Camper submitted image from Sawmill Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Sawmill Campground - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from Sawmill Campground - 3
Camping
Camper submitted image from Sawmill Campground - 4
Nature
Camper submitted image from Sawmill Campground - 5
People
Unlock Planning Tools in App
pro

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Sawmill Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Sawmill Campground, near Angeles National Forest, is a great choice for those seeking a quiet escape into nature. With its free camping and no reservations required, it’s perfect for spontaneous trips, though you might want to arrive early to snag a good spot.

The campground offers basic amenities like vault toilets and fire rings, but don’t expect much else in terms of facilities. Visitors have noted that the road can be a bit bumpy, so a careful drive is recommended, especially if you're in a 2WD vehicle. As one camper mentioned, “The road is a bit bumpy, but slowly and carefully any car can get there!”

Nature lovers will appreciate the beautiful surroundings, with plenty of birds like woodpeckers and blue jays flitting about. The area is also known for its stunning views, although you might need to take a short walk to fully enjoy them. Some campers have enjoyed the peaceful solitude, making it a great spot for those looking to unwind.

If you're up for a little adventure, nearby trails lead to scenic overlooks, and you might even catch a glimpse of the Mojave from certain vantage points. Just keep in mind that nights can get chilly, so pack accordingly. Whether you’re camping solo or with a buddy, Sawmill Campground offers a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy the great outdoors.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Sawmill Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.701007 N
118.571822 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Sawmill Campground needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

34%
50%
17%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 15, 2024

Forest road camping outside of Yosemite

Having to find a spot kind of late at night after other spots were full pretty level spot overlooking a meadow and review of the sunset roads a little rough getting back in there used four-wheel drive pulling a teardrop

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sawmill Campground by joel G., June 15, 2024
  • Review photo of Sawmill Campground by joel G., June 15, 2024
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2023

Decent

Seems to be a good spot to find yourself some alone time. Just myself so far. Got some decent views but you have to walk a bit to see them

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Mar. 24, 2022

Nice and quiet

Really nice staying! The road is a bit bumpy, but slowly and carefully any car can get there!

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Sawmill Campground by Paolo A., March 24, 2022
  • Review photo of Sawmill Campground by Paolo A., March 24, 2022
  • Review photo of Sawmill Campground by Paolo A., March 24, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2022

A decent place for the night

The road out there is pretty easy if you come from Lake Hughes. Truck or SUV recommended but 4x4 not required.

I showed up right before sunset and the campsite was empty. A lot of the trees are blackened from the last fire and the new growth hasn't come in yet. Hopefully this spring it'll recover more. Tables were nice and there was a vault toilet but I didn't use it. Someone showed up shortly after sunset but it remained quiet. Fire rings were available and in good shape. Not much else in way of amenities.

The views of Mojave were cool, but you are down in the trees a bit, so it's a little blocked. At 8am, a group of adventure bike riders showed up and were pretty loud. This campsite would be a good place for people on dirt bikes and adventure bikes looking for a place to stay. If you're driving a good distance to get out here though, I'd recommend Red Rock or something with more things to do. There werent any good hiking trails nearby. I did end up driving to Burnt Peak. There is an FAA Navigation Aid up there and gorgeous views of the Gorman/Santa Clarita area. Just don't mess with the equipment.

I was hoping to disconnect when I went out there and I ended up with decent 5G service with Verizon... So take that how you want.

Ultimately, good for a night if you're just trying to get away but I think better could be found.

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Sawmill Campground by Matt D., February 13, 2022
  • Review photo of Sawmill Campground by Matt D., February 13, 2022
  • Review photo of Sawmill Campground by Matt D., February 13, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Feb. 10, 2022

Good campground

The road up to the campground is a bit bumpy, So keep a eye out for sharp rocks if you got a 2WD like me. Beautiful area with lots of birds woodpeckers , blue jays, falcons. Restroom is clean so are campsite. But did find beer bottles from previous campers. So Clean up after yourself wild animals do show up. Nights get cold and windy up there. Almost had the campground to myself but a couple ended camping far across from me . Everything was cool. Solo Car camping success 🇺🇸😎

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Sawmill Campground by Miguel M., February 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Sawmill Campground by Miguel M., February 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Sawmill Campground by Miguel M., February 10, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Mar. 28, 2020

Free if you have an adventure pass, look out for stinging ants

There is a pit toilet and trashcans and fire rings here. When I went there was lots of firewood just laying around in piles.

There were LOTS of stinging ants so flip-flops/bare feet are out. 

Lots of wood peckers here.

The trail up can be rough, I don't recommend taking a car because the road may be washed out.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sawmill Campground by Dyl A., March 28, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Sawmill Campground in California?

Sawmill Campground offers basic amenities for a more primitive camping experience. The campground has pit toilets that are generally kept clean, trash cans for waste disposal, and established fire rings at the campsites. Many sites feature level spots suitable for camping, including some that overlook a meadow with scenic views. Natural firewood is often available around the campground area, though availability may vary by season. The campground is set in a wooded area that provides some shade and natural surroundings, though some trees show evidence of past fire damage.

What do visitor photos show about Sawmill Campground?

Photos of Sawmill Campground reveal a rustic forest setting with some fire-damaged trees and new growth vegetation. Images show level campsites with fire rings situated in a woodland area, some offering views overlooking a meadow area. The terrain appears natural and undeveloped, with dirt access roads leading to the sites. Wildlife is abundant in photos, particularly various bird species like woodpeckers, blue jays, and falcons that inhabit the area. Sunset views can be captured from certain vantage points within the campground.

What do reviews say about Sawmill Campground near Lake Hughes?

Sawmill Campground near Lake Hughes is praised for its secluded, peaceful atmosphere - an excellent spot for solitude in nature. The access road requires careful driving, with most recommending a truck or SUV, though 4x4 is not essential if approaching from Lake Hughes. The campground area shows evidence of past fire damage with blackened trees, but visitors enjoy the abundant wildlife, especially the variety of birds including woodpeckers, blue jays, and falcons. The facilities are basic but functional, with clean restrooms and well-maintained campsites, though occasional litter from previous campers has been noted.

How much does it cost to stay at Sawmill Campground?

Specific fee information for Sawmill Campground isn't detailed in available sources. As this is a relatively primitive campground in the Los Angeles National Forest area, it likely follows standard Forest Service fee structures. For current and accurate pricing, contact the Angeles National Forest office or check the USFS website before your visit. Some similar Forest Service campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with nominal fees, while others may be free but require a Forest Adventure Pass for parking.