Is Sawmill Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sawmill Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Entirely first-come, first-served; no reservation system in place.

What is the best time to visit Sawmill Campground?

Sawmill Campground is open Open from June to October, depending on weather conditions.. 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 Sawmill Campground?

Sawmill Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Sawmill Campground have?

Sawmill Campground has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Sawmill Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sawmill Campground. 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 Sawmill Campground?

Sawmill Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sawmill Campground?

Popular activities at Sawmill Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sawmill Campground

3.78

9 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Nevada Summer Camping Nevada Mountain Camping Nevada +3 more

Quick Facts

6,068 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June to Oc...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,068 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June to Oc...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Sawmill Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Sawmill Campground does not charge any fees for camping.

No campsite fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

775-738-5171

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Sawmill Campground

41.8752, -115.4297

Weather at Sawmill Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sawmill Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable access and conditions. Expect daytime highs around 65–80°F with cool nights dropping into the mid-30s to mid-40s. This is the window for hiking and fishing, when alpine lakes and trails are snow-free. Roads are passable and dispersed camping is straightforward. Watch for afternoon thunderstorms and check for seasonal fire restrictions. Winter buries the area in snow and makes access difficult.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June–Oct; summer offers best access and hiking/fishing conditions (65–80°F days).

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open from June to October, depending on weather conditions.

About Sawmill Campground

Sawmill Campground sits at 6,068 feet in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, offering dispersed camping at the edge of Jarbidge Wilderness. With just one primitive site and no fees, this is bare-bones backcountry camping for visitors who value solitude over amenities. Bring your own water and supplies.

Sawmill Campground is primarily a dispersed camping site offering a rugged outdoor experience.

Historical Significance

The nearby town of Jarbidge is a remnant of Nevada's mining era, with weathered buildings and mining relics still visible. Gold seekers worked these canyons in the early 20th century. Today the town functions as a supply point for wilderness visitors.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable access and conditions. Expect daytime highs around 65–80°F with cool nights dropping into the mid-30s to mid-40s. This is the window for hiking and fishing, when alpine lakes and trails are snow-free. Roads are passable and dispersed camping is straightforward. Watch for afternoon thunderstorms and check for seasonal fire restrictions. Winter buries the area in snow and makes access difficult.

ElevationPerched at 6,068 feet above sea level, Sawmill Campground offers that perfect high-altitude escape where the air runs crisp and clear, and summer temperatures provide blessed relief from the desert heat below.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies forested terrain at the boundary of Nevada's first designated wilderness area. At this elevation, you'll find pine forest and access to the Jarbidge Wilderness backcountry. Jagged peaks, alpine meadows, and trout streams. The area is genuinely remote. One reviewer called it a "beautiful place to camp," which tracks with the pristine wilderness setting.

Geological RegionSet within the sprawling Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Sawmill Campground serves as your basecamp for exploring Nevada's first designated wilderness area—the magnificent Jarbidge Wilderness. This protected landscape represents some of the Silver State's most pristine and rugged backcountry, where jagged peaks, hidden valleys, and untouched forests create a geological wonderland waiting to be discovered.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging facilities are indicated within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described in the available materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours

Check-out

Open 24 hours

Groups

No data provided about group sites or their specifications.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Walk-in AvailabilityEntirely first-come, first-served; no reservation system in place.

Site SizeSites are described as dispersed and likely vary in size due to the nature of dispersed camping.

PrivacyDispersed camping typically offers a higher degree of privacy, but specifics are not provided.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Amenities available

Sawmill Campground provides basic amenities suitable for dispersed camping. Restrooms are available, but potable water is not provided. Picnic tables are present at the campsites, and horse/pack animals are permitted. There are no charges associated with camping at this site.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Sawmill Campground

Sawmill Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, fishing, hunting, and OHV road riding. The proximity to the Jarbidge Wilderness provides additional opportunities for exploration.

Hiking4.0/5

Day hikes and direct access into the Jarbidge Wilderness with jagged peaks and alpine meadows.

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing available in nearby rivers and trout streams, but no species/conditions detailed.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, high‑elevation site on a wilderness boundary suggests dark skies and excellent viewing.

Photography4.0/5Jagged peaks, alpine meadows and remote vistas provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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

3.8

9 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Sawmill Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are minimal for Sawmill Campground, but one review describes it as a 'beautiful place to camp.'

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is described as 'beautiful' and offers dispersed camping, which appeals to those seeking a remote experience.

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints are noted in the available user reviews or authoritative sources.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users may want to bring potable water and supplies due to the lack of drinking water and other amenities.

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open June through October, aligning with warmer months and less snowfall, which are likely more favorable for camping.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

One user stated, 'Beautiful place to camp.'

Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews explicitly address accessibility features.

Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets must be kept on a leash as per restrictions, but no additional reviews about pet-related experiences are available.

Based on 9 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Sawmill Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Sawmill Campground does not charge any fees for camping.

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

775-738-5171

Go if

Tent campers who pack all their own water and want genuine Nevada backcountry solitude. Summer is the reliable window, with cool nights, accessible trails into Jarbidge Wilderness, and trout streams nearby.

Skip if

No potable water on site is a real logistical hurdle, and with only one site it's a wasted drive if someone beat you there. RVs, hookup-dependent campers, or anyone without offline maps will find this setup frustrating.

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