A general rule of thumb: the higher you go, the fewer people you’ll see. When you’re craving an escape, a high-elevation adventure is just the thing to deliver peace and solitude. There are several great campgrounds in NorCal that provide an amazing escape, but few compare to Saddlebag Lake Campground in Mono County. Considered the highest campground you can possibly drive to in the state, this lakeside destination is bound to become your new happy place.
Sitting at over 10,080-feet above sea level, Saddlebag Lake is the highest lake in the state that you can actually drive to. Additionally, the adjacent Saddlebag Lake Campground is officially the highest campground, and visiting it is an adventure you won’t be able to resist.
Saddlebag Lake Resort/Google
Visiting one of NorCal’s alpine lakes is always an adventure but you’ll feel on top of the world at Saddlebag Lake. Up here, civilization feels like it’s a million miles away…and that’s exactly how we like it.
Scrubhiker/Flickr
The lake is located just around the corner from the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite National Park in Mono County. The campground can be found at the end of Saddlebag Lake Road, just three miles off Highway 120 and two miles east of Tioga Pass.
Thomas Kuo/Google
The campground contains 20 standard campsites and one group site. The extremely high elevation means that camping season here is shorter than elsewhere (typically late June through early September) and the nights are often cold and windy, so be sure to bring proper accommodations.
Brandon Johnson/Google
Campgrounds are available on a first come, first served basis and are just $22 per night. Campsites at Saddlebag Lake come with a picnic table, fire ring, and food storage locker. Although fairly popular, the area is very remote, so expect a true backcountry camping experience!
Rennett Stowe/Flickr
Camping at the edge of this brilliant alpine lake is simply unparalleled. Of course, the lake itself provides plenty of recreational opportunities. Pack your fishing rods and experience world-class fishing on the lake’s waters. The lake is known to contain rainbow, brown, brook, AND golden trout.
Greg Balzer/Flickr
Situated right along the lake’s shoreline, Saddlebag Lake Resort has helped families and adventurers enjoy the area by offering boat rentals and a water taxi into 20 Lakes Basin. They also boast a general store and cafe for food and supplies. The resort has been closed for the past few years, but it’s projected to reopen in summer 2020. You can keep an eye on their website for details.
yao melode/Google
Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Eastern Sierra and plan a trip to the highest campground in the state this summer. It may not be the actual top of the world, but it sure does feel like it! Learn more about Saddlebag Lake Campground here.
Saddlebag Lake Resort/Google
Have you visited the highest campground in California? We’re ready for a mountain escape to this beautiful alpine lake. Tell us about your favorite NorCal campground in the comments below!
Saddlebag Lake Resort/Google
Scrubhiker/Flickr
Thomas Kuo/Google
Brandon Johnson/Google
Rennett Stowe/Flickr
Greg Balzer/Flickr
yao melode/Google
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Address: Saddlebag Lake, California 93541, USA
