Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

Overview

Trailhead Group Campground is located in the eastern high Sierra Nevada Mountains of California at just over 10,000 feet in elevation. Also known as Saddlebag Lake Group Campground, the facility is adjacent to the scenic lake and provides a quiet mountain getaway for groups of up to 25 people. It is within a two-hour drive of Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake, and lies next to the Hoover Wilderness.

Recreation

Campers might like to relax and unwind by picnicking in the forested camping area or around the lake. The eastern Sierras are well-known for trout fishing, and Saddlebag Lake is no exception. Anglers can access a boat ramp nearby or try their luck for rainbow, brook and brown trout from shore. The lake has a 15 mph speed limit.

The majestic scenery and challenging trails are a big draw for hikers. Close by, campers can access the Twenty Lakes Basin Trail, which leads into the Hoover Wilderness.

Facilities

One group area is available for tents only. Flush toilets and picnic tables are provided. The group campground is next to the main Saddlebag Lake Campground, which is a small facility with individual sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Drinking water is available at the main campground, but not directly in the group camping area.

The lake's resort offers a restaurant, camping and fishing supplies and boat rentals.

Natural Features

The campground is situated in a high elevation pine forest next to scenic 600-acre Saddlebag Lake, though not directly on the lake shore. Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds.

Nearby Attractions

The Mono Lake area and Yosemite National Park are great day trips, and hikers can access the spectacular scenery of the Hoover Wilderness via nearby trails.

Hoover Wilderness

Yosemite National Park

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

  • Pets allowed: all 1 sites
  • Group sites: all 1 sites
  • Longest rig: 25 ft
  • Largest party: 25 people

Directions

Take U.S. Highway 395 in California to its junction with State Highway 120 west. Take 120 west 10 miles toward Tioga Pass. Turn right on Forest Road 1N04 to Saddlebag Lake. Proceed up 1N04 for 2.4 miles. Take the first right just past the open gate on the road. The campground is on the right, just past the restroom.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

7 reviews
5 stars
3
4 stars
1
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 stars
1
Jim A
Loop:Trai
Site:
Reviewed 13 days ago
Great secluded camp
Vy N
Loop:Trai
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Everything was great except there were tons of mosquitos when we camped at the group site in June.
Daniel K
Loop:Trai
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
While the campsites are nice and nicely spaced apart, 2 things stand out that need improvement. 1. Mosquitoes & flies. While I know I am outside in nature, there should be some traps to reduce the giant swarms that roam the campgrounds. We used smoke from fire and mosquitoe incense to now avail. 2. The roads. The potholes on the road up to the lake and the roads on the campground itself, were so big. I mean... come on...you can't level that out at least a LITTLE BIT? Besides that, the lake was well stocked with fish, and good size too! The scenery was gorgeous! The campsites had shade. The best part is, not a lot of people. Peaceful and quiet!
Paul F
Loop:Trai
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
the camp host was awesome!!! bathrooms were clean and he was super helpful.
Heidi O
Loop:Trai
Site:
Reviewed 5 years ago
It was closed when we arrived without receiving an email
judy t
Loop:Trai
Site:
Reviewed 5 years ago
Wonderful completely unplugged relaxing time !!
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Busy

Busiest in August, when about 61% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 11 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds