Sandy beach
Yes
Cliff jumping
No
Hike-in Required
No
Sensitive Habitat
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Silverwood Lake Swim Beach is a sandy beach area along the southern part of Silverwood Lake, which is a reservoir located west of Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernadino National Forest. When on duty, lifeguards keep watch over swimmers in the summer months. Popular activities include swimming, waterskiing, boating, and fishing, and the lake is teeming with catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and trout. The beach is conveniently located within walking distance of bathrooms, parking areas, and a picnic area. 

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is an excellent place to begin exploring the San Bernardino National Forest. Situated between Lake Arrowhead and the Angeles National Forest, Silverwood Lake is actually a man-made reservoir and part of the California aqueduct system. Power boats are allowed in most areas of the lake, but the water just off the Silverwood Lake Swim Beach and the Cleghorn Day Use Area and Swim Beach is off limits to motorized boats, helping keep waters there calm.

Keep an eye out for wildlife as you lounge on the sand. In addition to the fish listed above, a wide variety of mammals and birds live in the area. Squirrels and chipmunks skitter around in the sycamores and willows, as do songbirds like the iridescent mountain bluebird. Great blue herons, loons, and ducks spend time in and around the water. Turn your gaze skyward to see the Cooper’s hawks and osprey that are common in the area.

Visitors coming from out of town may want to spend the night at the Mesa Campground or the Silverwood Lake Group Campgrounds. If you are staying in the area for a couple of days, check out nearby attractions such as the Lower Deep Creek Canyon + Warm Springs and Aztec Falls.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

State Park Fee

Pros

Open, sandy beach. Reservable picnic shelters.

Cons

None.

Features

Fishing
Family friendly
Flushing toilets
Picnic tables

Location

Nearby Adventures

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