Sawmill Flat Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates June through November. No reservation system; first-come, first-served when open.
Occupancy limitations
The Sierra National Forest has issued Forest Order 05-15-00-25-20 to address occupancy limitations and challenges caused by extended stays and unattended property, which can lead to resource damage, safety hazards, and reduced access for other visitors.
Recreation Site, Road, and Trail Closure 05-15-00-25-19
Forest Order closing trails, roads and trails with the Garnet Fire footprint.
Recreation Site, Road, and Trail Closure
Forest Order closing trails, roads and trails with the Garnet Fire footprint.
Termination of Forest Order No. 05-15-52-25-17
Termination of Forest Order No. 05-15-52-25-17 USDA Forest Service Sierra National Forest Garnet Fire Closure
Termination of Forest Order No. 05-15-00-25-07
Termination of Forest Order No. 05-15-00-25-07 USDA Forest Service Sierra National Forest Fire Restrictions
Temporary Fire Restrictions from Order 05-15-00-25-07 Lifted
Effective October 11, 2025, the Sierra National Forest is lifting temporary fire restrictions placed into effect by Forest Order 05-15-00-25-07 on June 27, 2025.
Nelder Grove Historic Area Closure
Going into or being upon the Nelder Grove Historical Area as shown
Mammoth Pool Boat Launch Rehabilitation
Entering the Mammoth Pool boat launch rehabilitation area is prohibited
Wilderness Campfire Restrictions Order
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions within the Sierra National Forest
Wilderness Use Restrictions
Wilderness use restrictions within the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Kaiser, Dinkey Lakes, and Monarch Wildernesses located in the Sierra National Forest
Food Refuse Storage Order
Possessing or storing any food or refuse within a Developed Recreation Site in a manner that allows bears or other wildlife to gain access is prohibited
About
Sawmill Flat Campground is a primitive, no-fee campground located in the High Sierra Ranger District of Sierra National Forest, serving primarily as a hunters' camp. Set at an elevation surrounded by pine, cedar, manzanita, and Bear Clover, the campground offers a rustic camping experience with vault toilets and basic amenities. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, but campers must be self-sufficient as no water or garbage service is provided. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility, and visitors should bring adequate water supplies and plan to remove all trash. Access to the campground is via a combination of paved, dirt, and gravel roads. The nearest services are located in Dinkey Creek, approximately 15.5 miles from the campground, where visitors can find a small store, pay phone, fishing supplies, and accessible pay showers. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system and no fees. Restrictions include a 14-day maximum stay, maximum group size of 6 per site, no shooting, and no green sticker vehicles. Mosquito repellant is recommended during the camping season.
Directions
Take Highway 168 to Shaver Lake. Go east on Dinkey Creek Road 12.5 miles, turn right on McKinley Grove Road (Forest Road 11S40). Travel approximately 12.5 miles to Forest Road 11S12. Turn right and travel 3.1 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (559) 297-0706 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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