It is endemic to Mexico and only known from its type locality near Zanatepec, Oaxaca, on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

[1][3] Craugastor silvicola was described based an adult female, the holotype, measuring 40 mm (1.6 in) in snout–vent length.

The head is as wide as the body and slightly broader than long; the snout is rounded.

The coloration (in alcohol) is drab: dorsum and flanks are gray to cream with brown markings; the venter is immaculate.

[2] It is a very rare frog that is threatened by habitat loss caused by logging and agricultural expansion.