Silverwood Lake

BOATING

Boating is one of Silverwood Lake’s most popular attractions. It is an incredibly relaxing way to view the scenic shoreline, and you can also fish, waterski, or even have a private picnic at one of the lake’s Boat-In Picnic Areas.

Before going out on the lake, head over to the Silverwood Lake Marina store, located at the southern end of the lake, for wet and dry storage, a fully stocked convenience store, gas, firewood, boat rental, and a bait and tackle shop. Jet skis, kayaks and paddleboats are available for rent. Call the marina at (760) 389-2299 for additional information

The main boat launch ramp has six lanes. Boat ramp reservations can be made from May 1 to September 30 and are highly recommended. The boat ramp typically is fully booked every weekend during the summer. If you have a family camp site reservation, you do not need a boating reservation, unless you will be boating on a Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday. Boat reservations can be made online through ReserveAmerica. For boat or boat slip rental info, call the marina at (760) 389-2299. Cleghorn Day Use Area also has a hand launch ramp for small, car-top craft.

Quagga and Zebra Mussel Inspections:
Watercraft can move quagga and zebra mussels from infested water bodies to uninfested water bodies such as Silverwood Lake. These mussels can damage boats by encrusting boat hulls, clogging cooling systems, and jamming steering equipment. Quagga and zebra mussels have a high economic cost to water districts as they clog water distribution systems, resulting in higher utility bills. These mussels have environmental costs as well: they alter aquatic ecosystems, resulting in fewer native species and sport fish, and they litter beaches with sharp, foul smelling shells. For additional information see the California Department of Parks and Recreation website. All vessels will be inspected for quagga and zebra mussels prior to entering Silverwood Lake. Remember: Clean, Drain, Dry.

Inspections Include:

• A Prior Use Declaration Form. If your vessel has been used on an infested body of water within the last seven days, you will NOT be allowed to launch.
• Clean - No encrustation of mussels, vegetation, algae, or debris on or in the hull, drive/propulsion unit, trolling motor and other components of your vessel. This includes your vessel's trailer.
• Drained - No standing water in the bilge compartment(s), bait tank(s), live well(s), or ballast tank(s). Your vessel's bilge plug must be removed. Please note that standing water includes any wash water or rain water that may accumulate in your vessel.
• Dry - All dock lines, tow lines, anchor lines, carpet, personal floatation devices (PFD), and other items must be dry in order to launch. The interior and exterior of the vessel must be dry as well.

Boating Rules:

• Traffic must flow counterclockwise in the main body of the lake.
• All boats must be off the lake by sunset.
• The channel is a no ski zone and all boats must keep to the right.
• A properly fitting, Coast Guard approved personal flotation device is required for every person on board.
• All boat operators must be at least 16 years old. 12 to 15 year olds may operate with the supervision of an adult 18 years or older.
• Do not ride on the bow, gunwale, or transom of any vessel.
• Freestyle, wake jumping, or trick riding are prohibited. Jumping or attempting to jump the wake of another vessel within 100 feet of the other vessel is prohibited by law.
• All vessels must carry a fire extinguisher, with the exception of Outboard boats less than 26 feet long without a permanently installed fuel tank.
• Fires, stoves, and barbecues are prohibited in coves and boat-in areas.
• Buoys are for navigation and warning. Do not use for slalom-style racing. No mooring or tying to buoys is allowed.
• Courtesy dock at the launch ramp is limited to 15 minutes loading and unloading only. No unattended vessels may be left at the courtesy dock.
• The marina is a no-wake zone.
• A float tube can be towed behind a boat or a wave runner if it is a commercially manufactured inflatable. Non-commercial devices such as car or truck inner tubes are not allowed. When personnel are onboard it may be towed only in the waterski area. It may be towed to and from the waterski area with no persons on board.
• Speed limits are: Five mph in restricted areas and 35 mph in open zones.

Waterskiing Rules:

• Speeds must be limited to 35 mph.
• Tow lines must not exceed 90 feet.
• Only commercially designed water floats, aquaplanes, wakeboards and waterskis are permitted. Towing non-commercial inflatable equipment such as rubber rafts and inner tubes is prohibited.

Visit the California Department of Parks and Recreation website for additional boating rules and regulations.