Sawmill Campground

Star3.83
45 reviews

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

No seasonal restrict...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Acton Work Center site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Sawmill Campground
$0.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees explicitly mentioned in official details, but user reviews indicate an Adventure Pass costing $30 is required for access.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

3.83

Mixed Reviews

Based on 45 reviews

40 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietclean

"User reviews for Sawmill Campground present a highly mixed picture. Many visitors appreciate the peace and natural beauty, noting that it is an ideal escape from city life. However, others have criticized the lack of maintenance, infestation issues, and the rough access road."

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Campground Map

Sawmill Campground

34.7010, -118.5718

Driving directionsMust access this campground from Pine Canyon Road due to washout on 7N23. Cannot access from Old Ridge Route.
Access road may be difficult for low-clearance vehicles. Some sections are rough and rocky as noted by reviewers.
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Best Time to Camp at Sawmill Campground

Experience the dramatic temperature swings of high-desert camping at Sawmill. Days can be intensely hot, with the sun beating down on the exposed landscape, making early morning and evening the prime times for exploration. As darkness falls, the elevation brings welcome relief with cooler temperatures perfect for stargazing. Expect dry conditions year-round and occasional winds that whisper through the scrub oak, adding nature's soundtrack to your stay.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Seasonal note: 'too hot to enjoy during the day' and little shade or water.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall likely comfortable and scenic; fewer heat issues and strong solitude.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Milder temps and good trail access make spring pleasant for hiking and solitude.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round with variable high‑desert/winter conditions; no services for snow use.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: No seasonal restrictions or closures noted.
  • Current Alerts: Access restrictions due to washouts on 7N23 road.

About Sawmill Campground

Tucked away in the rugged backcountry, Sawmill Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience with just 8 intimate campsites. This first-come, first-served hideaway welcomes adventurers seeking solitude and simplicity. While you'll need to bring your own water and larger RVs won't fit (16 feet maximum), the campground provides essential vault toilets and the rare gift of disconnecting from the modern world.
Sawmill Campground provides primitive amenities and is geared toward tent and small RV camping.
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Stay Limit
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Campground activities are quite limited, but the site provides an authentic, rugged outdoor experience. Visitors can hike nearby trails, explore the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
HikingSawmill Campground is situated along the Pacific Crest Trail, which offers opportunities for hiking enthusiasts. One user stated they enjoyed interacting with PCT hikers and 'brought extra rations of soda and snacks for the thru-hikers.' However, there are no specific trail descriptions or difficulty levels mentioned.
Wildlife viewingWildlife, including bears, has been reported in the area. One user stated, 'I was camping in my roof top tent when a bear came through a few of the camps.' Campers are advised to store food securely.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mentioned hazards such as aggressive red fire ants, bees in vault toilets, and bears. "A bear came through camps" and interacted with non-food items.
Active AlertsAccess restrictions due to washouts on 7N23 road.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Sawmill Campground

Reviews

3.8
45 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Sawmill Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Sawmill Campground present a highly mixed picture. Many visitors appreciate the peace and natural beauty, noting that it is an ideal escape from city life. However, others have criticized the lack of maintenance, infestation issues, and the rough access road.
Review Summaries
Based on 45 reviews

What Campers Love

Some positive aspects include the quiet and clean environment, easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail, and good views. One user said, 'Great campground, quiet and clean, stayed one night with a group...
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Based on 45 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor road conditions with rough trails unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles, lack of water, infestation of fire ants and wasps, and maintenance issues like trash overflow...
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Based on 45 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring all necessary supplies, including water and toilet paper. A permit is required to camp here, and users should be aware of fire restrictions.
Based on 45 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground appears to be less enjoyable during hot weather due to the lack of shade and water. One reviewer mentioned that it was 'too hot to enjoy during the day.'
Based on 45 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great camp ground quiet and clean stayed one night with a group of guys nobody bothered us had an awesome time!' 2. 'The scenery is breathtaking. The weather was so pleasant and unexpected.' 3....
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Based on 45 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not highlighted in the reviews as better or worse.
Based on 45 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility for users with disabilities.
Based on 45 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 45 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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