Silverwood Lake Main Launch Ramp & Marina

The main launch ramp at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, also called the South Shore or Sawpit Ramp, is the seven-lane ramp at the lake's south end, to the right of the entrance station off Sawpit Canyon Road near Hesperia. It is the only launch ramp for gas-powered boats on the lake, and Silverwood Lake Marina sits beside it.

Marina and services

Rocky Mountain Recreation Company rents pontoons, aluminum fishing boats, jet skis, kayaks and pedal boats. The ramp area has three boarding floats, about 175 trailer parking spaces, and lists a store, tackle, fuel sales, a fish cleaning station, snack bar, showers and transient tie-ups. Hand-launched small craft can use the Cleghorn car-top launch to the west, in an area that restricts power boats.

Capacity and hours

Silverwood caps boats on the water at 125. During warm months and holidays it often reaches that cap, so the state recommends reserving ahead through ReserveCalifornia. Boating runs 7 a.m. to sunset, and day use 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Speed zones and inspections

Skiing at up to 35 mph happens in the northern ski area. Most of the south end, including the water off this ramp, and the northern coves are 5 mph. Arrive clean, drained and dry: a boat that fails a mussel inspection at Lake Perris faces an eight-day quarantine that also bars launching here.