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, 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 Picnic Shelter only. Unless an advance reservation is made, this shelter is free and first come, first serve. If the shelter is already reserved, the reservation dates will be posted at the shelter. 

Facilities

Vault Toilet

Natural Features

• Sawmill Creek 
• Temperate rainforest environment
• Views of surrounding mountains
• Access to Beaver Lake Trail 

Recreation

• Access to Beaver Lake Trail within campground: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tongass/recarea/?recid=79060
• Fishing opportunities in Sawmill Creek 

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

Contact Info

Important Notices

• This shelter is only accessible with highway vehicles from May 15 to November 1

• Pallet burning is prohibited. Visitors should bring firewood with them. Do not have fires underneath the picnic shelter, use the provided fire ring

• Visitors should bring drinking water. It is recommened that water from Sawmill Creek be treated, boiled, or filtered before drinking

• An active population of brown bears inhabits this area. Be bear aware by: being noisy and properly storing food and other bear attractants (toiletries). Have a bear spray available. Do not leave food unattended 

• Keep dogs leashed and under control

• Use of recreation area by a commercial outfitter or guide is not allowed; institutional outfitters including universities, schools and clubs may require a special use permit before making reservations

• Click here to learn more about the Tongass National Forest 

Available Activities

• Berry Picking - Berry Picking
• Camping - Camping
• Mushroom Picking - Mushroom Picking
• Photography - Photography
• Birding - Birding
• Hiking - Hiking
• Water Access - Water Access

Directions

<p>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.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 907-747-6671

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip