Bird activity draws attention at Sawmill Campground, where woodpeckers, blue jays, and falcons are regularly spotted among the trees. Set within Angeles National Forest, this free, drive-in site sits at elevation near Lake Hughes, with fire rings, a vault toilet, and trash service rounding out a modest but functional setup. No pets are allowed.
Road conditions are a consistent topic among reviewers. Coming from Lake Hughes, the approach is manageable in a truck or SUV without four-wheel drive, though sharp rocks and possible washouts make a standard car a riskier choice. One reviewer used four-wheel drive while towing a teardrop trailer. The surrounding trees still show fire damage from a past burn, and new growth is gradual. Views toward the Mojave are partially blocked by tree cover, though Henri H. notes you can get "decent views but you have to walk a bit to see them."
The campground tends to stay quiet on weeknights, but weekend mornings can bring noise from off-road and adventure motorcycle riders who use the area. Stinging ants have been noted on the ground, so closed-toe shoes are worth wearing. Verizon users have reported 5G signal here, which may matter to those hoping to disconnect. The vault toilet has been described as clean, though some litter from previous campers has turned up around sites.
Bear Campground provides an alternative roughly 3.5 miles west for campers who want a different setup in the same general area.
Description
5200-foot__elevation. 8 sites. No water. Vault toilets. Campsites are__first come - first served. RV's to 16'.Must access this campground from Pine Canyon Road due to washout on 7N23. Can not access from Old Ridge Route.Please call the Acton Work Center at (661) 269-2808 for information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSawmill Campground is located in California near Lake Hughes
Coordinates
34.701007 N
118.571822 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark 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.
Drive Time
- 55 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 1 hr 11 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 27 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 22 min from Santa Maria, CA
















