How much does camping cost at Sawmill Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Sawmill Creek Campground range from $10-$100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sawmill Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sawmill Creek Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Sawmill Creek Campground?

Sawmill Creek Campground is open This campground is only accessible with highway vehicles from May 15 to November 1. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sawmill Creek Campground?

Sawmill Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Sawmill Creek Campground have?

Sawmill Creek Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sawmill Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Sawmill Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Sawmill Creek Campground?

Sawmill Creek Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sawmill Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Sawmill Creek Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sawmill Creek Campground

4 reviews

Featured in:Mountain Camping Alaska

Quick Facts

161 ft

Price

$10 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

This campground is o...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

161 ft

Price

$10 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

This campground is o...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Sawmill Creek Campground

$10.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Sawmill Creek Campground

57.0614, -135.2095

Nearby places

Sitka – 7 miles southeast

Nearby supplies

Driving directionsLocated on Baranof Island 7 miles southeast of Sitka; from downtown Sitka follow Sawmill Creek Road 5.2 miles to Blue Lake Road; turn left on graveled Blue Lake Road 1.5 miles to Sawmill Creek Campground sign.

Access is via graveled Blue Lake Road, which may have different driving conditions due to gravel nature. Seasonal access is restricted as the gate is closed during certain months and walk-in access is permissible.

Weather at Sawmill Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sawmill Creek Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime temperatures in the 50s to low 60s°F and 16-19 hours of daylight in June and July. This is when trails dry out, waterfalls run strong, and salmon begin their runs in mid to late summer. The campground sees its heaviest use in July and August. Southeast Alaska's maritime climate means rain arrives year-round, and misty mornings are common even in peak season. Shoulder seasons bring heavier precipitation and shorter days, though fog can create striking views through the forest.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summary: summer offers most reliable conditions, trails dry out, waterfalls run strong and long daylight.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: This campground is only accessible with highway vehicles from May 15 to November 1

About Sawmill Creek Campground

Sawmill Creek Campground sits on Baranof Island in the Tongass National Forest, offering 4 overnight sites and a covered day-use shelter. At $10-$100 per night, it provides primitive tent camping access to old-growth rainforest and tidewater features just outside Sitka.

Sawmill Creek Campground provides primitive camping options with 4 overnight sites and 1 day-use area. RV hookups and specialized accommodations are not available.

Historical Significance

The Tlingit people have inhabited this region for thousands of years, relying on its salmon runs and coastal resources. Traditional fishing grounds remain active in these waters.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime temperatures in the 50s to low 60s°F and 16-19 hours of daylight in June and July. This is when trails dry out, waterfalls run strong, and salmon begin their runs in mid to late summer. The campground sees its heaviest use in July and August. Southeast Alaska's maritime climate means rain arrives year-round, and misty mornings are common even in peak season. Shoulder seasons bring heavier precipitation and shorter days, though fog can create striking views through the forest.

ElevationNestled at sea level where the forest cascades down to meet the ocean, the campground offers stunning vistas that shift from tidewater views to soaring mountain peaks. The gentle terrain makes it accessible to all adventurers, while nearby trails lead ambitious hikers up into the alpine wonderland above, where panoramic views reward those who venture higher.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a small clearing within the world's largest intact temperate rainforest, where Sitka spruce and western hemlock form dense canopies overhead. Baranof Island's landscape reflects its volcanic and glacial past: granite cliffs rise from protected coves, and streams cascade through the forest toward the coast. The surrounding Tongass spreads across fjords and peaks in an unbroken expanse of green. Eagles patrol the shoreline, and whales occasionally surface in nearby waters during summer months.

Geological RegionThe campground is situated on Baranof Island within the Tongass National Forest, where ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving have sculpted a dramatic landscape of fjords, peaks, and protected coves. As part of the world's largest intact temperate rainforest, this rugged terrain showcases nature's artistry through its granite cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and the endless emerald tapestry of old-growth forest that defines this remarkable ecosystem.

Lodging & AccommodationsThis campground does not include hotel-style lodge accommodations; it is a primitive campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Groups

No group-specific site details are given.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed for this campground.

Site SizeThe campground consists of 4 overnight sites and 1 day-use covered picnic shelter. Specific site dimensions are not provided.

PrivacyPrivacy levels for the sites are not discussed.

Total Campsites10 campsites

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

It is also advised that visitors bring their own potable water or to treat water collected from Sawmill Creek. There is no campground host on site and firewood is not available for sale. Pallet burning is not allowed.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Sawmill Creek Campground offers limited recreational activities focused on hiking and picnicking. User reviews and detailed experiences of these activities are unavailable.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Sawmill Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are missing from the provided materials, leaving limited insight into the camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

No reviews are available to extract positive highlights.

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints are provided in the content.

Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific feedback for particular sites within the campground is not provided.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user-generated tips or recommendations are included.

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends are not covered due to lack of user reviews.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

No direct user quotes are present.

Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility-related user feedback is unavailable.

Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences are not discussed in the provided information.

Based on 4 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Tent campers who self-supply water and want genuine Southeast Alaska wilderness close to Sitka's services will find this a solid base. Summer is the clear window, when trails are drier and the salmon start running in Sawmill Creek.

Skip if

No potable water on site and no camp host means you're fully self-reliant. Rain is a constant even in peak season, the season closes November 1, and with only 10 sites this isn't a drop-in spot.

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Salmon Lake Cabin sits at 2,500 feet in the Tongass National Forest foothills, accessible only by floatplane or boat from Sitka. Managed by the Sitka Ranger District, this remote rental cabin offers seclusion with lake fishing and hiking trails. Guests appreciate the proximity to town despite the backcountry setting, though trail conditions can deteriorate in wet weather and firewood supply varies.