Sawmill Walk-In Campground

Star4.60
12 reviews
Sawmill Walk-in Campground, Saddlebag Rd, Lee Vining, CA 93541

Quick Facts

9,700 ft

Price

$17 - $25/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Inyo National Forest site

Official Website
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Sawmill Walk-In Campground
$17.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single campsites are $25/night. Additional vehicles are $10/night. America The Beautiful Access/Senior Passes provide a 50% discount on single...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
760-647-3044
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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 12 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietspaciouswater

"User reviews highlight the campground's secluded nature, scenic views, and overall tranquility. The walk-in setup is appreciated by campers seeking solitude and a close-to-nature experience."

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Campground Map

Sawmill Walk-in Campground, Saddlebag Rd, Lee Vining, CA 93541

Sawmill Walk-In Campground

Sawmill Walk-in Campground, Saddlebag Rd, Lee Vining, CA 93541

Driving directionsFrom Lee Vining, CA, take US Rt. 395 south 0.3 miles to Tioga Pass sign. Turn right onto State Rt. 120 west 10.2 miles to Saddlebag Rd sign. Turn left onto Saddlebag Rd (gravel) and go 1.6 miles to campground on left.
Roads are gravel leading up to the campground. Accessibility may be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. The site is not accessible year-round and closes during winter.
Nearby places
Lee Vining (approximately 11 miles, about 15 minutes)
Yosemite National Park (approximately 17 miles, about 30 minutes)
Mono Basin Scenic Area (approximately 10 miles, about 15 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Tioga Pass Resort offers limited groceries, fishing supplies, and dining options (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Additional supplies can be accessed in Lee Vining.

Best Time to Camp at Sawmill Walk-In Campground

At nearly 10,000 feet, Sawmill delivers a true alpine climate experience where summer afternoons might kiss 70°F, but evening temperatures plummet dramatically—pack those extra layers! Even in July and August, you'll want to zip up your sleeping bag as mountain nights turn decidedly crisp. Winter transforms this landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with deep powder and sub-freezing temperatures creating conditions best left to the most experienced cold-weather campers. Spring and fall offer their own dramatic beauty, though unpredictable weather patterns mean being prepared for anything Mother Nature might deliver.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer; afternoons ~70°F, positive summer reviews and accessible trails.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 15; fall reviews positive though nights get cold at high elevation.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Closed in spring; open season begins June 1.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for winter (seasonal closure).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June through September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from June 1 through October 15. Closed for winter.
  • Current Alerts: Currently closed for winter season with tentative re-opening date June 27, 2025.

About Sawmill Walk-In Campground

Escape the crowds and discover the serenity of Sawmill Walk-in Campground, where a scenic quarter-mile trek from your car rewards you with pristine high-altitude camping at its finest. Perched in the thin mountain air, this intimate collection of 11 thoughtfully spaced sites offers the perfect blend of backcountry solitude and essential amenities. Each campsite comes equipped with a sturdy table for mountain meals, a fire ring for starlit gatherings, and a bear-proof food locker to keep both you and the local wildlife safe. Wake up to panoramic vistas that stretch across the alpine landscape while the melodic sounds of Lee Vining Creek provide nature's soundtrack to your adventure.
Sawmill Walk-in Campground is a tent-only site designed for primitive camping. There are no RV accommodations.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Camping at Sawmill Walk-in Campground offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing. The Harvey Monroe Hall Natural Area nearby adds an educational aspect.
HikingThe campground provides access to hiking trails leading to the Harvey Monroe Hall Natural Area. Hiking beyond the campground is restricted to day use as the trails enter a research area.
FishingNearby Lee Vining Creek offers fishing opportunities, with rainbow trout as a notable species.
Wildlife viewingThe campground’s location near the Hoover Wilderness provides opportunities to view local wildlife amidst a high-elevation ecosystem.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive bear area; improper food storage may result in fines. The high-altitude region may pose risks for those unacclimated to elevation.
Active AlertsCurrently closed for winter season with tentative re-opening date June 27, 2025.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredEach site includes a bear-proof food locker. Size is typically 48" x 30" x 36".

Weather at Sawmill Walk-In Campground

Reviews

4.6
12 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Sawmill Walk-In Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's secluded nature, scenic views, and overall tranquility. The walk-in setup is appreciated by campers seeking solitude and a close-to-nature experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the quiet, spacious nature of the campground. A reviewer noted, 'The fact that it's walk-in means you'll have to pack in your food, water, and any other items... I highly recommend this...
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Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mention the walk-in requirement as a drawback for those who are not prepared for the effort of carrying supplies. One reviewer mentioned the inconvenience of needing to pack out all trash.
Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing sufficient water and being prepared for the walk-in nature of the campground. It’s also suggested to take advantage of the scenic views and nearby hiking trails.
Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews are generally positive during the summer and fall seasons when the campground is open. The site remains closed during winter and early spring.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms are usually clean and every site has a bear box for storing food.' - Jacob S. 2. 'It’s a quiet, spacious, private campground with awesome views of the mountains.' - Jacob S. 3....
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Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 11 and 12 are nearest to the Harvey Monroe Hall National Area and are noted for their added solitude.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available, but the walk-in nature of the campground may limit accessibility for some users.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. There are no user reviews specifically highlighting pet-related experiences.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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