Oak Flat Campground

4.05

100 reviews

12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road, San Fernando, CA 91342

Quick Facts

2,800 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Los Angeles Gateway District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,800 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Los Angeles Gateway District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Oak Flat Campground

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$5/night for single sites. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount for the site they occupy. Adventure Pass or...

Standard Site Fee$5.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

(818) 899-1900

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What Campers Say

4.05

Satisfactory

Based on 100 reviews

83 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

Some mention

noise

"User reviews paint a mixed picture of Oak Flat Campground. While some campers appreciate its affordability, proximity to urban areas, and scenic oak-filled setting, others criticize its under-maintained facilities and the presence of homeless individuals. Noise from nearby campers and the I-5 freeway is a common complaint."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road, San Fernando, CA 91342

Oak Flat Campground

12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road, San Fernando, CA 91342

Driving directionsFrom Castaic, drive 6 miles north on Interstate 5. Turn left on Templin Highway and go under the freeway. Drive northwest for 3 miles to campground.

Easy access off the I-5 freeway. Directions are straightforward, but the interior roads are described as rough and narrow, with low-hanging tree limbs.

Nearby places

Castaic, CA (~6 miles, ~10 minutes)

Los Angeles, CA (~1 hour 30 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Groceries and shops are available approximately 5 miles down the road.

Best Time to Camp at Oak Flat Campground

Oak Flat transforms with the seasons, offering year-round camping opportunities for those who appreciate nature's changing moods. Winter brings crisp, refreshing days averaging 57°F, occasionally accompanied by gentle rains that awaken the forest floor and, on rare magical mornings, a delicate dusting of snow. As spring melts into summer, the campground basks in warm, sun-drenched days reaching 89°F, perfect for early morning hikes before the afternoon heat. The Mediterranean climate ensures predominantly clear skies during summer months, creating ideal conditions for stargazing and outdoor adventures, though visitors should prepare for the dry heat that characterizes Southern California's peak season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summer is less pleasant due to heat and bugs per description and reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Seasonal note: cooler months are less crowded and generally pleasant.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Positive review signals for spring (no bugs mid-March); reviewers favor spring visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter brings crisp days (avg ~57°F) but occasional weather impacts.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: No active alerts documented.

About Oak Flat Campground

Tucked away in the rugged wilderness of Angeles National Forest, Oak Flat Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience just northwest of Los Angeles. This intimate, dispersed camping haven sits beneath a canopy of ancient oak trees, where the whisper of wind through leaves mingles with the gentle sounds of nearby Piru Creek. While the campground embraces a rustic charm with basic amenities that appeal to those who prefer simplicity over luxury, visitors should note that maintenance levels vary. Despite mixed reviews on upkeep, Oak Flat remains a treasured escape for hikers and nature enthusiasts who value solitude and direct access to scenic trail networks over polished facilities.

Oak Flat Campground supports primitive camping with a mix of tent and small RV accommodations. The campground lacks advanced amenities and is best suited for those looking for a rustic outdoor experience.

Historical SignificanceWhile Oak Flat Campground may not boast documented historical landmarks or cultural monuments, its very existence as a preserved natural space within Angeles National Forest speaks to the ongoing story of conservation and public land stewardship in Southern California.

Weather and SeasonsOak Flat transforms with the seasons, offering year-round camping opportunities for those who appreciate nature's changing moods. Winter brings crisp, refreshing days averaging 57°F, occasionally accompanied by gentle rains that awaken the forest floor and, on rare magical mornings, a delicate dusting of snow. As spring melts into summer, the campground basks in warm, sun-drenched days reaching 89°F, perfect for early morning hikes before the afternoon heat. The Mediterranean climate ensures predominantly clear skies during summer months, creating ideal conditions for stargazing and outdoor adventures, though visitors should prepare for the dry heat that characterizes Southern California's peak season.

ElevationPerched at a comfortable 2,800 feet above sea level, Oak Flat offers the perfect middle ground for campers seeking mountain air without extreme altitude challenges. This moderate elevation provides a refreshing escape from the heat of the valley floor while remaining accessible year-round, making it an ideal basecamp for families and casual adventurers exploring the diverse ecosystems of Angeles National Forest.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's signature Emory oak groves create a natural cathedral of twisted branches and dappled sunlight, offering both shade and character to each campsite. This moderately forested sanctuary frames stunning mountain vistas that shift from misty morning silhouettes to golden afternoon panoramas. Native wildflowers dot the landscape in spring, while the surrounding flora showcases Southern California's remarkable biodiversity, from hardy chaparral to delicate ferns tucked in shaded hollows.

Geological RegionOak Flat rests within the dramatic landscape of Angeles National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a terrain of rolling hills and rugged peaks. The distinctive Emory oak groves that define the campground thrive in this unique ecosystem, their gnarled trunks and spreading canopies perfectly adapted to the Mediterranean climate and mineral-rich soils. This moderately forested pocket represents a transitional zone where mountain and chaparral communities merge, creating a diverse habitat that showcases the geological complexity of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not specified.

Check-out

Not specified.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limit is unspecified.

Groups

There are no specific group camping sites mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwo main loops with overlapping sites in a grove of Emory oaks.

Reservation PlatformsSites are first come-first served. No reservation platforms available.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first come-first served. No reserving or holding of campsites allowed.

Cancellation PolicyNo specified policies regarding reservation cancellations.

AccessibilityThere are no mentions of specific accessibility features such as wheelchair-friendly paths or facilities.

Site SizeThe sites are described as irregular in shape and size, with some being poorly defined. Larger vehicles may have difficulty navigating due to low-hanging tree limbs and narrow roads.

PrivacyPrivacy varies depending on the site, but the campground generally has a dispersed and under-maintained appearance. Some reviewers found the setting 'quiet and private,' while others noted issues with homeless individuals and noise.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose shaded sites under the oak trees for comfort. Avoid sites near the communal fire ring if seeking privacy.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Oak Flat Campground offers limited recreational opportunities. It is a good starting point for hiking, with a trail leading to Whitaker Peak, and is located within driving distance of Piru Creek at Frenchman's Flat. Wildlife viewing is another potential activity noted by the official source. Notably, there are no water-based activities such as swimming or boating.

HikingThe campground provides access to a hiking trail leading to Whitaker Peak. The trail starts behind the fire station. Further details on trail difficulty or length are not provided.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is mentioned as an activity available at the campground. Specific species or viewing areas are not detailed.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is located in bear country. Vault toilets are not well-maintained according to reviews. Highway noise can be heard at night.

Active AlertsNo active alerts documented.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions vary based on conditions. Extreme restrictions prohibit campfires and cooking systems.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesNearest fire station located near the campground entrance.

Trash & RecyclingTwo dumpsters are available for garbage collection, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesClose to Piru Creek at Frenchman's Flat (~3 miles).

Camp HostForest rangers occasionally patrol the area but are not stationed onsite.

Weather at Oak Flat Campground

Reviews

4.1

100 reviews

Satisfactory

Oak Flat Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews paint a mixed picture of Oak Flat Campground. While some campers appreciate its affordability, proximity to urban areas, and scenic oak-filled setting, others criticize its under-maintained facilities and the presence of homeless individuals. Noise from nearby campers and the I-5 freeway is a common complaint.

Review Summaries

Based on 100 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned include the 'beautiful setting,' the affordability of camping with an America the Beautiful Pass, and cell phone service availability. Some visitors found the campground...

Based on 100 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poorly maintained vault toilets, noise from the nearby I-5 freeway, and the presence of homeless individuals. Several reviewers also mentioned that the campground felt...

Based on 100 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all necessary supplies, including water, as there are no potable water sources. Avoid bringing large RVs due to narrow roads and low-hanging tree limbs. Midweek or off-season visits are...

Based on 100 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open year-round, but it is described as less crowded during cooler months. Summer visits may be less pleasant due to heat and bugs.

Based on 100 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Oak Flat was a wonderful gem to stay at near the LA area.' 2. 'For being free (with an America the Beautiful pass), it's hard to complain.' 3. 'The pit toilets really are disgusting, some noise...

Based on 100 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews highlight that some campsites lack picnic tables or have missing seats. Site privacy and cleanliness vary significantly. No specific site numbers are praised or criticized.

Based on 100 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not addressed in user reviews.

Based on 100 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some visitors appreciated the spacious areas for walking dogs, but no other pet-specific amenities are mentioned.

Based on 100 reviews

0 review