Old Sawmill

For Californians yearning for a true escape into the untamed beauty of Northern California, away from the bustling crowds and developed amenities, Old Sawmill Campground offers an unparalleled experience. Nestled far up the Warm Springs arm of the expansive Lake Sonoma, this primitive campground provides a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature in a truly remote setting. It’s an ideal destination for those who cherish solitude, rugged landscapes, and the challenge of reaching their campsite by foot, boat, or even horseback.

Unlike more conventional campgrounds, Old Sawmill embraces a minimalist approach, focusing on the raw, unspoiled beauty of its surroundings. This is not a place for RV hookups or extensive facilities, but rather for campers who appreciate the quietude of the wilderness and the self-sufficiency that comes with primitive camping. Its isolation is its greatest asset, promising a serene and immersive outdoor adventure that feels worlds away from everyday life, yet remains accessible for dedicated local adventurers.

Old Sawmill is particularly renowned for being the only campground on the Warm Springs arm of Lake Sonoma that caters specifically to equestrians, offering facilities for horses. This makes it a unique and highly desirable spot for horse lovers looking to explore the extensive trail networks around Lake Sonoma. Beyond horse riding, its remote nature also makes it a popular choice for boat-in and hike-in campers, emphasizing a deeper connection with the natural environment.

Old Sawmill Campground is situated in a truly secluded part of Sonoma County, near Cloverdale, California. Its address can be broadly identified as:

PW5J+65, Cloverdale, CA 95441, USA

However, it's crucial for prospective campers to understand that "Old Sawmill Campground" is not a typical drive-in campground with direct vehicle access to each site. Instead, it is a primitive campground located far up the Warm Springs arm of Lake Sonoma. This means access is primarily limited to:

• Boat-in: Campers can access the site by boat across Lake Sonoma. This offers a unique and scenic approach, allowing you to bring in more gear than a typical hike-in.
• Hike-in: Adventurous campers can hike to the campground, often utilizing the extensive trail system around Lake Sonoma. Be prepared for a relatively long and potentially challenging trek, as the campground is designed for a remote experience.
• Horseback: For equestrians, Old Sawmill is a special destination. It is the only primitive campground in the Warm Springs arm that provides a corral and water for horses, making it an ideal staging point for longer horseback rides into the surrounding wilderness.

Due to its remote nature, reaching Old Sawmill requires planning and preparation. There are no paved roads leading directly to the campsites, emphasizing its role as a true wilderness experience. This deliberate isolation is precisely what draws those seeking a genuine escape into the wild, far from the sounds of traffic and crowds.

As a primitive campground, Old Sawmill offers basic amenities designed to support a self-sufficient camping experience. The focus here is on immersion in nature, with limited facilities compared to more developed campgrounds.

• Campsites: The campground consists of individual campsites. While specific numbers aren't always publicized for primitive sites, each designated area would typically include:
• Fire Rings with Grills: Essential for cooking and warmth, fire rings are usually provided at each site, often with an integral grill for cooking.
• Picnic Tables: Basic picnic tables are generally available, offering a surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Horse Corral: A significant feature for equestrians, the presence of a corral makes it suitable for those bringing horses.
• Water for Horses: Critically, water is provided specifically for horses, a rare amenity in primitive settings, enabling longer equestrian adventures.
• Water Access (Non-Potable for Humans): While water is available for horses, campers should assume that potable water for human consumption is not available and should bring all necessary drinking water or be prepared to filter/purify water from Lake Sonoma.
• Vault Toilets: Basic, non-flush vault toilets are typically available to minimize environmental impact in a remote setting.
• Food Storage: Campers are strongly advised to bring their own bear-resistant food storage or store food securely in their vehicles or approved lockers if available, as wildlife is present.

• Remote Wilderness Experience: Old Sawmill's primary highlight is its secluded location, offering an authentic wilderness camping experience that is increasingly rare in popular areas. This provides unparalleled peace and quiet.
• Equestrian-Friendly: As the only campground on the Warm Springs arm with a horse corral and water for horses, it stands out as a premier destination for equestrian camping and extended trail rides.
• Lake Sonoma Access: While primitive, its location on Lake Sonoma provides direct access for various water activities, assuming you arrive by boat or are willing to hike to the shoreline.
• Boating and Fishing: Lake Sonoma is renowned for its excellent fishing, particularly for bass, and is popular for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Extensive Trail System: The surrounding Lake Sonoma Recreation Area boasts a vast network of multi-use trails, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Old Sawmill serves as a strategic base for exploring these paths.
• Wildlife Viewing: The quiet, undisturbed environment increases the chances of observing local wildlife, including various bird species, deer, and other native animals.
• Stargazing: Far from city lights, the night skies at Old Sawmill offer spectacular opportunities for stargazing, a truly magical experience.
• Backcountry Feel with Basic Amenities: It offers the feel of backcountry camping while still providing fundamental necessities like fire rings and pit toilets, making it an ideal stepping stone for those looking to expand beyond car camping.

For Old Sawmill Campground, as a primitive site managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Lake Sonoma Recreation Area, direct contact would typically be through the Lake Sonoma administrative office.

Address: While the specific site is PW5J+65, Cloverdale, CA 95441, for administrative purposes, general inquiries about Lake Sonoma Recreation Area and its primitive campgrounds can be directed to:

Lake Sonoma Visitor Center / U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

3333 Skaggs Springs Rd, Geyserville, CA 95441-9644, USA

Phone: (707) 431-4533

Given its primitive nature, reservations for Old Sawmill may not be available through standard online reservation systems or may require direct contact with the Lake Sonoma office or a walk-in registration process, if permitted. It is always advisable to contact them directly for the most current information on accessibility, regulations, and any necessary permits for primitive camping.

For Californians who have explored many of the state's more accessible campgrounds and are now seeking a deeper, more profound connection with nature, Old Sawmill Campground presents an ideal and highly suitable option. Its proximity to the Bay Area and other Northern California population centers, while requiring a more adventurous approach to access, means that a truly remote wilderness experience is within reach without needing to travel across multiple states. This balance of challenge and accessibility is key for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Old Sawmill caters to a niche but growing demand for truly primitive camping. It offers a unique escape for those who appreciate solitude, the sounds of nature, and the satisfaction of self-reliance. The fact that it's a boat-in, hike-in, and uniquely equestrian-friendly site makes it a standout choice for specialized interests, allowing locals to pursue their passions in a pristine setting. Horse owners can embark on extended rides, and avid hikers or paddlers can truly disconnect from the digital world and immerse themselves in the vastness of Lake Sonoma's backcountry.

While amenities are minimal, this is precisely its appeal for many. It encourages a focus on essential camping skills, environmental respect, and a deeper appreciation for the unspoiled beauty of California's natural landscapes. For local residents looking to push their boundaries, test their outdoor skills, or simply find unparalleled peace away from the everyday, Old Sawmill Campground offers an authentic, memorable, and profoundly rewarding primitive camping experience that is perfectly suited to the adventurous spirit of Californians.

Old Sawmill

PW5J+65, Cloverdale, CA 95441, USA