Saddlebag Campground

For Californians who truly seek to reach new heights in their outdoor adventures, Saddlebag Campground near Lee Vining, CA, offers an unparalleled experience. Reportedly the highest campground in the United States, this destination in the Eastern Sierra provides a unique blend of stunning alpine scenery, incredible recreational opportunities, and a refreshing escape from the everyday. It's a place where the air is crisp, the views are breathtaking, and the sense of wilderness is profound.

Saddlebag Campground is renowned not just for its elevation, but for the immersive high-country experience it provides. As one enthusiastic camper shared, "Did you know that this campground is the highest camping spot in the United States. Our camp host gave us little information about this place and it was nice to be here. While we were there, it was still snow in the mountains and the view of these mountains are amazing." This highlights the awe-inspiring setting, with snow-capped peaks often visible even into the summer, offering truly spectacular vistas that define a quintessential Sierra Nevada trip. The helpfulness of the camp host is also a reassuring detail for visitors to this unique location.

The journey to Saddlebag Campground is part of its charm and challenge. "Here is the fun fact, the road of this place is half paved half is not paved. You are going up to 10400 feet according to our camp host. Please be careful while going on this campground because there are no service for you to call somebody to help." This valuable insight emphasizes the need for careful driving and preparedness, as cell service is non-existent at this elevation. However, for those prepared for a rustic experience, the reward is immense. "I loved this place and it was very relaxing," confirms the feeling of serene solitude found here.

Beyond the journey, the campground itself is thoughtfully equipped for primitive camping. "There is 3 or 4 bear boxes, a few picnic tables, 3 grills, a bigger than normal fire ring, and we comfortably fit 4 medium sized tents with room to spare." This demonstrates that while basic, the facilities are designed for comfort and safety in a high-elevation environment. The proximity to Saddlebag Lake is another major draw: "It's about a 5-10 minute walk to the lake where you can fish or hike around the lake, or hike to the far end of the lake to reach Twenty Lakes Basin Loop Trail, which I recommend." This provides direct access to world-class hiking and fishing, making Saddlebag Campground an ideal base for exploring the high country of the Inyo National Forest and a gateway to the stunning Twenty Lakes Basin. "Fresh air and beautiful scenery!!!" perfectly sums up the unparalleled natural allure of this Californian gem.

Saddlebag Campground is located in Lee Vining, CA 93541, USA, deep within the Inyo National Forest. Its precise location is at the end of Saddlebag Lake Road, which branches off Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120) on the eastern side of Yosemite National Park. This places it in the stunning high country of the Eastern Sierra Nevada.

Reaching Saddlebag Campground involves a significant ascent. Visitors will travel up Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120), a scenic but winding mountain road, and then turn onto Saddlebag Lake Road. As a reviewer notes, this road is "half paved half is not paved," indicating that part of the journey will be on a gravel or dirt road. The road culminates at an impressive elevation of approximately 10,000 to 10,400 feet, making it reportedly the highest drivable road and campground in the United States. Due to this high elevation, the road is typically only open seasonally, usually from late June/early July through October, depending on snowmelt and snowfall.

Given the elevation and road conditions, caution is advised. "Please be careful while going on this campground because there are no service for you to call somebody to help," highlights the remote nature and lack of cell reception. Despite the challenging access, the journey itself offers outstanding scenery, with "snow in the mountains and the view of these mountains are amazing," as recounted by a visitor. The proximity to Lee Vining provides a necessary hub for supplies and services before ascending to the campground.

Saddlebag Campground is a primitive U.S. Forest Service campground, offering basic amenities designed for a rustic, high-elevation camping experience. Campers should arrive prepared for self-sufficiency.

• Campsites with Basic Furnishings: Sites typically include a picnic table and a fire ring (described as "bigger than normal" by one reviewer). Some sites may also have grills.

• Bear Boxes / Food Storage Lockers: Each campsite is equipped with a bear-resistant food storage locker, essential for protecting food and deterring bears in this active wildlife area. Reviewers noted "3 or 4 bear boxes" for their group site.

• Vault Toilets: Restroom facilities are limited to vault toilets or outhouses. A reviewer praised them as "clean and smell nice surprisingly," indicating good maintenance by the camp host.

• No Potable Water: There is no source of potable water directly at the campground. Campers must bring all their own drinking water, or be prepared to filter/treat water from natural sources like Saddlebag Lake or streams.

• No Cell Coverage: As explicitly stated by a reviewer, there is "no service for you to call somebody to help," emphasizing the complete lack of cell phone reception at this high elevation. This ensures a true digital detox.

• Camp Host: A dedicated camp host is usually on-site, providing information, assistance, and maintaining the campground, as noted by a grateful visitor.

• Proximity to Saddlebag Lake: The campground is a short walk (5-10 minutes) from Saddlebag Lake, offering opportunities for fishing and access to the Twenty Lakes Basin Loop Trail.

• Limited Parking: While there's parking for day-use visitors close by, the campground itself has designated parking for campers. One review mentioned vehicle noise from the day-use lot, suggesting proximity but also privacy with trees.

• Highest Campground in the U.S.: A truly unique and major highlight, Saddlebag Campground is reportedly the highest campground in the continental United States (at approximately 10,400 feet elevation), offering bragging rights and unique high-alpine ecology.

• Breathtaking Sierra Nevada Scenery: The high elevation provides unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains, often snow-capped well into summer, creating a stunning backdrop for camping.

• Gateway to Twenty Lakes Basin Loop Trail: This is an immense feature for hikers. The campground provides direct and easy access to the Twenty Lakes Basin Loop Trail, a renowned high-alpine hiking route with numerous pristine lakes and stunning vistas.

• Excellent High-Altitude Fishing: Saddlebag Lake and the surrounding lakes in the Twenty Lakes Basin are well-known for their excellent trout fishing, attracting anglers seeking a remote and rewarding experience.

• True Primitive Camping Experience: For those who love roughing it, the basic amenities (no water, vault toilets only, no cell service) provide an authentic backcountry feel, encouraging self-reliance and complete immersion in nature.

• Bear-Aware Environment: The provision of bear boxes at each site is crucial for safety and responsible wilderness practices, reflecting the active wildlife in the area.

• Secluded and Relaxing Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, the high elevation and rugged access help maintain a relatively quiet and peaceful environment, as noted by visitors seeking relaxation.

• Unique High-Altitude Flora and Fauna: The extreme elevation supports unique plant and animal life, offering a distinct ecological experience compared to lower-elevation campgrounds.

• Proximity to Yosemite and Mono Lake: Serves as a fantastic, albeit high-altitude, base for exploring the eastern side of Yosemite National Park (via Tioga Pass) and the unique tufa formations of Mono Lake.

Address: Lee Vining, CA 93541, USA (located at the end of Saddlebag Lake Road, off CA-120 E)

Phone: (760) 873-2400 (This number typically connects to the Inyo National Forest Supervisor's Office or a relevant Ranger District office like Mono Lake Ranger District.)

For the most current and essential information regarding Saddlebag Campground, including seasonal opening/closing dates (which are highly dependent on snowpack), road conditions (especially for the unpaved section), fire restrictions, and any updates on bear activity, it is strongly recommended to contact the Inyo National Forest directly before your visit. Given the remote location and lack of cell service, preparedness is key.

For Californians, Saddlebag Campground offers an unparalleled and truly "high" adventure right in our own backyard, making it exceptionally suitable for local outdoor enthusiasts. Its claim as the highest campground in the United States isn't just a fun fact; it defines the unique, breathtaking alpine experience that awaits. For those who yearn to escape the heat and crowds of lower elevations, Saddlebag provides a crisp, cool retreat with spectacular, often snow-dusted, mountain views that are uniquely Sierra Nevada.

The primitive nature of the campground, characterized by vault toilets, no potable water, and zero cell service, is precisely what makes it appealing to the self-sufficient, adventure-seeking Californian. It's an opportunity to truly disconnect, practice wilderness skills, and fully immerse oneself in nature without the distractions of modern life. The individual campsites, complete with essential bear boxes and fire rings, cater to responsible camping practices, ensuring safety in this wild environment.

However, the true draw for locals lies in the phenomenal recreational access. Just a short walk from your tent, Saddlebag Lake offers fantastic fishing and serves as the literal trailhead to the world-renowned Twenty Lakes Basin Loop Trail. This means immediate access to some of California's most pristine high-alpine hiking, beckoning adventurers to explore a landscape dotted with crystalline lakes and dramatic peaks. For many Californians, this kind of unadulterated access to world-class outdoor recreation is what makes our state so special, and Saddlebag Campground delivers it in spades.

Furthermore, its location near Lee Vining makes it a viable, albeit challenging, alternative base for exploring the eastern gateway to Yosemite National Park. For those who find Yosemite Valley too crowded or booked, Saddlebag offers a ruggedly beautiful and often more available option for experiencing the grandeur of the surrounding region. While the road up may be "half paved half is not paved" and require care, the reward – fresh air, stunning scenery, and a profound sense of peace – is well worth the effort. Saddlebag Campground is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an iconic Californian experience, inviting locals to reach for the skies and discover the true meaning of high-country adventure.