Sawmill Walk-in Campground
Saddlebag Lake

Tioga Lake, Tioga  Pass, CA
Tioga Lake, Tioga  Pass, CA

Sawmill Walk-in Campground
Saddlebag Lake


Sawmill Walk-in Campground

Sawmill Walk-in Campground sites are off Saddlebag Lake Road along the upper reaches of Lee Vining Creek, only a few miles east of Yosemite. Visitors park in a small lot and then walk about a quarter mile to the secluded campsites among the trees. Towering overhead are the majestic peaks at the crest of the Sierra - 12,000-foot White Mountain and 12,590-foot Mount Conness. To the southeast looms 13,000-foot Mount Dana.

Each of the 12 sites in Sawmill Walk-in Campground has a level spot for a tent, a picnic table, fire ring, and food storage box. There is no potable water. Nearby Tioga Pass Resort has a small store and cafe.

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Sawmill Walk-in Campground Basics
Sawmill Walk-in Campground Location: On Saddlebag Lake Road, 2 miles off Highway 120 (Tioga Road), 2 miles east of Yosemite's east entrance station at Tioga Pass
Elevation: 9,700 feet
Mileage/ Driving Times: Sacramento - 196 miles, 4:13
Reno - 152 miles, 2:57
Number of Campsites: 12
Camping Season: Early June through mid-October, depending on weather
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 vehicle, 2nd vehicle $5 per night
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by California Land Management for Inyo National Forest
Information (Mono Lake Ranger Disrict): (760) 647-3044

Reservations
No Reservations All campsites at Sawmill Campground are first-come, first-served.
Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $21 per night
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Sawmill Walk-in Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, food storage locker
Campground: Vault toilets, no potable water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Sawmill Walk-in Campground:
  • Stop by Fantail Lake for fishing or for a picnic.
  • Tour historic Bennettville (an old mining area).
  • Head over to Saddlebag Lake for great fishing.
  • Visit Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake,
  • Hike into scenic 20 Lakes Basin.
  • Drive down to the June Lake Loop.
  • Explore the Lee Vining Canyon.

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Bennettville, Inyo National Forest, CA

Some of the old Bennettville Buildings





Sawmill Walk-in Campground, Inyo National Forest, CA

Sawmill Walk-in Campground

Mono Lake Area
Attractions and Activities

For those camped at Sawmill Walk-in Campground, Yosemite and stunning Mono Lake are only a short drive away. Mono Lake's beauty and wildlife beckons visitors from around the country. Up and down the Lee Vining Canyon are other wonderful places to visit.

  • Begin at the Mono Lake Visitor Center.
  • Drive south to view Mono Craters.
  • Try your luck fly fishing in Rush Creek.
  • The beautiful June Lake Loop is only a few miles to the south.
  • Join naturalist-led walks at Mono Lake.
  • Canoe or kayak on Mono Lake.
  • Hike to the historic mining site of Bennettville with all buildings and mines.
  • Picnic at Tioga or Ellery lake close to the east entrance to Yosemite National Park.
  • Spend the day at nearby Lundy Lake or the beautiful Virginia Lakes.
  • Visit Bodie State Historic Park

Key Sawmill Walk-in Campground Regulations

  1. Fires are only permitted in fire rings.
  2. Quiet Hours: run from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  3. Dogs must be on leash and attended at all times. No more than 2 pets per campsite
  4. To avoid problems with bears, keep food in bear-proof lockers.

Check Inyo National Forest - Sawmill Walk-in Campground for any campground updates.