Escape To The Highest Drive-To Campground In The State, Saddlebag Lake Campground In Northern California

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Campgrounds are available on a first come, first served basis and are quite affordable.

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.

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.

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.

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!