Facility Overview

Silverwood Lake Lot 3 is an open-air, paved day-use surface parking facility situated within the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area in the San Bernardino Mountains, just south of Hesperia, California. Perched at an elevation of over 3,300 feet, this lot directly serves recreationists heading to the lake’s popular day-use zones, shoreline beaches, and scenic picnic grounds. The lot layout features wide asphalt driving lanes and clearly designated standard parking stalls. Because it is a completely uncovered open-sky lot, there are zero vertical overhead clearance restrictions, making it exceptionally accommodating for high-roof passenger vans, lifted 4x4 trucks, sport utility vehicles with roof-mounted kayak or paddleboard racks, and oversized recreational vehicles carrying outdoor adventure equipment.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Lot 3 offers direct, convenient access to some of the most sought-after aquatic and alpine attractions in Southern California’s high country:

• Sawpit Beach & Swim Areas: Situated within a short 3 to 7-minute stroll from the parking bays, providing sandy swimming access, sunbathing areas, and public picnic tables.
• Silverwood Lake Marina & Boat Launch: Located less than a 5-minute drive or scenic walk away, offering boat rentals, motorized watercraft launching, kayak slips, and basic tackle supplies.
• Pacific Crest Trail (PCT): The world-renowned trail traverses right along the edges of the Silverwood Lake basin, allowing hikers to connect directly to iconic backcountry terrain within minutes of stepping out of their vehicles.
• Cleghorn Picnic Area & Day Use Sites: Just down the shoreline road, offering shade ramadas, barbecue grills, and panoramic views over Cedar Springs Dam.
• Silverwood Lake Nature Center: A quick walk away, featuring interpretive ecological exhibits detailing local wildlife such as bald eagles, black bears, and indigenous plant life.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Access to Lot 3 is straightforward via California State Route 138 (SR-138) and Cleghorn Road / Sawpit Canyon Road. Motorists arriving from the high desert (Hesperia/Victorville) or coming up from the Inland Empire via Interstate 15 will take the SR-138 turnoff into the recreation area entrance kiosk. All vehicles must stop at the state park entrance station to pay the day-use fee before proceeding along the marked park loop road directly into Lot 3. While this mountain recreational basin is not served by urban public transit or rail systems, regional road links via I-15 and Highway 173 make it readily accessible by personal vehicle, rideshare drop-off, or carpool caravans.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Layout: Spacious paved parking bays with no overhead height barriers, ideal for tall rigs and roof racks.
• Accessible Stalls: Designated ADA accessible parking spaces located adjacent to paved paths leading toward shoreline facilities and restrooms.
• Restroom & Trash Access: Close proximity to park-maintained public restrooms, water spigots, and bear-proof refuse disposal bins.
• Ranger Patrols: Monitored regularly by California State Parks peace officers and seasonal park rangers.
• Payment Processing: Entry fees collected at the main park kiosk via major credit cards and cash, with valid California State Parks day passes and Golden Bear passes accepted.

Ideal For

• Boaters & Water Sports Enthusiasts: Visitors trailering small equipment or carrying kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to the shore.
• Hikers & Trail Runners: Day-trippers hopping directly onto the Pacific Crest Trail and local mountain spurs.
• Families & Picnickers: Groups planning a full day of lakeside barbecuing, beach swimming, and sun relaxation.
• Wildlife Watchers & Anglers: Early morning fishermen targeting striped bass, trout, and catfish along the pristine shoreline.

Visitor & Driver Tips

• Arrive Early on Weekends: Silverwood Lake is extremely popular between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The recreation area frequently reaches full vehicle capacity by mid-morning on sunny summer weekends and major holidays.
• Keep Tires on Pavement: California State Park regulations strictly prohibit off-road or dirt parking. Vehicles must remain fully on designated asphalt surfaces at all times to avoid citations.
• Pack Out Your Trash: Always utilize bear-proof trash receptacles or pack out your waste to preserve local natural habitat and keep wildlife wild.
• Check Seasonal Gates: Operating gate hours change seasonally between summer and winter; ensure you note the evening park closing time posted at the kiosk to avoid getting locked behind exit gates.