callback.
Golden Mussel Boat Restrictions
Since April 2025, EID has restricted boat launching at Jenkinson Lake to keep invasive golden mussels out of the drinking water system, and the current rules run “until further notice.” Motorized and trailered boats need a completed 30-day quarantine under an EID tag, an intact EID exit tag, a qualifying tag from another agency, or a Tahoe Regional Planning Agency decontamination seal.
In EID’s words, “Non-motorized vessels (e.g., kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards) are exempt if determined to be clean, drained, and dry.” Arrive with the board dry and the fin box free of weeds and mud.
An unquarantined trailer is not allowed in the water, so trailered paddle craft get hand-launched. Quarantine tagging happens at the park daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, no appointments. Questions go to Boating@EID.org.
Fall 2026 Construction
EID’s state environmental filings schedule several projects for the low-use season. The Sierra and Chimney campground restrooms, wrecked by the February 2026 storms, are being fully replaced over about 30 days in early fall 2026, and the Pinecone restroom gets the same treatment. The surrounding campground areas close while crews work. A multi-year upgrade of both boat ramps, starting with a wider three-lane Doolittle ramp, is also slated to begin in a fall window. Call the gatehouse before a September or October trip.
Water Conditions and Temperature
Water Temperature and Lake Level
No agency publishes a water temperature for Jenkinson Lake; the state’s monitoring station here records storage only. Expect cold water into early summer, the most comfortable swimming from July through September, and cold again by late October. Check it with your hand at the launch before deciding on a wetsuit.
The California Data Exchange Center’s 1991 to 2020 averages put the reservoir near 39,851 acre-feet in May, close to its 41,000 acre-foot capacity, and down to about 28,842 acre-feet by November. That drop of roughly a quarter of the lake’s volume means more exposed shoreline, longer carries from the parking area, and rocks and stumps closer to the surface on autumn paddles.
Water Quality and the Caldor Fire
Jenkinson Lake is a drinking water reservoir, which is why California’s drinking water rules keep domestic animals and diapers out of the lake and its streams. EID warns that the state can revoke the body-contact exemption that allows swimming at all.
The 2021 Caldor Fire burned almost 222,000 acres and, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, “nearly all of Sly Park Creek watershed” upstream of the lake. USGS crews then began measuring the sediment that washed into the reservoir.
Paddleboard Rentals and Equipment
Sly Park Paddle Rentals, run by Current Adventures, operates from the Stonebraker launching facility, 2.3 miles from the park entrance. Available equipment includes:
Paddleboards: $20 for the first hour. The operator’s site lists two different rates for additional hours, so confirm the longer-rental price when you book.
Additional Equipment: Kayaks start at $20 for the first hour, and canoes and tandem kayaks at $30. Life jackets come with every rental, and Sly Park Paddle Rentals requires you to wear yours. Rental boats stay inside the 5 mph zone.
Operating Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 9 AM to 5 PM. The season dates disagree across sources: the operator’s current banner lists “May – Sept 13th, 2026” while other parts of its site say May through October, EID’s park page says Memorial Day through Labor Day, and EID’s FAQ says Friday through Sunday. Call 530-626-3435 before counting on a rental; the office is not at the lake.
If you plan to visit more than once or twice during the season, bringing your own board pays for itself fast. An inflatable SUP fits in your trunk and takes about ten minutes to inflate at the launch. Toss a waterproof dry bag under the bungee for your keys and snacks, and you’re set for the day.
Distance Guide to Popular Paddleboard Destinations
USGS measures the reservoir at about 2.2 miles long and 1.0 mile wide.
Main Lake Area
- Doolittle Ramp to Narrows Entrance: Approximately 0.8 miles – perfect for beginners seeking a moderate paddle close to the main facilities.
- Main Lake Circuit: 2-3 miles – offers open water paddling with mountain views and occasional wildlife sightings.
The main lake carries ski and wake boats. EID allows speeds up to 35 mph on a counterclockwise travel pattern, with a 5 mph limit within 200 feet of the shoreline, docks, ramps, and swim areas. Stay near shore on the main lake and cross open water quickly. Jet skis and other personal watercraft are not allowed.
Upper Lake (The Narrows)
- Stonebraker Launch to Park Creek: 1.2 miles – leads toward the waterfall area through the scenic narrow section
- Full Narrows Exploration: 1.5-2 miles – encompasses the entire 5-mph zone with opportunities for quiet paddling and wildlife observation
Extended Adventures
- Complete Lake Perimeter: advanced paddlers can follow the shoreline around the entire lake, though this requires significant endurance and time. No agency publishes a paddling distance for the lap.
- Doolittle Ramp to Second Dam: 1.5 miles – provides views of the auxiliary dam
For a full lap of the lake, a touring board built for distance tracking makes the trip significantly more enjoyable. Venture Wild builds inflatable touring boards designed for this kind of mileage (use code THEMK for 10% off).
The Narrows is a 5 mph zone for every boat, which keeps the ski traffic on the main lake and makes the upper lake the place to paddleboard.
Wildlife Viewing
Mammals
The Jenkinson Lake watershed supports diverse mammal populations typical of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
California mule deer are commonly spotted along the shoreline, particularly during early morning and evening hours.
American black bears inhabit the surrounding forest and occasionally visit the lake for water. EID confirms bears in the campgrounds, so put food and garbage away at night.
Mountain lions are present in the area, sightings are rare but have been reported in El Dorado County.
Smaller mammals include raccoons, gray squirrels, and various rodent species that contribute to the ecosystem’s biodiversity.
Bird Species
Birdlife makes the lake excellent for wildlife observation while paddling. Common sightings include:
Waterfowl: Great blue herons, great egrets, mallards, American wigeon, and ring-necked ducks frequent the lake throughout the year.
Raptors: Red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, and turkey vultures are regularly observed soaring above the lake.
Woodland Birds: Acorn woodpeckers, Steller’s jays, mountain chickadees, and cedar waxwings inhabit the surrounding forest.
Seasonal Visitors: Various warblers, flycatchers, and other songbirds arrive during migration periods.
Best Wildlife Viewing Areas
The narrow upper lake section provides the best wildlife observation opportunities due to reduced boat traffic and proximity to undisturbed shoreline habitat. Early morning and late afternoon paddles offer optimal wildlife viewing conditions.
Fishing
Fish Species
Jenkinson Lake supports both coldwater and warmwater fisheries, making it attractive for anglers who combine fishing with paddleboarding. The state’s mercury sampling here covers three groups:
Rainbow Trout: Planted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in the cool months. The CDFW fish planting schedule lists trout plants here in October and November 2025 and again in January and February 2026.
Black Bass: Present in the lake and sampled by the state for mercury.
Sunfish: Also present and covered by the same advisory.
Safety Advisory
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has issued safe eating guidelines for fish from Jenkinson Lake due to mercury levels. The limits depend on who is eating:
- Women 18 to 49 and children 1 to 17: 7 servings a week of rainbow trout, OR 3 of sunfish, OR 1 of black bass.
- Women 50 and older and men 18 and older: 7 servings a week of rainbow trout or sunfish, OR 2 of black bass.
OEHHA defines a serving as a fillet about the size and thickness of your hand, and advises eating only the skinless fillet.
A valid California fishing license is required. Buy one through CDFW’s online license sales before you drive up. Current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations apply, including specific bag limits and size restrictions.
Camping at Jenkinson Lake
Campground Overview
The El Dorado Irrigation District spreads regular campsites across nine campgrounds around Jenkinson Lake: Pinecone, Sierra, Chimney, Hilltop, Hazel, Rainbow, Kamloop, Dogwood, and Stonebraker. EID’s own filings count 190 campsites.
Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and barbecue, with vault toilets and water faucets throughout the campgrounds. There are no showers, no hookups, and no WiFi, and cell reception fades as you drive deeper into the park.
Campground Types and Amenities
Standard and Family Campsites: Standard sites hold up to 6 people and family sites up to 12, with infants included in the count. Waterview sites in Pinecone, Sierra, and Chimney let you beach or anchor a boat close to camp.
2026 nightly rates: standard site $42 ($37 for seniors, military, and disabled campers), Pinecone Strip $55, waterfront $65, and family $95. Extra vehicles are $20, and pets and boats are paid on arrival.
Group Areas: Multiple group camping areas can accommodate up to 50 people, with Area 4 being a walk-in, tent-only facility for 30 people.
Black Oak Equestrian Camp: Reserved exclusively for campers with horses, with no day use allowed. EID lists nine sites at $55 a night ($50 for seniors, military, and disabled campers), with some portable corrals and hitching posts and direct access to horse trails around the lake.
Reservation Information
Individual campsites can be reserved up to six months in advance for March through November through EID’s online reservation system, which shows photos of each site. December through February is first come, first served. Cancellations are allowed up to four days before arrival for a $15 fee. Questions go to the Reservation Office at (530) 295-6810.
Nearby Accommodations
Sly Park Resort: A small general store with a bar and restaurant, directly across the street from the park entrance. The nearest full grocery store is the Safeway in Pollock Pines, about 4.5 miles north.
Sly Guard Cabin: A Forest Service cabin available through Recreation.gov, providing a rustic lodging option near the lake.
Hiking Trails and Waterfall Access
Sly Park Waterfall Trail
The most popular hiking destination is the waterfall, and it is man-made. EID feeds it with water diverted at Camp Creek and can start or stop the flow at any time. The waterfall is shut off when the lake is full and usually slows or stops from about mid-June through fall. Check the flow on EID’s Jenkinson Lake Streamflow Information page before planning a hike around it.
Trailhead Access: EID publishes three approaches. From the Hazel Creek day use area inside the park, the waterfall is about one mile away. From the Waterfall Trail Parking Area just past the second dam off Mormon Emigrant Trail, it is about three miles, with a $5 self-pay fee. In winter, the road closes at Stonebraker Boat Launch and the walk becomes about 3.5 miles round trip.
Trail Conditions: From Hazel Meadow, on the lake’s northeastern shore, the path follows the shoreline through shaded forest. When the trail forks, stay right along the shoreline to reach the Park Creek Bridge area.
Lake Loop Trail
More than nine miles of trail surround Jenkinson Lake, mostly following the shoreline. EID rates the system mostly easy to moderate, with a short, more difficult section on the south shore where novice mountain bikers should be prepared to walk. Some north shore sections run along the roadway, so watch for cars.
Trail Features: Pine and fir forest, small meadows, and waterfowl viewing opportunities.
Additional Trail Systems
Fleming Meadows Trail System: Provides alternative hiking options away from the main lake area.
Mormon Emigrant Trail: A road running east from the lake. The Waterfall Trail Parking Area sits off it just past the second dam.
Multi-Use Trail Considerations
A few portions of the trail are multi-use, so expect hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians in those sections. Trail etiquette requires hikers to yield to horses and cyclists to yield to hikers, though yielding to all trail users is recommended for safety. Dogs are welcome on the trails on a leash at all times, and never in the lake or its tributaries.
Planning Your Paddleboard Day
Best Times to Visit
Early Season (May-June): Cooler water temperatures but fewer crowds, the fullest lake of the year, and excellent wildflower displays along hiking trails.
Peak Season (July-September): Warmest water temperatures and long evenings, though expect higher visitor numbers, particularly on weekends.
Fall (October-November): Comfortable temperatures with reduced crowds and beautiful autumn colors, though water temperatures begin dropping, the lake sits at its lowest, and the gate closes earlier.
What to Bring
- A Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on the board. Outside a designated swimming area your board counts as a vessel, so the jacket has to be aboard, and California requires anyone under 13 to wear one while underway.
- A whistle, which covers the sound-signal rule for small vessels
- A white light if there is any chance of being out after sunset
- A leash. The law does not require one, and it is still the piece of gear that keeps your board within reach after a fall.
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Water and snacks
- Waterproof bag for essentials
- Camera for wildlife photography
- Appropriate clothing for water temperature
- Fishing license if planning to fish
Safety Considerations
- Check weather conditions before launching
- Stay aware of changing wind conditions
- Respect the 5-mph speed limit in the upper lake, and hug the shoreline on the main lake where boats can run at 35 mph
- Keep pets and diapers out of the water (state drinking water law)
- Arrive with your board clean, drained, and dry
- Inform someone of your paddling plans
- Consider early morning launches for calmer conditions and better wildlife viewing
Jenkinson Lake offers an exceptional paddleboarding experience that combines mountain water, diverse wildlife, solid facilities, and additional recreational opportunities. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful morning paddle, wildlife photography opportunities, or an adventure-filled day combining paddleboarding with hiking and camping, this Sierra Nevada lake provides the setting for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you buy through one, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Article Updates
September 15, 2026: Corrected this guide against El Dorado Irrigation District, OEHHA, USGS, and California Data Exchange Center sources. Day use is $16, not $13, pets are $8, not $5, and launching a paddleboard costs $4, which the page never mentioned. Reservations open six months ahead, not 14. Family sites hold 12 people, not 8, and the park has nine campgrounds and 190 sites. The mercury advisory named the wrong age band and left out the limits for men and women over 50. The waterfall is man-made and often shut off in summer. The loop trail is more than nine miles, not 8.8, and the lake is 640 acres at 3,482 feet. Removed a water temperature table built from other lakes, an unsourced “current” temperature, and fish species, a gas station, and a fishing license retailer that no source confirms. Added the golden mussel boat restrictions, gate hours, fall 2026 construction, lake-level drawdown, the Caldor Fire, life jacket rules, and contact numbers. Corrected the agency name to El Dorado Irrigation District.
August 4, 2026: Added the affiliate disclosure this page should have carried.
