
Sawmill Creek Group Campground
1
Total Campsites
Campground
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Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
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Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Sawmill Creek Group Campground
Overview The USDA FS Sawmill Creek Campground is a recently renovated recreational facility with camping, picnicking, hiking, and bird and wildlife viewing opportunities nearby. It is 1.5 miles up Blue Lake Road, accessible by vehicles from May 15 to November 1 or accessible by foot, cross-country skis, or bikes year-round. The campground has 3 single tent sites and 1 group site with a 30-person capacity. There are also picnic tables, fire rings, garbage bins, a covered group picnic shelter, and a vault toilet. Two sites can accommodate small RVs, but hookups are not available. For campsites, there is 14-day overnight stay limit per calendar year that is monitored and enforced year-round. It is also advised that visitors bring their own potable water or to treat water collected from Sawmill Creek. There is no campground host on site and firewood is not available for sale. Pallet burning is not allowed. Bear safety is crucial as brown bears can be present any time; please use the bear-proof lockers provided on site. The trailhead for Beaver Lake/Herring Cove Trail is accessible from the campground. This page is for advance (future) reservations for the Sawmill Creek Group Campsite only. Unless an advance reservation is made, this campsite is free and first come, first serve. If the campsite is already reserved, the reservation dates will be posted at the campsite. Recreation Access to Beaver Lake Trail within campground: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tongass/recarea/?recid=79060 Fishing opportunities in Sawmill Creek Facilities The Sawmill Creek Group Campsite has access to a vault toilet and day-use picnic shelter (only available when not reserved in advance). Natural Features Sawmill Creek Temperate rainforest environment Views of surrounding mountains Access to Beaver Lake Trail contact_info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 747-4212. Nearby Attractions Beaver Lake Trail (within campground): https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tongass/recarea/?recid=79060 Access to the Thimbleberry/Heart Lake Trails (on Blue Lake Road): https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tongass/recarea/?recid=79142 Blue Lake
- 1 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (1).


Our Take
What makes Sawmill Creek Group Campground special
Just a mile and a half from the charming coastal town of Sitka, Sawmill Creek Group Campground offers a rare combination of deep wilderness immersion and easy accessibility in Southeast Alaska's Tongass National Forest. Recently renovated, this group campground is a fantastic base for anyone looking to experience the raw beauty of the Alaskan rainforest without venturing too far from civilization. The setting is quintessential Southeast Alaska: towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock draped in moss, with the sounds of creek water and birdsong filling the air. Hiking trails wind through old-growth forest nearby, and wildlife viewing opportunities are outstanding. Brown bears, bald eagles, and Sitka black-tailed deer are common neighbors, and the nearby waters teem with salmon during summer runs. The campground's recent renovations have brought updated facilities while preserving the natural character of the site. Its group-oriented layout makes it ideal for family reunions, scout troops, or friend gatherings looking to share a memorable Alaskan experience together. The best time to visit is from late May through September, when the days are longest and temperatures are mildest. Sitka's maritime climate means rain is always possible, so waterproof layers are essential. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends. With the town of Sitka just a short distance away, you will have easy access to supplies, restaurants, and the rich Tlingit cultural heritage that makes this corner of Alaska so special.
Campsite Inventory
1 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
ACCESSIBLE CAMPSITES
Accessible Campsites
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Group
Check-in time
12:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Driveway surface
Gravel
Fire Pit
Fire Pit
Max guests
20
Max vehicle length (ft)
16
Minimum guests
Yes
OUTHOUSE
Outhouse
PICNIC TABLES
Picnic Tables
Pets allowed
Yes
Proximity to Water
Riverfront
RIVER ACCESS
River Access
SELF PAY STATION
Self Pay Station
Sewer Hookup
No
Shade
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
907-747-6671
LAURENT.DEVICHE@USDA.GOV
Getting There
Located on Baranof Island 7 miles southeast of Sitka; from downtown Sitka follow Sawmill Creek Road 5.2 miles to Blue Lake Road; turn left on graveled Blue Lake Road 1.5 miles to Sawmill Creek Campground sign and turn right to enter the campground.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Sawmill Creek Group Campground.
How do reservations work for Sawmill Creek Group Campground?
Reservation availability for Sawmill Creek Group Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Sawmill Creek Group Campground?
Sawmill Creek Group Campground currently lists Unknown (1).
Where is Sawmill Creek Group Campground located?
See this page for location details and directions.
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