Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

Star3.65
8 reviews
INYO
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

10,400 ft

Price

$125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Peak season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Forest Service 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
Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp
$125.00 - $125.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for group tent-only areas are set at $125 per night. Displayed fees may not include taxes or incremental charges.
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$125.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
760-934-5795clm@clm-services.com
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What Campers Say

3.65

Mixed Reviews

Based on 8 reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanrestroomsspacious

Some mention

reservation

"Overall, user reviews highlight the scenic beauty, high elevation, and tranquility of the campground. However, some complaints include logistical issues such as unmonitored reservations and limited facilities."

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Campground Map

INYO

Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

INYO

Driving directionsTake U.S. Highway 395 in California to its junction with State Highway 120 west. Take 120 west 10 miles toward Tioga Pass. Turn right on Forest Road 1N04 to Saddlebag Lake. Proceed up 1N04 for 2.4 miles. Take the first right just past the open gate on the road. The campground is on the right, just past the restroom.
The road to the facility is single-lane and partially paved. Campers are advised to be cautious due to the high elevation and remote nature of the area. Seasonal road closures may also occur.
Nearby places
Mono Lake (approximately 2-hour drive), Yosemite National Park (approximately 2-hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Camping and fishing supplies available at the Saddlebag Lake Resort. Additional supplies might require travel to Mono Lake or Mammoth Lakes.

Best Time to Camp at Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

Prepare for nature's dramatic temperature swings at this alpine outpost, where crisp mornings often greet campers with temperatures hovering around 30°F before warming to a pleasant 52°F by afternoon. Even in the heart of summer, Mother Nature keeps you on your toes with the possibility of surprise snowflakes dancing through camp. Pack your warmest sleeping bag and layer up—the thin mountain air loses heat quickly once the sun dips behind the peaks, transforming balmy afternoons into nights that demand hot cocoa around the campfire.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Peak season (June 20–Sept 26); described as scenic and accessible with boating, fishing, and hiking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into late Sept; early fall scenic but high elevation brings variable weather and early snow risk.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site closed until June 19; spring access is generally restricted and snow may persist.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for reservations from Sept 27–June 19; winter camping not supported here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 20 - September 26.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season is from June 20 to September 26. The site is closed for reservations from September 27 to June 19.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal fire restrictions may be imposed; contact Mammoth Lakes or Mono Lakes Visitor Centers for updates.

About Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

Perched high in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Trailhead Group Campground (also known as Saddlebag Lake Group Campground) beckons adventurous groups seeking an authentic alpine experience. At over 10,000 feet elevation, this intimate group campground accommodates up to 25 people who yearn for pristine mountain air, star-filled nights, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing nature's grandeur together. Here, where the air grows thin and the views stretch endlessly, your group will discover what it truly means to camp above the clouds.
Trailhead Group Campground offers a group tent-only campsite with no electricity. The nearby Saddlebag Lake Campground has individual campsites available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
NOON
Check-out
NOON
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Trailhead Group Campground offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, picnicking, and boating. The scenic views and proximity to the Hoover Wilderness make it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
HikingHiking is a major draw, with access to the Twenty Lakes Basin Trail leading into the Hoover Wilderness. The trails offer majestic scenery and a variety of challenges.
FishingFishing is popular at Saddlebag Lake, which is known for its trout population, including rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Anglers can fish from the shore or use the nearby boat ramp. The lake has a 15 mph speed limit.
BikingBiking is mentioned in user reviews as one of the activities campers engage in. Specific trail details are not provided.
BoatingBoating is supported with facilities like a boat ramp and rentals available at the lake's resort.
Wildlife viewingThe high elevation pine forest and proximity to Saddlebag Lake are home to various wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and diverse bird species.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh elevation risks such as altitude sickness. Wildlife safety cautions include black bears. The road is partially paved and single-lane, requiring careful navigation.
Active AlertsSeasonal fire restrictions may be imposed; contact Mammoth Lakes or Mono Lakes Visitor Centers for updates.
Food Storage RequiredTwo bear-proof storage lockers are provided for campers' use at no additional charge.

Weather at Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

Reviews

3.7
8 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews highlight the scenic beauty, high elevation, and tranquility of the campground. However, some complaints include logistical issues such as unmonitored reservations and limited facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the clean restrooms, spacious group site, and scenic surroundings. One review stated, "Fresh air and beautiful scenery!" Another noted, "The camp host was awesome!!! Bathrooms were...
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Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included unmonitored reservations leading to double occupancy and closures without notification. A user mentioned, "The site was full it was very disappointing considering we booked this 6...
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Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to ensure your reservation is honored and to avoid conflicts with other campers. Be prepared for the high altitude and limited cell service.
Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that snow may be present in the mountains during certain times of the year, offering unique views but potentially limiting accessibility. Summer months are described as scenic and...
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Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Great group site with 2 bear cabinets, bar height meal prep table, 4 picnic tables, and 2 toilets." 2. "The restrooms are clean and smell nice surprisingly." 3. "Wonderful completely unplugged...
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Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some reviews noted issues with site-specific management, such as double occupancy by previous campers. However, no specific site number was identified as "best" or "worst."
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility-related reviews are not detailed in the source material.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related rules include a two-pet limit per site, but no additional user feedback on pet experiences is available.
Based on 8 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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