Sawtooth Canyon Campground (New Jack City)

Free BLM Dispersed Camping · Barstow, California

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Sawtooth Canyon Campground — also known locally as New Jack City — is a free, designated BLM campground about 20 miles south of Barstow, California, roughly 3 miles west of CA-247. Unlike open dispersed camping, this is a set of 13 marked sites, so you know exactly where you're allowed to set up — no reservation, no fee.

Getting There

Access is via a desert dirt road roughly 3 miles west of CA-247, south of Barstow. Roads are generally passable in good weather. NEEDS INPUT: exact turn-off name/mile marker, whether a standard car can make it or high-clearance is recommended, and the date/source of your road condition info

What to Expect

Weather & Season

Summers here run 100–120°F — plan for early starts and shade. Winter nights can drop below freezing, so layer up if you're visiting between November and February. A California campfire permit is required for any fire, and fires may be restricted entirely during high fire-risk periods — always check current BLM fire restrictions before you go.

Good to Know

• Free, first-come first-served — no camping permit required (a separate, free California campfire permit is required if you plan to have a fire)
• NEEDS INPUT: stay limit — most BLM California sites cap dispersed/designated camping at 14 days, but confirm this applies here
• NEEDS INPUT: cell signal strength, RV length limits, pet policy — not covered in current source

Source: BLM — Sawtooth Canyon Campground. Facilities, fees, and access rules can change — always confirm current conditions with BLM before you go.