Sawmill Walk-in Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically opens in June and operates through October, weather permitting. Winter closure is due to snow and road conditions at the 9,800-foot elevation.
Stay Limits, Parking, and Developed Recreation Site Use
This forest order was put in place to protect natural resources and promote public safety.
Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project
www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/projects/reds-meadow-road-reconstruction
Wilderness Use Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits recreating within the portions of the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, and Golden Trout Wildernesses located in the Inyo National Forest.
Mount Whitney Zone Access Restrictions
This forest order prohibits recreating in the Mount Whitney Zone to provide for public safety and protect natural resources.
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions
This forest order prohibits campfires in portions of Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas that are located on the Inyo National Forest, as shown on the Exhibits.
Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness Campfire Restrictions
This forest order prohibits campfires in portions of Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness Areas that are located on the Inyo National Forest, as shown in the Exhibits.
Reds Meadow Road Closure Order
This Forest Closure Order prohibits being on the entirety of Reds Meadow Road to provide public safety during the 2025 reconstruction season.
ESCCRP Project Area Closure
This forest order prohibits access to roads affected by the ESCRRP project to provide for public safety while contractors perform forest health and fuels reduction work surrounding the Town of Mammoth Lakes and beyond.
Inn Fire Closure Order
This Forest Closure Order prohibits entrance into the Inn Fire Area Closure to protect public health and safety from environmental hazards, wildfire, and wildfire suppression operations.
Hot Creek Closure Order
This Forest Order prohibits recreating in Hot Creek within the Mammoth Ranger District.
Goat Prohibition Order
This Forest Order prohibits possessing or storing a goat within the Inyo National Forest Goat Prohibition Area.
Mammoth Mill Site Area and Trail Closure
This Forest Order prohibits recreating, entering or being in the Mammoth Mill Site Closure Area and the Mammoth Stamp Mill Trail.
B&B Mine Closure Order
This Forest Order prohibits recreating within the B&B Mine and Mill Site Closure Area.
Food and Refuse Storage Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits food and refuse in locations in Exhibits A and C-J, unless stored in a bear-resistant container.
About
Located near the boundary of the Hoover Wilderness at 9,800 feet elevation, Sawmill Walk-in Campground offers a true backpacking-style camping experience in the high Sierra. Campers must hike more than a quarter mile on a dirt trail from the parking area to reach any of the 12 campsites, making this an ideal choice for those seeking a more remote experience without venturing into the backcountry. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-proof food storage locker. Most sites offer some shade and have room for up to two tents. Two vault toilets are located between sites 8 and 9. There is no piped water; Lee Vining Creek serves as the only water source and must be treated before drinking. All trash must be packed out. Fifteen overnight parking spaces are available at the campground entrance off Saddlebag Lake Road. The campground sits adjacent to the Harvey Monroe Hall Natural Area, a designated research area where scientists compare historical records to current data to study the effects of climate change at high elevation. Day hiking is permitted in this area, but overnight use is restricted. The location provides convenient access to the Hoover Wilderness and is situated along the scenic Saddlebag Lake Road corridor.
Directions
From US 395 at Lee Vining, drive west on Highway 120, then turn north on Saddlebag Lake Road (Forest Road 1N04). The campground parking area is located along this road approximately 2 miles from the Highway 120 junction.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
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 |
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