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 Northern California that provide an amazing escape that we’re hopelessly obsessed with, but few compare to Saddlebag Lake Campground in Mono County. Considered the highest campground in California, this lakeside destination is bound to become your new happy place. Check it out, and try not to fall in love (good luck):

Sitting at over 10,080 feet above sea level, Saddlebag Lake is the highest lake in the state that you can actually drive to.
Saddlebag Lake Resort/Google
Additionally, the adjacent Saddlebag Lake Campground is officially the highest campground in California, and visiting it is an adventure you won't be able to resist.
Visiting one of NorCal's alpine lakes is always an adventure but you'll feel on top of the world at Saddlebag Lake.
Scrubhiker/Flickr
Up here, civilization feels like it's a million miles away...and that's exactly how we like it.
The lake is located just around the corner from the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite National Park in Mono County.
Thomas Kuo/Google
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.
The campground contains 20 standard campsites and one group site.
Brandon Johnson/Google
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.

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Campgrounds are available on a first come, first served basis and are quite affordable.
Rennett Stowe/Flickr
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!
Camping at the edge of this brilliant alpine lake is simply unparalleled.
Greg Balzer/Flickr
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.
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.
yao melode/Google
They also boast a general store and cafe for food and supplies. If you're interested in a stay for yourself, be sure to visit the official Saddlebag Lake Resort website for all the details.
Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Eastern Sierra and plan a trip to the highest campground in the state this summer.
Saddlebag Lake Resort/Google
It may not be the actual top of the world, but it sure does feel like it! Learn more about Saddlebag Lake Campground on the Forest Service website.

Check out this incredible drone footage of this amazing region of NorCal:

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!

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Highest Campground in California

Tori Jane | May 02, 2023
  1. Elevation-wise, what is the highest campground in California? 

Interestingly, there are numerous high-elevation campgrounds in California; the highest-elevation campground in California is Horseshoe Meadows Campground, which is up at an impressive 10,560 feet above sea level. The highest altitude campground in the entire US is in Colorado and is up at 10,680 feet – so California’s one is definitely a contender! Learn more about the amazing Horseshoe Meadows Campground on the official NPS website. 

  1. Where is Saddlebag Lake Campground? 

Saddlebag Lake Campground is one of California’s highest-elevation campgrounds and is located in the same general region as Horseshoe Meadows Campground – the beautiful Inyo National Forest. You’ll find this campground about 24 miles southwest of the beautiful town of Lone Pine, California. Some of the amenities at Saddlebag Lake Campground include:  

  • 20 campsites + 1 large group site 
  • A vault toilet 
  • Potable water 

Do remember that this campground is in the heart of bear country, and you’ll want to bring a bear box along. Pack food safely! Learn more about Saddlebag Lake Campground on the NPS website.   

  1. What is the highest lake in California, elevation-wise? 

Saddlebag Lake is the single highest lake in California when it comes to elevation. It’s intensely beautiful and 100% worth the adventure it takes to get there. Other high-elevation lakes in California include lakes like:  

  • Lake Tahoe – Elevation 6,225 feet 
  • Tenaya Lake – Elevation 8,150 feet 
  • Thousand Island Lake – Elevation 9,840 feet 

Learn more about Tenaya Lake and some of the most beautiful places in Northern California.   

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Saddlebag Lake, California 93541, USA