Park Activities
Biking
Mountain biking is allowed on the trail around Sylvan Lake and surrounding White River National Forest roads & trails. EagleOutside.com is a great single track guide for the Town of Eagle trail system.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:43 AM
Boating
The 42 acre lake is a beautiful setting for a leisurely paddle. Only non-motorized boats or boats with electric trolling motors are allowed. All Colorado State boating regulations apply.
Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are available for rental beginning Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend from the Entrance Gate at Sylvan Lake. $25 for a half day rental, $40 for a full day rental, first-come, first-serve.
Boat registrations and ANS stamps are available at the visitor center.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:44 AM
Cabins and Yurts
We offer eight small camper cabins and one large cabin located near the lake available for year-round rental. There are three yurts located on East Brush Creek, 9 1/2 miles from the lake, that are available mid-May to mid-November. The large cabin sleeps 12; the yurts and camper cabins can sleep up to 6.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:44 AM
Camping
Camping is available mid-May through the end of October at Sylvan Lake State Park. Sites are appropriate for tents and RVs. Although there are no hookups available, showers, flush toilets, a dump station, and potable water spigots are available mid-May through the end of November, weather dependent. Vault toilets are available year-round. Please call the visitor center at (970) 328-2021 to inquire about Winter camping options.
In addition to a Parks Pass, campers are required to make a reservation prior to arrival through cpwshop.com or by calling 800-244-5613. Camping is allowed in designated campsites only.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:45 AM
Cross-country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is a great way to enjoy our pristine area during the winter. Stop into the visitor center for an updated map of trail opportunities near Sylvan Lake.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:47 AM
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:
- They are on a six foot or shorter leash at all times
- Their waste is properly disposed of
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:47 AM
Education Programs
Always wanted to know more about bats or bears? Interpretive and environmental education programs are available every weekend throughout the summer months. Available upon request during the winter months.
Please drop by our Visitor’s Center or call (970) 328-2021 for schedule information. Follow Sylvan Lake on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming program information.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:47 AM
Equipment Rental
Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are available for rental beginning Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend from the Entrance Gate at Sylvan Lake. $25 for a half day, $40 for a full day rental, first-come, first-serve.
In winter, stop by the Visitor’s Center between 8am-4pm for complimentary snowshoe rentals.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:48 AM
Fishing
Sylvan Lake is a 42 surface-acre reservoir located in the West Brush Creek Valley. The lake is stocked with Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout. Brook and Brown Trout may also be caught. From Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, fishing is not allowed between the lake inlet and ½ mile upstream to allow for fish spawning. The park also includes 10 miles of mountain stream fishing along East and West Brush Creek. Visitors 16 and older must have a valid Colorado fishing license, available for purchase at the park’s Visitor Center.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:48 AM
Geocaching
Find our cache hidden within a non-fee area of the park. Clues are posted on geocaching.com. Stop into the Visitor Center for coordinates.
Several other geocaches have been placed around the area and the Town of Eagle.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:49 AM
Group Camping
A spacious group campsite, with dedicated vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, is available for groups of up to 60 people mid-May through October. Reservations are required and can be made six months in advance through cpwshop.com.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:50 AM
Hiking
The 1.5 mile Sylvan Lake Trail provides fishing access and a relaxing walk.
The 5.8 mile West Brush Creek Trail connects The Meadows Day Use Area to the campground and lake.
Popular trails on the surrounding White River National Forest - Sneve Gulch, McKenzie Gulch, Nolan Lake, Lake Charles and Ironedge are all good options.
Stop at the Visitor Center for information and current conditions.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:50 AM
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is allowed on the West Brush Creek Trail from The Meadows to Antones Creek. Some portions may be difficult on horseback and riders may want to dismount or explore alternative routes. Horses are also permitted on the surrounding White River National Forest including the McKenzie Gulch Trail.
Mountain Trekkers Back Country Horsemen improved the water crossing at Bear Gulch during the summer of 2018 & installed a hitching rail near the Bear Gulch bathroom.
Horses are not permitted in developed areas of the park: campground, cabins, yurts, and day use areas at the lake.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:51 AM
Hunting
Big game hunting is excellent in the White River National Forest, which surrounds the park. During legal seasons hunting is allowed in many areas of the park, but is prohibited within 100 yards of any facilities including the lake, cabins, yurts, designated campground, visitor center, picnic area, boat ramp or nature trail.
Waterfowl hunting at the lake is prohibited due to proximity to high use areas. Waterfowl hunting at other areas follows regulations above.
Information on hunting seasons and regulations is available online or by contacting the park office at (970) 328-2021. The park is located in GMU 44.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:51 AM
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is permitted during the winter with a valid Parks Pass. Use caution, and fish at your own risk. Ice Fishing equipment is available to borrow, call the park at (970) 328-2021 for more info, as well as for updated ice conditions.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:52 AM
Ice Skating
Ice skating is allowed, but skaters are advised to bring their own shovel to clear the snow. Call the visitors center at (970) 328-2021 for current ice conditions and access.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:52 AM
OHV Riding
Visitors may ride Off Highway Vehicles from the Sylvan Lake State Park campground and cabins to access designated routes on the National Forest. Yurt visitors need to trailer machines to the Yeoman Park USFS Campground for access.
Motor Vehicle Use Maps and Travel Management information for the White River National Forest can be found online at fs.usda.gov/whiteriver, or by contacting the Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District and White River National Forest at (970) 827-5715.
OHV registrations and maps available at visitor center.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:53 AM
Photography
Sylvan Lake is a photographer’s dream. Enjoy the cascading East and West Brush Creeks, Sylvan Lake, Red Table Mountain and abundant wildlife; there is no shortage of subject matter to capture. NO DRONES.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:53 AM
Picnicking
The Lake Day Use Picnic Area offers lakefront picnic table sites. The Meadows Day Use Picnic Area offers picnic sites amongst oak, sage and rabbit brush along the banks of West Brush Creek. These are all first-come, first-serve.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:55 AM
Sledding
Most winters, there is plenty of snow and some good hills located around the park as well as the surrounding forest. Build a ramp, chart a course and sled!
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:55 AM
Snowmobiling
Snowmobilers can ride park roads to access the surrounding White River National Forest. Cabins are available during the winter and provide a great base camp for multi-day excursions.
All snowmobiles operated on public lands must have a current and valid registration. Resident and non-resident snowmobile registrations are available at the Visitor’s Center.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:55 AM
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a popular wintertime activity. State Park Visitors with a valid Park Pass can borrow a pair of snowshoes from the Visitor Center for free.
Additional trails in the surrounding White River National Forest are easily accessible.
Updated: 11/5/2023 9:56 AM
Winter Camping
Winter enthusiasts come for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The cabins can be reserved year-round. Camping for self-contained units is also available in certain areas of the park, please call the visitor center at (970) 328-2021 for more details.
Snowmobiles can be operated on park roads to access miles of trails in the White River National Forest from the park.
Updated: 11/5/2023 10:00 AM