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Sawmill Hiker Campground

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Sawmill Hiker Campground is located near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The area experiences temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the trails of Golden Gate Canyon State Park and the scenic views of Lookout Mountain.

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Location

Sawmill Hiker Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.810697655513465 N
105.28795825927325 W

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Connectivity

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    Good Coverage
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    Good Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
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    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 5, 2019

Great campground

Great hike in campground. It was our first hike in and we loved it! Spots aren’t too close to each other and there’s great views!

  • Review photo of Sawmill Hiker Campground by Two Snoops , August 5, 2019
  • Review photo of Sawmill Hiker Campground by Two Snoops , August 5, 2019
  • Review photo of Sawmill Hiker Campground by Two Snoops , August 5, 2019
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2018

Easy Backpacking Experience

My husband went to this campsite with a group of Scouts and took me and our 1 year old a few weeks later. I had never been backpacking up until this point because I was always intimidated by the experience. This was an excellent "beginner" foray into backpacking!

This semi-primitive campsite requires a permit from the Open Space Office of Jefferson County, CO. The permit is free, however you must pick up the permit in person at their offices. Be prepared with a valid ID. This is a popular campsite for Scout Troops, so calling ahead for availability is a great idea.

There is an exact address available on the website and at the Open Space Office that you can put into your GPS and drive straight to the parking lot of the trailhead.

My husband and I came in through the West Trailhead. It is a 1 mile, easy hike. The first 1/3 of a mile is dirt, the remainder is gravel. It is fairly hilly, but easy enough that we actually opted to push our Jogging Stroller with our kid the entire way (which is very doable) whilst wearing our backpacking gear.

The campsites are well maintained and quite spread out from one another. So although there was a group of scouts, a group of friends, and a bigger youth group who all hiked in, it did not feel crowded or noisy.

We brought our dog, as pets are allowed on a leash. We set up our tent on the graveled pad at each site and boiled up some soup on the provided picnic tables. The website as of 2018 will tell you that fires are permitted in the designated fire rings, however a permanent fire ban has recently been put into place (which is too bad!) and all the fire rings and wood piles have been removed from the area - so really, NO FIRES ALLOWED. The pit toilets are very accessible and clean. It is technically Bear Country, so bear boxes and trash cans are provided for the overall campground.

My favorite thing about our particular campsite (site 15) was the view. At night you can see all the city lights of sprawling Denver, but then have a perfect view of the sunrise in the morning. Witnessing the sunrise from this spot will always be one of my favorite memories. Seriously so amazing!

We hiked out the next morning, simple as that, but realized we had misplaced our car keys...after 2.5 hours of searching and walking back and forth between the campsite and our car, we found our keys in the bottom of our tent. So really, if I could offer one piece of advice, always know where your keys are! Despite this incident, the location was great and the experience worthwhile! And I feel like it gave me a good taste of what to expect when backpacking in the future, which is exactly what I was looking for.

SiteSite 15
Month of VisitSeptember

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Sawmill Hiker Campground?

Sawmill Hiker Campground is a semi-primitive site designed primarily for backpackers. The facilities are minimal by design, creating an authentic backcountry experience. The campground features designated camping spots that offer some privacy and aren't too close to each other. While specific amenities are limited, the campground's appeal lies in its natural setting with great views. As a hike-in destination, visitors should be prepared to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out their waste, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

Where is Sawmill Campground located in Colorado?

Sawmill Hiker Campground is located in Colorado's mountainous terrain, accessible via a hiking trail. While the exact coordinates aren't specified, it's positioned to offer scenic mountain views that are characteristic of Colorado's backcountry. The campground is reached by a moderately challenging trail that makes it suitable for beginner backpackers looking to experience wilderness camping. For precise directions and trailhead information, contact the managing forest service office before your trip.

Is Sawmill Campground near Denver or Arvada?

While the exact distance from Denver or Arvada isn't specified, Sawmill Hiker Campground is likely within reasonable driving distance from these Front Range cities, making it accessible for weekend backpacking trips. As a backcountry site requiring a hike in, expect to first drive from the urban areas to a trailhead, then hike to reach the campground. For precise driving directions and distances, check with the managing agency that oversees the campground.

How much does it cost to stay at Sawmill Campground?

Specific fee information for Sawmill Hiker Campground isn't detailed, but as a backcountry site in Colorado, it likely follows standard Forest Service or park fee structures. Many similar hike-in campgrounds charge modest fees between $5-20 per night, or may require a backcountry permit. Contact the managing agency for current pricing and reservation requirements before your trip. Some primitive backcountry sites in Colorado are free, but always check official sources for the most accurate information.