USDA Forest Service · California

Harvey West Cabin

USDA Forest Service · California, United States

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Sites
1
Hookups
1 with water, 1 no hookups
Season
May 22 to October 11
Drinking water
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Showers
Yes
Elevation
4,869 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
SILVER FORK (NFSR 11N40) · asphalt · suitable for passenger cars
Lake
Eldorado National Forest
Nearest town
CAMINO
Address
4260 EIGHT MILE ROAD, CAMINO, CA, 95709
Phone
530-644-2324
Activities
Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming

1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

The Harvey West Cabin is located on the Silver Fork of the American River. The cabin is easily access from Silver Fork Road. The cabin has beds for 12 and can accommodate an additional eight on the floor or on the large front deck. Harvey West Cabin provides a cozy mountain cabin getaway experience while also providing a few modern conveniences.

The Harvey West Cabin was constructed in the early 1930s by the Sacramento Box and Lumber Company. The building was used as an office and recreational facility until it was purchased in 1936 by Harvey West. West, a prominent local businessman and philanthropist, used the cabin as a summer retreat for his famiy until the early 1970s.

Recreation

Fishing for brown and rainbow trout is a popular activity on the river. Other pleasant pastimes include bird watching, hiking and wading in the river. The walking distance China Flat Day Use Area offers picnic tables and a beach on the riverbank.

Facilities

The 2,000 sq. ft.two level cabin has a large, open great room, kitchen, two downstairs bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, and two large lofts that overlook the great room. The cabin has beds for 12 (one queen, two double, four sinlge, two cots) and can accommodate an additional 8 on the floor of the great room or on the large deck that overlooks the river. The cabin contains a dining table and chairs, two couches, and other assorted furniture.

The cabin has two flush toilets and hot and cold running water in the kitchen, bathrooms, and shower. There is a limited assortment of pots, pans, dishes, utensils, cookware, and other kitchen items. The kitchen provides a propane stove/oven and propane refrigerator. No open flames, backpacking or Coleman type cooking stoves are permitted inside the cabin.

The cabin does not have electricity. Propane lights are placed throughout the cabin but guests are encouraged to bring their own flashlights. The great room contains a propane heating stove and large stone fireplace. Firewood is not provided.

Guests are required to bring their own food (in sealed containers) toilet paper, sunscreen, matches, clothing, towels, bedding, and any other items they will need for their stay. Limited cleaning supplies are provided. Guests are requred to bring their own trash bags and to remove all trash when they leave.

Natural Features

The cabin sits among Ponderosa pine and cedar trees along the Silver Fork of the South Fork American River, at an elevation of 4,720 feet. The region's climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.

Nearby Attractions

The town of Kyburz is 2 miles away and has limited services.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January47°31°14°61°11 of 11
February46°31°16°63°11 of 11
March47°31°18°75°9 of 11
April52°34°15°66°7 of 11
May65°42°28°80°2 of 11
June77°51°35°93°0 of 11
July87°60°50°97°0 of 11
August86°60°53°97°0 of 11
September78°54°44°86°0 of 11
October69°45°33°84°0 of 10
November54°39°24°74°5 of 10
December46°33°18°66°9 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.