Is Sawtooth Canyon Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sawtooth Canyon Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Sawtooth Canyon Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Sawtooth Canyon Campground?

Cell phone service at Sawtooth Canyon Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Sawtooth Canyon Campground have?

Sawtooth Canyon Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Sawtooth Canyon Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sawtooth Canyon Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Sawtooth Canyon Campground?

Sawtooth Canyon Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sawtooth Canyon Campground?

Popular activities at Sawtooth Canyon Campground include Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sawtooth Canyon Campground

4.41

187 reviews

2601 Barstow Rd, Barstow, CA 92311, USA

Top 2% in CAWinter

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Winter Camping California Desert Camping California

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,606 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on BLM Barstow Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,606 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on BLM Barstow Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Sawtooth Canyon Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

760-252-6000

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

2601 Barstow Rd, Barstow, CA 92311, USA

Sawtooth Canyon Campground

2601 Barstow Rd, Barstow, CA 92311, USA

Nearby places

Barstow - 20 miles

Weather at Sawtooth Canyon Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sawtooth Canyon Campground

Best season: winter. Winter offers the most comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 50–65°F) and cool, grippy rock that makes technical climbing and long hikes much more enjoyable than in summer. Nights can drop to 20–35°F at 3,600 ft, so bring warm layers, but crowds are low and the canyon's dark volcanic spires pair with excellent stargazing. Intermittent rain or rare dustings of snow can occur—check road conditions and pack water because this is a primitive campground with limited services. Peak months: January, February, December, March Avoid: June, July, August, September

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Winter days 50–65°F are ideal for technical climbing; campground busiest in winter.

Planning Tips

About Sawtooth Canyon Campground

Sawtooth Canyon Campground sits in the volcanic foothills northeast of Barstow, managed by the BLM Barstow Field Office. The small campground attracts rock climbers who come for the dark basalt spires and technical routes, plus desert campers seeking free dispersed sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Winter brings the best conditions—cool days in the 50s and 60s, grippy rock, and clear skies for stargazing—though nights can dip into the 20s.

Sawtooth Canyon Campground is primarily a primitive camping area frequented by tent campers and self-contained RVs or travel trailers. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and includes walk-in sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: winter. Winter offers the most comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 50–65°F) and cool, grippy rock that makes technical climbing and long hikes much more enjoyable than in summer. Nights can drop to 20–35°F at 3,600 ft, so bring warm layers, but crowds are low and the canyon's dark volcanic spires pair with excellent stargazing. Intermittent rain or rare dustings of snow can occur—check road conditions and pack water because this is a primitive campground with limited services. Peak months: January, February, December, March Avoid: June, July, August, September

Elevation3606 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe canyon's dark volcanic spires rise from the desert floor in formations that climbers call excellent. These rocks absorbed more iron and minerals during formation than the pale granite at Joshua Tree, creating distinctive textures and varied holds. Hardy desert vegetation dots the surrounding floor, making the rock formations appear more dramatic against the sparse landscape. The composition creates natural amphitheaters and alcoves. As light shifts through the day, the rocks change from deep browns to warm amber.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations such as cabins or hotels are provided; this is a primitive camping area.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group camping specifics are not detailed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations necessary; first-come, first-serve basis.

Site SizeCampsites vary from standard to walk-in sites located 50 feet from the parking area.

PrivacyThe privacy level varies. Some reviews mention issues with other visitors cutting through campsites and overcrowding during peak times.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early on weekends for better chances of securing a site. Sites near Boy Scout Wall are recommended for climbers, while walk-in sites offer more seclusion.

Best CampsitesSites near Boy Scout Wall and White Face Wall stay quieter and put you closest to climbing routes. Walk-in sites sit 50 feet from parking areas.

Amenities available

Sawtooth Canyon Campground, also known as "New Jack City," is a primitive camping area with 13 campsites offering shade Ramadas, 12 fire pits with grills, 12 barbecue grills, and 12 picnic tables. The campground is primarily visited by tent campers and self-contained RVs or travel trailers.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Sawtooth Canyon Campground offers a range of activities, including rock climbing, hiking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and stargazing. It is also popular for its scenic views and natural beauty.

Climbing

Wildlife viewing

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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available in this campground.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

187 reviews

Recommended

Sawtooth Canyon Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, rock climbing opportunities, and free access. However, they also mention issues such as overcrowding during weekends, etiquette concerns among rock climbers, and the condition of vault toilets.

Review Summaries

Based on 187 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the natural beauty, availability of rock climbing, and free camping. Many reviews mention the well-maintained fire pits, picnic tables, and shade structures. Stargazing and the quiet...

Based on 187 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include overcrowding on weekends, poor campsite etiquette among some rock climbers, and the condition of vault toilets. The lack of water, electricity, and trash facilities is...

Based on 187 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Positive reviews mention sites near Boy Scout Wall and White Face Wall. Overcrowding and unauthorized camping in undesignated spots are noted as issues.

Based on 187 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend arriving early, especially on weekends, to secure a campsite. Bringing sufficient water, toilet paper, and other essentials is advised due to the lack of facilities. Campers are...

Based on 187 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during winter months when temperatures are cooler, making it ideal for outdoor activities like rock climbing and hiking. Summer temperatures, exceeding 100°F, deter...

Based on 187 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Amazing place, the views are breathtaking. From viewing wildlife and the stars at night, plus bike riding, hiking, also world-class rock climbing.' - Larry Reno 2. 'Great natural beauty. Great...

Based on 187 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly discussed in user reviews.

Based on 187 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is often described as pet-friendly. There are no dedicated pet facilities, but visitors note that pets need to be managed due to the presence of other campers and...

Based on 187 reviews

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