Sawmill Flat Campground
04 reviewsnull
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
June to December
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
June to December
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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What Campers Say
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Limited Reviews
Based on 4 reviews
5 Google reviews
Most mentioned
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"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."
Fees & Passes at Sawmill Flat Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum length of stay = 14 days.
Cancellation: Not applicable; reservations are not needed.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Sierra National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceWhile the stories of Sawmill Flat remain unwritten in official records, the campground whispers its own tales through the generations of hunters and nature lovers who've made pilgrimages to these peaceful grounds. This humble site continues a tradition of simple, respectful wilderness camping that connects modern visitors to the timeless rhythms of the forest.
Weather and SeasonsOpen 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.
ElevationNestled at an undisclosed elevation within the mountain forests, Sawmill Flat offers that perfect sweet spot where the air feels crisp and clean, yet remains comfortable for camping throughout its operating season.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a stunning tapestry of towering pines and aromatic cedars, where twisted manzanita bushes create natural sculptures beneath the forest canopy. The delicate Bear Clover carpets the forest floor, releasing its distinctive vanilla scent on warm afternoons. A seasonal creek meanders nearby, its gentle murmur providing nature's soundtrack when winter and spring rains bless the landscape. This diverse ecosystem creates an ever-changing backdrop of colors, textures, and wildlife encounters that make each visit unique.
Geological RegionSet within a remarkable convergence of mountain ecosystems, Sawmill Flat showcases nature's diversity where majestic pines and cedars tower above hardy manzanita groves and fragrant Bear Clover meadows. This unique botanical blend creates distinct microclimates and habitats that support an impressive array of wildlife and offer campers an authentic taste of the region's natural complexity.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the official sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeUser reviews highlight spacious sites with room for large tents and activities such as volleyball or horseshoes.
Sites PrivacyReviews suggest a secluded and quiet environment, with some users noting that no other campers were present during their visits.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAdvice from users includes bringing bug spray, hammock, and dartboard for recreation. Sites offer enough space to pitch large tents and set up games like volleyball and horseshoes.
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay = 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum group size = 6 per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout is primitive, with no defined loops or sections.
Open and Closed SeasonJune to December
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; no reservations required.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-served with no reservation system in place.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable; reservations are not needed.
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 viewing
User reviews describe encounters with wildlife, particularly bears, emphasizing proper food storage to avoid attracting them.Winter Activities
No winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Each site includes a fire ring; no specific restrictions on campfires mentioned.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazards"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.
Weather at Sawmill Flat Campground
44
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Dinkey Creek Ranger Station is approximately 15.5 miles away and is open 7 days a week from May through September.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune to November
Trash and recyclingAs a pack-it-in, pack-it-out site, campers must take their garbage with them upon departure. There are no on-site trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water features"There is a small seasonal creek nearby."
Common complaintsRecurring issues include lack of water and garbage service, difficult accessibility, and pesky flies.
HostNot mentioned; no hosts on-site.
Campground Map
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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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
4 reviews
Sawmill Flat Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 4 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 4 reviewsCommon 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 4 reviewsPro 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 4 reviewsSeasonal 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 4 reviewsCamper 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....
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific reviews mentioning individual campsite numbers are available.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or pet-friendly features are available.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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