Mesa Campground

Biking

Many of the trails here are both bikeable and hikeable, so mountain bicyclists of all levels can enjoy the peaceful mountain-lake scenery. There are 13 miles of trails calling your name, like the Silverwood Lake Bike Trail and the Cleghorn Hike/Bike Trail.

Boating

Silverwood Lake is boating heaven! You can water ski, wakeboard, tube, kayak, canoe, row, sail, fish, etc. The northern part of the lake is perfect for water skiing, but you’ll have to launch in the southern marina area. You should probably get a boat launch reservation and you’ll have to deal with launching fees and boat inspections, but once you get on the water… It’s just you and the Silverwood! Check out this very cool boating map to get started.

Fishing

If you love fishing, definitely come to Silverwood Lake during the fall or spring when it’s not boating season. With peace and calm, you’ll be able to catch trout (February to June) and largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and even… woah, the striped bass that set the California State record! You can head out on a boat or hang out on the shore during the spring, or just hit up the marina dock and the coves. With names like Quiet Cove, Quarry Cove, and Chamise Cove, you’ll be sure to find the perfect spot, and there’s also EXCELLENT fishing in Cleghorn and Miller Canyon. Heck, with all of these options, you could spend forever fishing here.

Hiking

There are 13 miles of paved hiking and biking trails! The Pacific Crest Trail even runs through here if you ambitiously decide to take up that crazy long trail running from Mexico to Canada. If not, the best hiking trail is Miller Canyon where you can wander around the woods and through Serrano Beach, all while taking in some incredible views.

Paddling

This lake is a haven for water lovers, and kayakers and canoers will definitely have an awesome time paddling here. It’s fairly busy during the summer weekends, so try to come during a weekday or in the spring. Novices are not recommended to head out here because the winds can be unexpected and you might end up in the 35 mph sections. The best advice is to stay in the 5 mph section, especially if you plan on kayak fishing. Check out our friends at Paddling California for more information and see the boating section above.

Swimming

If you can’t resist jumping into the water, don’t restrain yourself! There are two swim beaches in the southern end of the lake just waiting for you. Perfect for lounging around on the beach, taking a dip, and drying off under the hot sun. You won’t have to worry TOO much about the kids playing Marco Polo in the water, because there’s usually a lifeguard posted during the summer season.

Wildlife watching

Mule deer are easy to run into as they leap around in the early mornings, while coyotes, gray foxes and sometimes mountain lions prowl in the night for rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks and other small critters. The Mojave River is a gathering place for black bears, bobcats and golden beavers and the lake attracts many waterbirds like geese, ducks, herons, grebes and egrets. Ospreys, red-tailed hawks and bald eagles are also some of the birds that call Silverwood their home. Grab your bird-noculars! There are even barge tours from January to March to see the oh-so-majestic bald eagle.