Sylvan means a peaceful, wooded place and that's what visitors will find at this beautiful park surrounded by the White River National Forest. Stunning mountain scenery, abundant recreation, wildlife to watch and top-notch fishing and hiking provide year-round diversions.
Anglers can try for rainbow, cutthroat, brook and brown trout in the lake and creeks. Hikers will find more than seven miles of state park trails and easy access to the national forest. Picnickers can stake their claim to a spot along the shoreline. Canoeists, kayakers, paddle and electric motor boaters enjoy the 42 acre lake.
Biking
Mountain biking is allowed on the trail around Sylvan Lake and surrounding White River National Forest roads & trails.
Boating
The 42 acre lake is a beautiful setting for a leisurely paddle. Only non-motorized boats or boats with electric trolling motors are allowed.
Cabins and Yurts
We offer eight small camper cabins and one large cabin located near the lake available for year-round rental. There are three yurts located on East Brush Creek, 9 1/2 miles from the lake, that are available mid-May to mid-November. The large cabin sleeps 12; the yurts and camper cabins can sleep 6.
Camping
Camping is available year-round at Sylvan Lake. Sites are appropriate for tents and RVs. Although there are no hookups available, showers, flush toilets and a dump station are available mid-May through mid-October. Vault toilets are available year-round.
Cross-country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is a great way to enjoy our pristine area during the winter.
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:
they are on a six foot or shorter leash at all times
their waste is properly disposed of
Fishing
Sylvan Lake is a 42 surface-acre reservoir located in the West Brush Creek Valley. The lake is stocked with Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout. Brook and Brown Trout may also be caught. From Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, fishing is not allowed between the lake inlet and ½ mile upstream to allow for fish spawning. The park also includes 10 miles of mountain stream fishing along East and West Brush Creek. Visitors must have a fishing license, available for purchase at the park Visitor Center.
Geocaching
Find our cache hidden within a non-fee area of the park.
Group Camping
A spacious group campsite, with dedicated vault toilets, is available for groups of up to 60 people mid-May through September (Sylvan Lake begins accepting reservations in January).
Hiking
The 1.5 mile Sylvan Lake Trail provides fishing access and a relaxing walk.
The 5.8 mile West Brush Creek Trail connects The Meadows Day Use Area to the campground and lake.
Popular trails on the surrounding White River National Forest - Sneve Gulch, McKenzie Gulch, Nolan Lake, Lake Charles and Ironedge are all good options.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is allowed on the West Brush Creek Trail from The Meadows to Antones Creek. Some portions may be difficult on horseback and riders may want to dismount or explore alternative routes. Horses are also permitted on the surrounding White River National Forest including the McKenzie Gulch Trail.
Hunting
Big game hunting is excellent in the White River National Forest, which surrounds the park. During legal seasons hunting is allowed in many areas of the park, but is prohibited within 100 yards of any facilities including the lake, cabins, yurts, designated campground, visitor center, picnic area, boat ramp or nature trail.
Waterfowl hunting at the lake is prohibited due to proximity to high use areas. Waterfowl hunting at other areas follows regulations above.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is allowed, but skaters are advised to bring their own shovel to clear the snow. Stop by the Visitor's Center and pick up information on ice safety.
OHV Riding
Visitors may ride Off Highway Vehicles from the Sylvan Lake State Park campground and cabins to access designated routes on the National Forest. Yurt visitors need to trailer machines to the Yeoman Park USFS Campground for access.
Picnicking
The Lake Picnic Area offers 12 lakefront sites. The Meadows Picnic Area offers 8 sites amongst oak, sage and rabbit brush along the banks of West Brush Creek.
Sledding
Most winters, there is plenty of snow and some good hills located around the park as well as the surrounding forest. Build a ramp, chart a course and sled!
Snowmobiling
Snowmobilers can ride park roads to access the surrounding White River National Forest. Cabins are available during the winter and provide a great base camp for multi-day excursions.
All snowmobiles operated on public lands must have a current and valid registration. Resident and non-resident snowmobile registrations are available at the Visitor's Center.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a popular wintertime activity. State Park Visitors with a valid Park Pass can borrow a pair of snowshoes from the Visitor Center. For Free!
Additional trails in the surrounding White River National Forest are easily accessible.
Winter Camping
Enthusiasts come for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The cabins can be reserved year-round. Camping for self-contained units is also available.
Snowmobilers can be operated on park roads to access miles of trails in the White River National Forest from the park.
