Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Normally yes — but check the water advisory first. Silverwood Lake has two public swim beaches (Sawpit and Cleghorn); day use is $10/vehicle ($20 on summer weekends/holidays). As of July 2026 swimming is closed under a Danger-level harmful algal bloom advisory — verify current status on the official park page before driving out.
The facts
- Open to the public
- Yes — state park (check algae advisory)
- Cost
- $10/vehicle; $20 weekends & holidays Memorial Day–Labor Day; boat launch $10
- Season
- Year-round park; beaches summer-focused
- Hours
- 6am–9pm (Apr–Sep); 7am–7pm (Oct–Mar)
- Parking
- Large day-use lots at both beaches; can fill on hot weekends
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal at swim beaches (when open)
- Dogs
- On trails leashed; not on beaches or in the water
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Drive from Lake Arrowhead
- ~30 min from Lake Arrowhead Village
Getting there
14651 Cedar Cir, Hesperia, CA 92345
Phone: (760) 389-2281
Get directions →The algae problem, honestly
Silverwood is a reservoir on the California Aqueduct, and in warm months it's prone to harmful algal blooms (HABs). When toxin levels hit the Danger advisory level — as they have in summer 2026 — the state closes all swimming and water contact: no wading, no letting dogs near the water. Advisories can lift and return within weeks.
Before making the drive to swim, check the official Silverwood Lake page or call (760) 389-2281. If the water's closed, the picnic areas, trails, and fishing (with precautions) generally remain open — but it's not a swim day.
When it's open: what you get
In normal conditions Silverwood is the biggest swim-day option near Lake Arrowhead: two developed beaches — Sawpit (main day-use area, off Highway 138) and Cleghorn (off Cleghorn Road) — with seasonal lifeguards, large parking lots, picnic areas, and a marina with boat rentals. It's also the only public boat launch in the area: $10 per vessel, year-round, something neither private Lake Arrowhead nor the small mountain lakes offer.
Day use runs $10 per vehicle, rising to $20 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day (seniors 62+ get $1 off). Hours are 6am–9pm April through September, 7am–7pm the rest of the year.
Frequently asked questions
Is swimming open at Silverwood Lake right now?
As of July 2026, no — a Danger-level harmful algal bloom advisory has closed all water contact at both beaches. Advisories change; check parks.ca.gov or call (760) 389-2281 before going.
How much does Silverwood Lake cost?
Day use is $10 per vehicle, or $20 on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Boat launch is $10 per vessel year-round.
Can you launch a boat at Silverwood Lake?
Yes — it's the only public boat launch near Lake Arrowhead (which is private). $10 per vessel; all vessels must be trailered by sunset. Invasive mussel inspections apply.
Are dogs allowed at Silverwood?
On trails, leashed, yes. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches or in the water — and during algal blooms, keeping dogs away from the water is a safety issue, not just a rule.
Facts on this page last verified July 17, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.