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Map showing campground location near Lee Vining, California
Camper submitted image from Saddlebag Lake CampgroundView 27 Photos
FacilitiesMap showing campground location near Lee Vining, California

Saddlebag Lake Campground

3 ReviewsAdd Review

Accessible via gravel road, Saddlebag Lake Campground sits at 10,000 feet elevation in the Inyo National Forest, making it one of California's highest drive-in campgrounds. The US Forest Service facility operates from June 20 through October 4, charging $26 per night for sites that accommodate RVs up to 16 feet. Vault toilets, potable water, and firewood sales provide basic services, while a campground host assists visitors during the season.

The high-altitude location offers mountain and alpine lake views, with reviewers noting excellent stargazing conditions on clear nights. Road conditions require attention for larger rigs, and snow can affect access even during the official season. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with campgrounds around Lee Vining providing additional options for the area.

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Location

Public Campground

Saddlebag Lake Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From US 395 at Lee Vining, go west on CA 120, then north on Forest Road 04.

Coordinates

37.96500019 N
119.27100097 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Many campers appreciated this secluded high-altitude campground at 10,000 feet with stunning mountain views and excellent stargazing. Visitors often highlighted the helpful host and adequate primitive facilities, though access requires gravel roads challenging for larger RVs.

Tim R.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2024

Serene Mountain Campground 🏔️

Incredible views of the mountains and alpine lakes from the highest campground in California (10k). Primitive camping with vault toilets, incredible campground host, potable water, firewood for sale. Accessible via a gravel access road, might be challenging to traverse for anything bigger than small trailers/RVs. Best campground I’ve ever been to!

Site2
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Saddlebag Lake Campground by Tim R., August 28, 2024
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  • Review photo of Saddlebag Lake Campground by Tim R., August 28, 2024
  • (9) View All
NoSleep F.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2023

Millions of stars

This place was probably the best location out of my five day oferlanding trip all around this area. I drove from SoCal up to Tahoe through Yosemite and back down. This place was by far the best area I’ve ever been to to capture the night sky. On a no moon evening and clear sky’s the stars looked amazing. The camp ground was closed but nothing a little off-roading counldnt get through. The back way up will definitely need a 4x4 and to lower tire pressure. We had the whole camp ground to ourselves. The view was breath taking at night.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • (14) View All
Cecil K.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 17, 2019

Great Remote with outstanding Views.

Excellent campground, secluded, high up (10,000ft), and Beautiful. My wife and I went camping here in October. It was snowing at the time and windy, averaging 29 degrees in the tent, so not bad. Our awd car did just fine on the snowy road without chains, although we had them incase. I would go back again.

  • Review photo of Saddlebag Lake Campground by Cecil K., June 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Saddlebag Lake Campground by Cecil K., June 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Saddlebag Lake Campground by Cecil K., June 17, 2019
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What do reviews say about Saddlebag Lake Campground?

Saddlebag Lake Campground receives exceptional praise for its breathtaking alpine setting at 10,000 feet elevation—making it the highest campground in California. Visitors highlight the spectacular mountain views, pristine alpine lakes, and phenomenal stargazing opportunities on clear nights. The campground features primitive sites with basic amenities including vault toilets, potable water, and firewood for sale. Campers appreciate the knowledgeable campground host. The remote, secluded nature of the location contributes to its appeal for those seeking a true wilderness experience in the Eastern Sierra.

How do I make reservations at Saddlebag Lake Campground?

Saddlebag Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservation system. Given its popularity and limited number of sites, arriving early in the day, especially on weekends, is recommended to secure a spot. The campground is primitive but does offer amenities like vault toilets and potable water. For the most current information about availability and fees, contact the Inyo National Forest office that manages this high-elevation campground.

Are there photos available of Saddlebag Lake Campground?

Yes, photos of Saddlebag Lake Campground are available online through various camping websites and forums, including official forest service pages. These images showcase the campground's stunning alpine setting at 10,000 feet, surrounding mountain vistas, and nearby lake views. Photos typically highlight the primitive campsites, beautiful landscape, and night sky visibility that makes this location popular for astrophotography. To view the most current and comprehensive collection of images, check The Dyrt or the Inyo National Forest website.

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