Sawtooth Canyon Campground
BLM
Write a Review Barstow Rd. Lucerne Valley, CA 92356 760-252-6000 Official WebsiteGPS: 34.6703, -116.984
Overview of Sawtooth Canyon Campground
Campfire permits are required and can be obtained online.
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: Boondocking 101.
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by Bluebeard on 10/12/2024
Longest RV Reported: 38 feet
Reported by Ro on 9/15/2018
Number of Sites 13
Pad Type dirt
Elevation 3,576 ft / 1,089 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Sawtooth Canyon Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 760-252-6000
TomStone01 asked on 2/23/2022
Is RV camping only allowed at the 13 campsites with the permanent patio covers or can I boondock off the road at what...
Camper Dreamin' asked on 12/18/2021
What is the access road like to the campsite from the highway? 3 miles of dirt? well graded?
Reviews of Sawtooth Canyon Campground 68 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 42 Users
Last reported 4/23/2024
Confirmed by 20 Users
Last reported 10/12/2024
Confirmed by 5 Users
Last reported 5/3/2022
“Super BLM Campground!”
Reviewed 2/20/2018
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
| RV Length: | 16' |
Overall Rating
This is a great stopover en route to Joshua Tree from the North. Short washboardy gravel road in to a well maintained free campground, each with fore pit and shade structure. Convenient access from 247. Climbers might want to stay for a few days. Some good bouldering and easy climbs. For Cell service, you might have to climb up some ro... more
This is a great stopover en route to Joshua Tree from the North. Short washboardy gravel road in to a well maintained free campground, each with fore pit and shade structure. Convenient access from 247. Climbers might want to stay for a few days. Some good bouldering and easy climbs. For Cell service, you might have to climb up some rocks! Or at least walk around from behind the biggest mounds. Vault toilets. No trash. No water. Come equipped! Sites have some sharded glass. Also some noise from overhead flights. Perhaps an air base nearby?
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AT&T 4G
RudiOnTheRoad would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“We will come back”
Reviewed 2/15/2018
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
| RV Length: | 25' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
This is a great place to nestle in amongst the rocks. If you aren’t too big. Very quiet with a beautiful night sky. Pit toilets were clean enough. But no TP. We are 25 feet and weren’t sure if we could land here, but lucked into a spot we could pull into and easily level without unhooking. The road in is not bad at all. A camper on the... more
This is a great place to nestle in amongst the rocks. If you aren’t too big. Very quiet with a beautiful night sky. Pit toilets were clean enough. But no TP. We are 25 feet and weren’t sure if we could land here, but lucked into a spot we could pull into and easily level without unhooking. The road in is not bad at all. A camper on their way out told us to not go all the way to the end as there was no turnaround. Never did figure out where they were talking about, but it did make us cautious. We did have fluctuating ATT service, but it worked very well. We will be back to explore the rocks!
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AT&T 4G
AlVie AlBums would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Fancy Pants Primitive Camping”
Reviewed 2/11/2018
| Days stayed: | 2 |
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| Site Number: | 3 |
| RV Length: | 35' (Class A) |
Overall Rating
To begin with the journey in: It's a one mile gravel road from Highway 247 and it's easy to miss. Google Maps will take you right there if you plug in "Sawtooth Canyon Campground", and it will also give you a nice satellite view so you can figure out how and where the sites are arranged. There is a very large staging area off to the l... more
To begin with the journey in: It's a one mile gravel road from Highway 247 and it's easy to miss. Google Maps will take you right there if you plug in "Sawtooth Canyon Campground", and it will also give you a nice satellite view so you can figure out how and where the sites are arranged. There is a very large staging area off to the left as soon as you turn off the highway, so you have plenty of room to unhook your toad. The road is pretty washboarded, so slow going for us. It's also narrow and unable to accommodate two vehicles. When we left, one of us ran the toad ahead to make sure the road was clear and to warn anybody from venturing down it as we were bringing the big rig out.
Wow. I don't know if I can call this boondocking what with the vault toilet on premise (BYOTP), and BBQ grill/pit, covered picnic table and large fire ring at each numbered site all nestled into boulders providing a little private alcove of natural surroundings coziness. It was more like boonglamping or glampdocking. Add to that LTE Verizon coverage and we felt downright fancy. All of this for free? Oh, and don't forget the many hiking trails that lead right out from the campground or the several climbing routes found throughout the aforementioned boulder alcoves and canyon. There is a max stay of 14 nights, however, I don't know who is checking in on that since no campground host was there during our small stay. This is a primitive campground, so you do have neighbors, but it was far from being busy or feeling crowded. The only crowded, get-to-know-you sites we saw were 4,5,6 which would work well for a group of friends/family. We found site 3 easily accommodated our 34' widebody Class A by using it as a pull-through. There was more than enough room for our rig and our 4-door Jeep. Fairly level, too. We've had to use far more involved leveling tactics in "civilized" campgrounds.
The glass....yes, sadly, it's everywhere. Watch out for your furbaby's paws and your own, as well. Also, saw more than a few critters of the rodent variety, so make sure everything is closed up and no food is left out. They seemed pretty fearless, and well-fed.
The stargazing is lovely here. The bouldering, climbing, and hiking opportunities right out from your site provide lots of opportunities to get your fitness on. The very large, concrete picnic tables provide great workspace, and for post-work, lots of cooking and game playing space. Speaking of cooking - arrive with your grocery shopping already done. Barstow (25min.) is your nearest town with a grocery store.
As mentioned earlier, we had great Verizon LTE. We talked on the phone as one of us took the Jeep ahead to explore the entire campground looking for our perfect site, and the other stayed at the highway in the rig. The call didn't drop once, so voice seemed fine throughout the whole campground. We didn't stream anything, though, so not sure what that would look like. We did jump on our computers the next morning and get e-mails sent out, with attachments, and some other phone calls made. All fine and normal speed.
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Verizon 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Catch the sunrise if you can!”
Reviewed 2/10/2018
| Nightly rate: | $3 |
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| Days stayed: | 4 |
| RV Length: | 19' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
We lucked out and found a spot near the entrance (despite it being a long weekend.) Since our trailer is only 19 feet, we were able to squeeze into the spot. I don’t think the spot was made for a trailer because it didn’t have a number or table. However, it did have a fire ring, which we used every day. Our site had broken glass so... more
We lucked out and found a spot near the entrance (despite it being a long weekend.) Since our trailer is only 19 feet, we were able to squeeze into the spot. I don’t think the spot was made for a trailer because it didn’t have a number or table. However, it did have a fire ring, which we used every day.
Our site had broken glass so be sure to check your site/clean up before setting up. There’s not a whole lot to do other going on a short hike around the area or relaxing by the fire at night. We didn’t have an AT&T signal so we felt completely unplugged in a good way.
The road leading to the campground looks like you’re heading into nowhere but don’t worry, it will get you there (using Apple Maps.)
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AT&T
ButtersandBambi would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Climbing, cell service, toilets, a picnic table with roof, grills”
Reviewed 11/27/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 11 |
Overall Rating
This was pretty dang luxurious. I came on a Sunday and had a ton of spots to choose from. Seemed like almost all of the sites had Verizon cell service - not all, but most - and was even able to stream video. Bring your own toilet paper because the toilets were completely out. So many climbing spots. It was pretty windy the first day I ... more
This was pretty dang luxurious. I came on a Sunday and had a ton of spots to choose from. Seemed like almost all of the sites had Verizon cell service - not all, but most - and was even able to stream video. Bring your own toilet paper because the toilets were completely out. So many climbing spots. It was pretty windy the first day I stayed - lots of dust/sand blowing around - but that got better. Lots of broken glass. Road in was washboard - but it’s not too long and Ive been down worse. Came in on a Sprinter conversion van (not 4x4 and not lifted) and was just fine. Hardly any bugs when I visited.
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Verizon 4G
TwoGypsiesWandering would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“One of our favorite free campground!”
Reviewed 10/24/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
| Site Number: | 2 |
| RV Length: | 35' |
Overall Rating
You will have to drive around to find the best spots for signal. Sites 2 and 3 had great Verizon signal. The sites just behind the rocks don’t have signal (4-5-6), but the ones further at the back seemed to have good signal too. It is tricky to find your way around when you come in the dark. Either park in a pull out like we did and go... more
You will have to drive around to find the best spots for signal. Sites 2 and 3 had great Verizon signal. The sites just behind the rocks don’t have signal (4-5-6), but the ones further at the back seemed to have good signal too. It is tricky to find your way around when you come in the dark. Either park in a pull out like we did and go scout out a site in the morning, or come during the day.
It can get very windy, very quickly, so don’t leave awnings out or things outside that could fly away. The only downside of this place is that there is a lot of broken glass everywhere (watch out for your dogs’ paws). We also encountered two tarantulas during our stay. The site is used by boy scouts association on weekends, so we were happy to be further from the crowd (who sets up at the far end where there is a group campsite area).
There are tons of amazing rock climbing routes right behind the sites, so be aware that you might have climbers in your backyard (or on your site) if you chose a site by climbing routes (look for bolts on the walls). Site 2 is just by two popular climbing walls, so be warned!
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Verizon 4G
Road it up would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Sweet BLM Campground ”
Reviewed 10/9/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 2 |
| RV Length: | 29' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Visited 10/5/17. Quiet. Peaceful and perfectly designed campground. The surrounding landscape is breathtaking. Most campsites are very private. There are 16 sites, two pull thru, campground is opened all year round. Each site has a picnic table, grill, and fire pit. There are vault toilets. No potable water or dump station available on... more
Visited 10/5/17. Quiet. Peaceful and perfectly designed campground. The surrounding landscape is breathtaking. Most campsites are very private. There are 16 sites, two pull thru, campground is opened all year round. Each site has a picnic table, grill, and fire pit. There are vault toilets. No potable water or dump station available on site. If you come from Barstow, you can fill your water tank with potable water at the Flying J gas station, 2611 Fisher Blvd Barstow CA 92311.
Sawtooth Canyon Campground. GPS 34.6703, -116.984 on Barstow Rd. Lucerne Valley, CA 92356. Directions from Barstow: From I-40 Exit 183, go 15 mi S of Barstow on Barstow Rd/CA-247, (mile marker 63) turn right (or west) on dirt road and go about 1 mi, veering to the left a bit to campground.
You must pack out your garbage. Please don't leave a mess.
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T-Mobile 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Hidden Gem”
Reviewed 9/22/2017
| Days stayed: | 3 |
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| Site Number: | 6 |
| RV Length: | 35' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
We first passed the road even though the GPS was telling us to turn. After turning around we ventured down this road that had no signs indicating there was a campground. If it wasn't for the reviews we read we wouldn't have ventured any further without exploring first with our bikes. Thank goodness for the reviews as the description... more
We first passed the road even though the GPS was telling us to turn. After turning around we ventured down this road that had no signs indicating there was a campground. If it wasn't for the reviews we read we wouldn't have ventured any further without exploring first with our bikes. Thank goodness for the reviews as the description of the road was dead on. We eventually made it and when we saw the Sawtooth Canyon sign we both did the sigh of relief.
Due to the size of our rig we backed into site 6. If we had ventured around the corner we may have picked one of the sights on the other side. We arrived on a Wednesday in September and we were the only ones there except for another couple tenting. There are no hook ups but there are 2 vault toilets. The one near us was very clean. Looked like they just stocked up on TP. There are no trash receptacles (Pack it in. Pack it out.) There was a camp host site but no host was present. During our stay it got extremely windy late in the afternoon and night. It wasn't awning weather. There were some other visitors while we were there, but it was not busy. A couple guys were rock climbing which was cool to watch.
Barstow is 20 minutes away. We felt comfortable leaving our rig and went into town to do laundry and grocery shopping. We would have stayed longer but one of us had some dropped calls during our work day. We had 2 bars of Verizon with the booster. We think it may have been the site we were at. If we moved we may have received a better signal. If we are ever passing through again we will definitely stay again and try another site.
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Verizon 4G
The Aluminum Life would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Our favorite BLM experience so far”
Reviewed 9/20/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| RV Length: | 24' |
Overall Rating
It was quiet, with only two other campers there on a Monday. The campground was clean and well maintained. You have your own pavilion, fire pit and BBQ. Pit toilets nearby. We hiked up a few mountains and saw over the canyon. It was truly stunning scenery. The quiet was much needed. The only downfall was the one bar of T-mobile and one... more
It was quiet, with only two other campers there on a Monday. The campground was clean and well maintained. You have your own pavilion, fire pit and BBQ. Pit toilets nearby. We hiked up a few mountains and saw over the canyon. It was truly stunning scenery. The quiet was much needed. The only downfall was the one bar of T-mobile and one bar of AT&T 4g that were in and out. But with nature this perfect it's hard to want to have anything to do with technology.
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AT&T 4G
T-Mobile 4G
The Roamans would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great campground to get in touch with nature”
Reviewed 5/10/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 7 and 8 |
Overall Rating
Dry camping made easy. Got there at 7 a.m. on a Friday in mid-April and campground was half full. We went with family so we were able to get two sites together. No facilities other than pit toilets at both ends of the campground which some of us walked or drove to....."toilet runs" as we called them. They are kept clean but toilet pap... more
Dry camping made easy. Got there at 7 a.m. on a Friday in mid-April and campground was half full. We went with family so we were able to get two sites together. No facilities other than pit toilets at both ends of the campground which some of us walked or drove to....."toilet runs" as we called them. They are kept clean but toilet paper started to get scarce as the weekend wore on. Sites are spacious and pretty level with room for RVs and a couple of tents. Nice picnic tables are provided on concrete pads with cover along with a taller grill and low fire pit at each site. A lot of rock climbers come for the day and they are fun to watch. Campground is very quiet at night and campers are respectful of others....at least when we were there. Did run our generator for a few minutes in the afternoon but only to charge a couple of phones. Our weather was perfect but it can get windy. The night sky is majestic and filled with stars and a few moving objects that left our imaginations to run wild. We will definitely go back. As others have stated, the road to the campground is not marked. It's dirt and a bit bumpy. The Slash X Ranch Cafe is right down the road on the way to Barstow. It's a great place to grab a burger and a favorite spot for off roaders.
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Verizon 4G
scottjan85 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Page 5 of 7
1 review not included in the overall rating
The reviews below are not up to Campendium's standards for quality and reliability and therefore are not counted toward the overall star rating. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
“if you love hipsters this is your spot”
Reviewed 4/15/2018
| Days stayed: | 0 |
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Overall Rating
Aggravating washboard road leads to limited awesome looking sites full of hipsters and tourists that don’t want to pay to visit. Oh, and also pretend rock climbers. Yucky.
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Verizon 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Land Cruising Adventure: Sawtooth Canyon Campground | BLM | Barstow | California
Sawtooth Canyon Campground | BLM | Barstow | California This was my campsite at Sawtooth Campground, a BLM camp as well as a destinatio...
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
Recreation
- picnic area
- recreation trail
Site Amenities
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- restrooms: vault
Pets
- pets
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