How much does camping cost at Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp?

Camping fees at Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp range from $125/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp before I book?

Yes! Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp?

Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp is open June 19 to September 25. 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 Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp?

Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp have?

Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp. 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 Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp?

Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp?

Popular activities at Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

Q: Can I have a campfire at Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp?

Fire policies at Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center, (760) 924-5500, or the Mono Lakes Visitor Center, (760) 647-3044.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.65

8 reviews

INYO

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

10,400 ft

Price

$125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The campground openi...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

10,400 ft

Price

$125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The campground openi...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

$125.00 - $125.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $125.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$125.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-934-5795clm@clm-services.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

INYO

Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

INYO

Nearby places

Mono Lake (approximately 2-hour drive), Yosemite National Park (approximately 2-hour drive).

Weather at Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

Current alerts(9)

Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating; always keep a clean camp and do not feed any wild animals
Click here for more information about Inyo National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Best Time to Camp at Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the longest open window (June 20–Sept 26), and the best weather for alpine activities — expect cool mornings in the 30s–40s°F, afternoons commonly 50s–70s, and chilly nights. Trails, the Saddlebag Lake shoreline, and non-motorized boating and fishing are all at their peak, with wildflower meadows and long daylight for group outings and star‑filled nights. Weekends can be busy and the group site is reservation-only, so plan ahead to secure dates and be sure Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer (late June–Sept) is the reliable window; described as scenic and suitable for activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 19 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground opening and closing dates vary; call Inyo National Forest for status

About Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp sits at high elevation in Inyo National Forest, operated by the National Forest Service for group reservations only. The alpine setting offers direct trailhead access, non-motorized boating and fishing on Saddlebag Lake, and wildflower meadows during the summer season. Reviewers consistently praise the clean flush toilets, spacious group site layout, and helpful camp hosts.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the longest open window (June 20–Sept 26), and the best weather for alpine activities — expect cool mornings in the 30s–40s°F, afternoons commonly 50s–70s, and chilly nights. Trails, the Saddlebag Lake shoreline, and non-motorized boating and fishing are all at their peak, with wildflower meadows and long daylight for group outings and star‑filled nights. Weekends can be busy and the group site is reservation-only, so plan ahead to secure dates and be sure Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation10400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a granite basin carved by ice age glaciers, with whitebark pines clinging to weathered rock. Saddlebag Lake stretches below, filling a depression scoured clean by ancient ice. Granite domes rise on all sides. At this elevation, the landscape is raw. Sparse forest, exposed bedrock, meadows that stay green only through summer. Black bears move through camp. Mule deer graze the edges. The lake holds trout, and if you're quiet in the mornings, you might spot pikas among the talus or raptors riding thermals above the ridgelines.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges are mentioned, but the nearby Saddlebag Lake Resort provides additional resources such as a restaurant and boat rentals.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned in the authoritative source or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 25 people per group site.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 25 people and is designed for tent camping only. User reviews suggest it is spacious enough to hold more than the stated capacity, with ample room for multiple tents.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Recreation.gov, including their website and mobile app.

Site SizeThe group site can accommodate up to 25 people. User feedback suggests ample space, with one review stating it "will easily hold 50 campers in tents.

PrivacyThe site is somewhat isolated, offering a quiet environment. A review stated: "You're pretty isolated," indicating a degree of privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose this site for group tent camping, ensuring arrival time is early to resolve potential reservation conflicts.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site. Reviews mention it's spacious. One camper said it easily holds 50 tents. So groups can spread out. The catch: some visitors have arrived to find the previous party still occupying the site, a problem when the host doesn't enforce checkout times. Arrive early and confirm your reservation is honored.

Need help booking Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Trailhead Group Campground provides essential amenities suitable for group camping. It features flush toilets and picnic tables at the group campsite, and drinking water is available at the nearby main Saddlebag Lake Campground. Additional amenities can be accessed at the lake's resort, including a restaurant, camping and fishing supplies, and boat rentals.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredTwo bear-proof storage lockers are provided for campers' use at no additional charge.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center, (760) 924-5500, or the Mono Lakes Visitor Center, (760) 647-3044.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative source or user reviews.

Cell CoverageSome user reviews indicate partial cell phone reception, but the level of coverage and specific providers are not detailed. One review noted: "You're pretty isolated and some cell service works."

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

8 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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Your group wants a dedicated alpine basecamp with lake access, maintained restrooms, and summer wildflower scenery.

Skip if

You need individual sites, want motorized boating, or can't handle cool mornings and chilly nights.

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3.8

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Sawmill Walk-In Campground

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

Sawmill Walk-In Campground sits at 9,700 feet along the Hoover Wilderness boundary, where a half-mile walk from the parking area filters out casual visitors. The 11 primitive sites run $17-25 per night and come with picnic tables, fire rings, and bear lockers. No piped water. You pack everything in and pack your trash out.

Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

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Overview

Plan a trip to Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews