Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp
Currently closed for the winter season. High-elevation campgrounds in this area typically open in early to mid-June depending on snowpack and road conditions, operating through mid-October. Reservations are required via Recreation.gov.
High Wind Watch issued September 10 at 12:04PM PDT until September 13 at 2:00AM PDT by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 45 mph below 7000 feet. Wind prone areas along US-395 may gust up to to 55 to 65 mph with ridgetops gusting up to 80 mph. * WHERE...Mono County. * WHEN...From Saturday morning through late Saturday night. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds will increase on Saturday through the morning and afternoon hours, with the strongest winds expected on Saturday evening and overnight hours.
Fire Weather Watch issued September 10 at 11:42AM PDT until September 13 at 12:00AM PDT by NWS Reno NV
The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Fire Weather Watch for strong winds and low humidity, which is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening. * Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 274 Southern Mono County, Fire Weather Zone 423 West Humboldt Basin in Pershing County, Fire Weather Zone 429 Lahontan Basin including Churchill and Eastern Mineral Counties. * Winds...Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * Humidity...As low as 8 percent. * Duration...4 to 8 hours. * Impacts...The combination of strong winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
About
Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp is a single group campsite in the eastern high Sierra Nevada, perched at over 10,000 feet elevation adjacent to the 600-acre Saddlebag Lake. The site accommodates up to 25 people and is tent-only due to the narrow, partially paved access road. It offers a quieter alternative to the nearby first-come, first-served individual campground while providing the same spectacular alpine setting. The campground is situated in high-elevation pine forest near the Hoover Wilderness boundary. Hikers can access the Twenty Lakes Basin Trail directly from the area, and anglers will find rainbow, brook, and brown trout in Saddlebag Lake, which has a boat ramp nearby and a 15 mph speed limit. Wildlife in the area includes black bear, mountain lion, mule deer, pine marten, and pika. This is active bear country; bear boxes are provided and their use is mandatory. The standard bear box dimensions are 48" x 30" x 36". Flush toilets and picnic tables are available, but there is no potable water at the group site itself. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov.
Directions
From US 395 at Lee Vining, go west on CA 120 for 10 miles toward Tioga Pass. Turn right on Forest Road 1N04 to Saddlebag Lake. Proceed 2.4 miles and take the first right just past the open gate. The group campground is on the right, past the restroom.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $125 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (760) 647-3044 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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