Fun in the sun on 650 acres of clear mountain water at 3,400 feet in the Sierra Nevada foothills — where the whole family can spend a day, or a weekend, on the lake.
Explore the Lake Plan a VisitWelcome to
Jenkinson Lake — also known as Sly Park Lake — sits in the Sly Park Recreation Area just outside Pollock Pines, California, about an hour east of Sacramento off U.S. Route 50.
Formed by Sly Park Dam in 1952 and wrapped in ponderosa pine and cedar, the lake is a favorite for boating, fishing, camping, and an 8.5-mile trail around the lake open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Bring the family and enjoy a day or a weekend of sunshine and water.
Discover
From open water to shaded trails, Jenkinson Lake is a four-season playground for families and outdoor lovers alike.
Launch from two concrete ramps and cruise, water ski, kayak, or paddleboard across 650 acres of clear water. Paddle rentals available seasonally.
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Sly Park offers individual and family campsites among the pines with tables, fire rings, and BBQs. Reserve up to six months ahead.
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Cast for trout, bass, and catfish from two concrete launch ramps or right off the shoreline in calm, well-regulated water.
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Saddle up and explore horse-friendly trails winding through the forest and around the lake — a long-loved local tradition.
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Circle the lake on the 8.5-mile shoreline trail or wander to Park Creek Falls through pine and cedar forest.
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Ride the loop trail and connecting fire roads on terrain that suits everyone from families to seasoned mountain bikers.
Learn more →Before You Go
Water level, flows, and fish plants change through the season. Rather than post numbers that go stale, we link straight to the sources that keep them up to date.
Current pool elevation, storage, and Sly Park Creek waterfall flows from the El Dorado Irrigation District.
Check live data →Daily storage as a percent of the lake's 41,000 acre-foot capacity, with historical trends.
View report →Search the live CDFW schedule for the latest rainbow trout plants at Jenkinson Lake.
See stocking dates →