Sawtooth Canyon Campground
4.4955 reviews2601 Barstow Rd, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
Sawtooth Canyon Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
Sawtooth Canyon Campground is free and does not require any fees for camping.
About this campground
Where ancient rock spires pierce the desert sky and climbers' chalk marks tell stories of vertical adventures, Sawtooth Canyon Campground beckons the bold and the curious. Affectionately dubbed 'New Jack City' by the climbing community that first put it on the map, this free primitive campground delivers an authentic desert experience without the crowds. Shade ramadas offer respite from the sun, while fire pits and barbecue grills invite evening gatherings under some of the darkest, most star-studded skies in Southern California. With vault toilets and wide-open spaces perfect for tent camping, Sawtooth Canyon proves that sometimes the best things in life really are free—especially when they come with front-row seats to nature's most dramatic rock sculpture garden.
Sawtooth Canyon Campground is primarily a primitive camping area frequented by tent campers and self-contained RVs or travel trailers. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and includes walk-in sites.
Historical SignificanceLong before climbers christened it 'New Jack City' and made it a mecca for bouldering enthusiasts, Spanish-speaking travelers knew this place by a more practical name: 'Traer Agua'—bring water. This simple directive, passed down through generations, speaks volumes about the canyon's character and the respect it commands. The modern nickname emerged in the climbing boom of recent decades, when adventurers discovered that these dark volcanic formations offered world-class climbing routes. Today, the canyon stands as a bridge between its practical past and its recreational present, where ancient wisdom about water meets modern passion for vertical exploration.
Weather and SeasonsThe desert here doesn't do anything halfway—summer days blaze with temperatures that can soar between 100-120°F, turning the rocks into natural ovens and making early morning and evening the prime times for exploration. Winter brings its own drama, with nighttime temperatures that can plunge below freezing before warming to pleasant 70-degree afternoons. Year-round, the wind sweeps through the canyon with the persistence of an old friend, sometimes gentle, sometimes fierce, always reminding you that this is raw, untamed country. The bone-dry air means you'll need extra water and lip balm, but it also means virtually every night is perfect for stargazing.
ElevationPerched in the high desert terrain surrounding Barstow, Sawtooth Canyon sits at an elevation where the air grows thin and the views stretch endlessly across the Mojave. This elevated position creates a unique microclimate where desert extremes are amplified—hotter in summer, colder in winter, and always more dramatic than the lowlands below. The altitude contributes to those famously clear night skies, where the Milky Way appears close enough to touch and shooting stars are regular evening entertainment.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine Joshua Tree's fantastical rock gardens painted in darker, more mysterious hues, and you'll begin to picture Sawtooth Canyon's otherworldly landscape. These aren't your typical desert boulders—they're nature's skyscrapers, dark volcanic sentinels that twist and reach toward the sky in formations that defy logic and inspire awe. Each outcropping tells a story written in stone over millions of years, creating natural amphitheaters, hidden alcoves, and climbing routes that range from beginner-friendly to expert-only. As the sun tracks across the sky, these rocks transform like chameleons, shifting from deep chocolate browns in morning light to warm amber at sunset, creating an ever-changing canvas that photographers and nature lovers find irresistible.
Geological RegionSawtooth Canyon emerges from the Mojave Desert floor like the spine of some prehistoric beast, its distinctive silhouette earning its descriptive name. These dark volcanic formations, weathered by eons of wind and rare but powerful flash floods, create a geological wonderland that feels more like another planet than Southern California. Unlike the pale granite of Joshua Tree, Sawtooth's rocks wear darker robes—ancient volcanic material that absorbed more iron and minerals during their fiery birth. This unique composition not only gives the canyon its distinctive appearance but also creates the varied textures and holds that make it a rock climber's paradise. The surrounding desert floor, dotted with hardy vegetation adapted to extreme conditions, provides a stark canvas that makes the rocky formations appear even more dramatic.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features for campers with disabilities are mentioned.
Sites SizeCampsites vary from standard to walk-in sites located 50 feet from the parking area.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy level varies. Some reviews mention issues with other visitors cutting through campsites and overcrowding during peak times.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early on weekends for better chances of securing a site. Sites near Boy Scout Wall are recommended for climbers, while walk-in sites offer more seclusion.
Best CampsitesSites near Boy Scout Wall and White Face Wall are popular due to proximity to climbing routes and a quieter environment.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Group camping specifics are not detailed.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 13 improved campsites, including walk-in sites, sites near climbing walls, and a host site. Amenities include shade Ramadas, fire pits, barbeque grills, and picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations necessary; first-come, first-serve basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-serve. Reviews note that weekends, especially Saturdays, fill up quickly, requiring early arrival.
Cancellation PolicyCampground does not require reservations, so cancellation policies do not apply.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sawtooth Canyon Campground offers a range of activities, including rock climbing, hiking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and stargazing. It is also popular for its scenic views and natural beauty.
Hiking
The campground provides access to unmarked trails and is popular among hikers. Specific trail lengths or difficulty levels are not detailed.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Biking
Biking is mentioned as an activity enjoyed by visitors, but no details about specific biking trails or paths are provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity, with visitors often mentioning the area's natural beauty and opportunities to observe local fauna.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically mentioned, but the campground is a year-round destination for rock climbing and hiking.Water Sports
There are no water sports opportunities as the campground lacks water bodies.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed with permits, but restrictions may apply during fire seasons due to extreme fire danger.
- Quiet hours are Quiet most nights but potentially noisy on Saturday nights, as noted in user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsDesert hazards include extreme weather, poisonous snakes, and flash flooding in low-lying areas during storms. User reviews also mention tarantula hawks and challenges with hard ground for tent stakes.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 17 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
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
Emergency services are in Barstow, 20 miles away, which include hospitals, police, and other essential services.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThis is a pack-in, pack-out area with no dedicated trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresNo water bodies within or near the campground; visitors must bring sufficient water.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include overcrowding on weekends, issues with campsite boundaries, and rock climbers lacking etiquette by walking through campsites. Vault toilets are described as 'disgusting' by several reviewers.
HostThere is a designated campground host site northeast of White Face Wall, but reviews suggest the host has not been present for a long time.
Campground Map
2601 Barstow Rd, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
Driving directionsSawtooth Canyon Campground, also known by its nickname 'New Jack City,' is located approximately 3 miles west of California Highway 247 and 20 miles south of Barstow, California.
The road leading to the campground is described in reviews as easy to access, an 'easy one-mile drive off the main road.' However, some reviews mention a couple of miles of washboard as an access challenge from Highway 247 to the campground, but it's 'worth it.'Nearby places
Barstow - 20 miles
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in Barstow, 20 miles away
however, cellular service near the campground is described as unreliable in some locations.
Camper Reviews
4.5
55 reviews
Sawtooth Canyon Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, rock climbing opportunities, and free access. However, they also mention issues such as overcrowding during weekends, etiquette concerns among rock climbers, and the condition of vault toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 55 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors praise the natural beauty, availability of rock climbing, and free camping. Many reviews mention the well-maintained fire pits, picnic tables, and shade structures. Stargazing and the quiet...
Based on 55 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include overcrowding on weekends, poor campsite etiquette among some rock climbers, and the condition of vault toilets. The lack of water, electricity, and trash facilities is...
Based on 55 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend arriving early, especially on weekends, to secure a campsite. Bringing sufficient water, toilet paper, and other essentials is advised due to the lack of facilities. Campers are...
Based on 55 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during winter months when temperatures are cooler, making it ideal for outdoor activities like rock climbing and hiking. Summer temperatures, exceeding 100°F, deter...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'Amazing place, the views are breathtaking. From viewing wildlife and the stars at night, plus bike riding, hiking, also world-class rock climbing.' - Larry Reno 2. 'Great natural beauty. Great...
Based on 55 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Positive reviews mention sites near Boy Scout Wall and White Face Wall. Overcrowding and unauthorized camping in undesignated spots are noted as issues.
Based on 55 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not explicitly discussed in user reviews.
Based on 55 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and the campground is often described as pet-friendly. There are no dedicated pet facilities, but visitors note that pets need to be managed due to the presence of other campers and...
Based on 55 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025