Sawtooth Canyon Campground

Overview

Sawtooth Canyon Campground, also known as “New Jack City,” is located about three miles west of California Highway 247 and 20 miles south of Barstow. New Jack City is its popular name and originates from the rock climbing community who use the area. The historic name for the canyon is “Traer Agua” which means “bring water”.

The name “Sawtooth” is derived from the resemblance between the ridge line and the outline of a saw blade. Sawtooth Canyon offers many recreational activities including camping, wildlife viewing, hunting, rock climbing, and picnicking.

Download the Sawtooth Canyon Information Guide

Learn more about the Barstow Field Office

Know Before You Go

• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Pack sufficient water, food, clothing, equipment, and first aid supplies.
• Damaging/removing plants, animals, rocks, fossils and artifacts is illegal.
• Shooting firearms, other weapons, or fireworks is prohibited.
• Poisonous snakes and weather extremes are common desert hazards.
• Plan for summer high temperatures ranging from 100 to 120 degrees F, and winter temperatures that may drop below freezing.
• Desert winds are frequent and strong, and humidity is generally low.
• Avoid low-lying areas during rainstorms to avoid flash flood dangers.
• Cellular phone service is not reliable in all locations.
• Glass containers and dumping sewage or gray water is prohibited.
• Pack it in/pack it out and dispose of your trash properly.
• Golden eagles nest in the area. Please avoid nests while rock climbing during breeding season from mid-January to mid-September.

Camping and Fees

The Sawtooth Canyon campground has 13 campsites, which include fire pits, barbeque grills, picnic tables, and a vault toilet. Camping is only allowed in designated campsites, and all sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations are not required and there are no fees. Fires can only be built in facility fire rings or fire pits, and firewood containing nails, screws, or metal is prohibited. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., and camping is limited to 14 days within a 28-day period.

Campfire Permits

Fire danger is extreme during most of the year. Campfire permits are required and may be restricted during fire season. Campfire permits can be obtained online at www.preventwildfireca.org

 

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Rules and Regulations

OHV use is not allowed in the Sawtooth Canyon area. There are no open routes of travel or staging areas, and OHVs must be trailered in and out. Sawtooth Canyon is designated multiple and “limited” vehicle use to ensure minimal damage to soil, vegetation, wildlife, scenic values, and air quality. All licensed vehicles must remain on roads posted as open. Headlights and tail lights are required at night. Five miles per hour is the speed limit within 50 feet of campsites, people or animals. Open alcoholic containers in a motor vehicle are prohibited.