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. Two vault toilets are located between sites 8 and 9.

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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:	$23 per night
Check-in, check-out:	Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: 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. Shop Amazon for Trout Fishing Favorites
Updates	Last Updated January 2025

Some of the old Bennettville Buildings

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Applegate Lake

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

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Key Sawmill Walk-in Campground Regulations

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

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

Sawmill Walk-in Campground

Saddlebag Lake

Sawmill Walk-in Campground

Saddlebag Lake