Sawmill Campground
4.109 reviewsSawmill Campground
$0.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees explicitly mentioned in official details, but user reviews indicate an Adventure Pass costing $30 is required for access.
About this campground
Tucked away in the rugged backcountry, Sawmill Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience with just 8 intimate campsites. This first-come, first-served hideaway welcomes adventurers seeking solitude and simplicity. While you'll need to bring your own water and larger RVs won't fit (16 feet maximum), the campground provides essential vault toilets and the rare gift of disconnecting from the modern world.
Sawmill Campground provides primitive amenities and is geared toward tent and small RV camping.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this specific site remains untold, the surrounding Angeles National Forest has long served as a sanctuary for those seeking refuge from urban life and a connection to California's wild heart.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic temperature swings of high-desert camping at Sawmill. Days can be intensely hot, with the sun beating down on the exposed landscape, making early morning and evening the prime times for exploration. As darkness falls, the elevation brings welcome relief with cooler temperatures perfect for stargazing. Expect dry conditions year-round and occasional winds that whisper through the scrub oak, adding nature's soundtrack to your stay.
ElevationPerched at 5,200 feet above sea level, Sawmill Campground sits in that sweet spot where mountain air begins to thin and temperatures dance between extremes. This elevation creates a unique microclimate—scorching days give way to refreshingly cool nights, offering campers a full spectrum of high-country experiences within each 24-hour cycle.
Natural Features and SceneryRising from the Angeles National Forest floor at 5,200 feet, Sawmill Campground is embraced by a landscape of hardy scrub oak that has adapted to thrive in these challenging conditions. The rugged terrain surrounding the campground tells the story of ancient geological forces, creating a dramatic backdrop of weathered ridges and hidden valleys that beckon hikers to explore.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Angeles National Forest at 5,200 feet, Sawmill Campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where ancient tectonic forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable contrasts. The rugged terrain, dotted with resilient scrub oak communities, showcases millions of years of erosion and uplift that have created this high-desert sanctuary just beyond the reach of coastal influences.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information is given about accessibility features for disabled users.
Sites SizeThe sites are standard size, capable of accommodating small RVs up to 16 feet.
Sites PrivacyNo comments or official descriptions on the privacy of sites were provided.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviewers recommended 4x4 or high-clearance vehicles due to rough road conditions.
Best CampsitesSpecific sites highly rated are not mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Stay limit not specified in the text.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites reportedly accommodate small groups or individuals but no specific guest limits provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutEight camp sites, reportedly small and basic, with vault toilets and no water.
Open and Closed SeasonNo seasonal restrictions or closures noted.
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites are first-come, first-served. No advance reservations are possible.
Cancellation PolicyNot provided for this specific campground.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campground activities are quite limited, but the site provides an authentic, rugged outdoor experience. Visitors can hike nearby trails, explore the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Hiking
Sawmill Campground is situated along the Pacific Crest Trail, which offers opportunities for hiking enthusiasts. One user stated they enjoyed interacting with PCT hikers and 'brought extra rations of soda and snacks for the thru-hikers.' However, there are no specific trail descriptions or difficulty levels mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife, including bears, has been reported in the area. One user stated, 'I was camping in my roof top tent when a bear came through a few of the camps.' Campers are advised to store food securely.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports are not supported at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- "No fires allowed" despite presence of fire pits, as noted on signage.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mentioned hazards such as aggressive red fire ants, bees in vault toilets, and bears. "A bear came through camps" and interacted with non-food items.
Active alertsAccess restrictions due to washouts on 7N23 road.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 13.7 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Call the Acton Work Center at (661) 269-2808 for emergencies. Nearest hospital/emergency services are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingThere have been complaints about trash issues at the campground, with one reviewer mentioning 'trash falling out of the trash can.' The campground does not seem to have an established recycling program.
Proximity to water featuresNull
Common complaints"Aggressive red fire ants" and "angry buzzing wasps" were frequent complaints in reviews. Trash cans were reportedly overflowing, and no toilet paper was available.
HostNull
Campground Map
Driving directionsMust access this campground from Pine Canyon Road due to washout on 7N23. Cannot access from Old Ridge Route.
Access road may be difficult for low-clearance vehicles. Some sections are rough and rocky as noted by reviewers.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.1
9 reviews
Sawmill Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Sawmill Campground present a highly mixed picture. Many visitors appreciate the peace and natural beauty, noting that it is an ideal escape from city life. However, others have criticized the lack of maintenance, infestation issues, and the rough access road.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Some positive aspects include the quiet and clean environment, easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail, and good views. One user said, 'Great campground, quiet and clean, stayed one night with a group...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include poor road conditions with rough trails unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles, lack of water, infestation of fire ants and wasps, and maintenance issues like trash overflow...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring all necessary supplies, including water and toilet paper. A permit is required to camp here, and users should be aware of fire restrictions.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground appears to be less enjoyable during hot weather due to the lack of shade and water. One reviewer mentioned that it was 'too hot to enjoy during the day.'
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Great camp ground quiet and clean stayed one night with a group of guys nobody bothered us had an awesome time!'
2. 'The scenery is breathtaking. The weather was so pleasant and unexpected.'
3....
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are not highlighted in the reviews as better or worse.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility for users with disabilities.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025