Saddlebag Lake Campground

Tioga Pass

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

Saddlebag Lake Campground

Tioga Pass


Saddlebag Lake Campground

Saddlebag Lake Campground is located within easy walking distance of Saddlebag Lake, a popular fishing destination. Sadly, Saddlebag Resort has closed, but the water taxi across the lake is still operating during the summer. Trails (or the water taxi) take hikers to the far end of the lake. From there, hike into the magnificent 20 Lakes Basin in the Hoover Wilderness.

Saddlebag Lake Campground has 20 standard campsites and 1 group site. The high elevation of Saddlebag Lake Campground (10,100 feet) means that nights are often cold. With sparse forest protection, campsites can be windy. Tents, along with RV and trailers up to 30 feet can be accommodated at the campground. Many sites are uneven.

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Saddlebag Lake Campground Basics
Saddlebag Lake Campground Location: At the end of Saddlebag Lake Road, 3 miles off Highway 120 (Tioga Road) and 2 miles east of Yosemite's east entrance station at Tioga Pass
Elevation: 10,100 feet
Mileage/ Driving Times: Sacramento - 197 miles, 4:15
Reno - 153 miles, 2:59
Number of Campsites: 20
Camping Season: Late June through early September, depending on weather
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 vehicle, 2nd vehicle $7 per night
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by California Land Management for Inyo National Forest
Information (Mono Lake Ranger District): (760) 647-3044

Reservations
No Reservations Saddlebag Lake Campground campsites are all first-come, first-served. Reservations are available for the group campsite. See the link below.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 30 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $26 per night
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: Noon

Saddlebag Lake Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, food storage locker; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Saddlebag Lake Campground: Saddlebag Lake, Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake, 20 Lakes Basin, June Lake Loop, Lee Vining Canyon.

Enjoy great fishing for trout in Saddlebag Lake.

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Saddlebag Lake's Trailhead Group Camp

Saddlebag Lake's group site is known on the reservations system as the Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Campground. The campground can accommodate groups up to 25 people and 5 vehicles. The area is a tents-only site. Drinking water can be found at the adjacent main campground. Trailhead Group Camp is open from late-June through September, depending on weather. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance of arrival date.
Fee: $124 per night
Reservations: Trailhead Group Campground Reservations


General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Obtain firewood locally to avoid spreading pests.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.



Saddlebag Lake Campground, Inyo National Forest, CA

Saddlebag Lake Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

- 2023 - 2024 -

  • Great campground host.
  • Night sky was amazing.
  • Gravel road part of the way in.

Mono Lake Area
Attractions and Activities

For those camped at Saddlebag Lake Campground, stunning Mono Lake is 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

Set Out on Adventure

fishing in Evolution Valley, Kings Canyon National Park, CA

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Key Saddlebag Lake 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 - Saddlebag Lake Campground for any campground updates.