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
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area