Sawmill Flat Campground

Star4.50
9 reviews
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Quick Facts

6,798 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

June to December

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Sierra National Forest site

Official Website
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Sawmill Flat Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees required to camp at Sawmill Flat.
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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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 9 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sites

"Reviews of Sawmill Flat Campground are generally positive, with users highlighting its secluded location, spacious sites, and suitability for primitive camping. Common themes include the lack of amenities, the need for preparation, and encounters with wildlife."

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Campground Map

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Sawmill Flat Campground

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Driving directionsTake Hwy 168 to Shaver Lake. Go east on Dinkey Creek Road 12.5 miles, turn right on McKinley Grove Road (road 11S40). Travel approximately 12.5 miles to road 11S12. Turn right, travel 3.1 miles to the campground.
Access is paved, dirt, and gravel. "You may be tempted to give up before you get there"—highlighting its remoteness and road condition challenges.
Nearby places
Nearest services are in Dinkey Creek at the McKinley Grove Road intersection, approximately 15.5 miles from the campground.
Nearby supplies
The Dinkey Creek Inn and Store offers a pay phone, small grocery, fishing supplies, and a lunch counter selling breakfast items and sandwiches. Accessible pay showers are also available.

Best Time to Camp at Sawmill Flat Campground

Open from June through December, Sawmill Flat transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout its seven-month window. Summer arrives with warm, dry days perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, while autumn paints the forest in golden hues as hunters take to the trails. As December approaches, crisp mountain air gives way to potential frost and snow, creating a wonderland for hardy winter campers. The consistently dry conditions during operating months make this an ideal basecamp for fair-weather adventurers and seasoned outdoors enthusiasts alike.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June–December; summer described as warm, dry and ideal for hiking/camping.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through November; fall offers quieter visits and seasonal changes.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground closed in much of spring (open June–December); spring largely outside season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Campground is only open in December for winter months; limited winter access/activities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June to November. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: June to December
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts were provided.

About Sawmill Flat Campground

Escape to the untamed wilderness at Sawmill Flat Campground, where rustic adventure meets raw natural beauty. This hidden gem offers free primitive camping for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience far from the crowds. Each thoughtfully spaced site comes equipped with a sturdy picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. While vault toilets provide basic comfort, this is truly a place to disconnect and embrace the 'pack in, pack out' ethos that keeps these pristine forests unspoiled. Particularly beloved by hunters who know these woods intimately, Sawmill Flat rewards self-sufficient campers with solitude and serenity.
Sawmill Flat Campground caters to primitive camping enthusiasts, particularly hunters. User reviews mention large sites suitable for group activities, and the setting is described as very secluded.
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Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay = 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Camping at Sawmill Flat Campground offers a peaceful retreat in a forested setting. Official sources mention picnicking as a recreational activity. User reviews highlight opportunities for group activities like volleyball, cornhole, and horseshoes.
Wildlife viewingUser reviews describe encounters with wildlife, particularly bears, emphasizing proper food storage to avoid attracting them.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"This is Bear Country. Please store food properly and don’t feed the bears. Bring mosquito repellant." Mosquitoes and roaming bears are mentioned as common challenges.
Active AlertsNo active alerts were provided.
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 Flat Campground

Reviews

4.5
9 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Sawmill Flat Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Sawmill Flat Campground are generally positive, with users highlighting its secluded location, spacious sites, and suitability for primitive camping. Common themes include the lack of amenities, the need for preparation, and encounters with wildlife.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground's seclusion, free access, large campsites, and suitability for group activities. The forested setting and opportunities for primitive camping are frequently noted.
Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on the lack of amenities, such as potable water and trash service, as well as occasional locked vault toilets. Other issues include pesky flies and challenging access roads.
Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing bug spray, hammocks, and plenty of supplies, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency due to the absence of amenities.
Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is seasonally dry, with fewer visitors outside hunting season. Wildlife activity, including bears, may vary depending on the time of year.
Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "No reservations needed, no fees, no water, no crowds." - John Whitacre. 2. "Great isolated campground that really puts you off the grid." - Aaron Klatt. 3. "Not easy to find, but was very nice....
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Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific reviews mentioning individual campsite numbers are available.
Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or pet-friendly features are available.
Based on 9 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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