Oak Point Campground

4.42

15 reviews

San Juan Canyon Road off Hwy. 156, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045

Quick Facts

3,169 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,169 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Oak Point Campground

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fee is $25 per site per night and includes one car. Additional vehicles cost $6 each. Reservation fee of $7.99 applies.

Standard Site Fee$25.00

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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Reserve California

Provider

831-623-4255fremontpeakvm@um.att.com

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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 15 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacycleanrestrooms

"User reviews are mixed, highlighting the stunning views and natural setting but pointing out limitations like basic facilities and privacy concerns."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

San Juan Canyon Road off Hwy. 156, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045

Oak Point Campground

San Juan Canyon Road off Hwy. 156, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045

Driving directionsOff of Highway 156, 11 miles south of San Juan Bautista on San Juan Canyon Road. The road is paved but winds through canyons and over ridges and is not recommended for vehicles over 25 feet in length.

San Juan Canyon Road is paved but has tight turns and winds through canyons and over ridges. Trailers or vehicles over 25 feet are not recommended.

Nearby places

San Juan Bautista, 11 miles

Monterey, 43 miles

Santa Cruz, 46 miles.

Nearby supplies

Lake McAlpine & Park on Anzar Road, San Juan Bautista provides camping supplies and a fishing pond

additional supplies can be found in nearby San Juan Bautista.

Best Time to Camp at Oak Point Campground

Mother Nature keeps things interesting at Oak Point year-round, painting each season with its own dramatic flair. Summer days can sizzle at a toasty 90°F, perfect for lazy afternoon naps in the shade, before plunging to a crisp 50°F once darkness falls—ideal for cozy campfire conversations. Winter transforms the landscape into a mysterious wonderland where morning fog drifts through the oaks like ancient spirits, occasionally leaving delicate frost patterns on tent fabric. On rare magical mornings, you might even wake to find a dusting of snow adorning the oak branches. The mountain's moody weather demands respect—pack those layers and prepare for nature's full repertoire of atmospheric performances.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer offers shade but can reach 90°F and reviewers warn of wind and flies.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Late fall is quieter with fewer insects and cooler, more pleasant conditions per reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring likely offers mild weather and wildflowers, but detailed seasonal data is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 23% in CA

Open year-round; winters are cooler and quieter though specifics are limited.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; however, fire restrictions are seasonal, typically from June to November.
Current Alerts: Fire conditions change throughout the year; wood and charcoal fires are typically banned from June to November.

About Oak Point Campground

Escape to Oak Point Campground, where 25 secluded campsites await beneath a canopy of ancient oaks, each offering breathtaking vistas of Monterey Bay stretching to the horizon. This pristine wilderness retreat invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's simple pleasures. Each thoughtfully placed site comes equipped with a sturdy picnic table for memorable outdoor meals and a fire ring perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with vault toilet facilities, the primitive experience only enhances the authentic connection to the surrounding wilderness.

Oak Point Campground offers primitive tent camping in a natural, oak-shaded setting. RVs under 25 feet can access some campsites, but no hookups or modern facilities are provided.

Historical SignificanceThese oak-studded hills whisper stories of centuries past, from the Ohlone people who first called this land home to the dramatic events that helped shape California's destiny. In 1846, these very peaks witnessed explorer John C. Fremont's tense standoff with Mexican forces—a pivotal moment in the state's journey toward American statehood. As you wander the trails or sit quietly by your campfire, you're walking in the footsteps of Native Americans who gathered acorns from these same oaks and early settlers who gazed upon these same sweeping vistas while California's future hung in the balance.

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature keeps things interesting at Oak Point year-round, painting each season with its own dramatic flair. Summer days can sizzle at a toasty 90°F, perfect for lazy afternoon naps in the shade, before plunging to a crisp 50°F once darkness falls—ideal for cozy campfire conversations. Winter transforms the landscape into a mysterious wonderland where morning fog drifts through the oaks like ancient spirits, occasionally leaving delicate frost patterns on tent fabric. On rare magical mornings, you might even wake to find a dusting of snow adorning the oak branches. The mountain's moody weather demands respect—pack those layers and prepare for nature's full repertoire of atmospheric performances.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 3,169 feet above sea level, Oak Point Campground offers a natural air conditioning system courtesy of Mother Nature herself. This lofty elevation provides a refreshing escape from valley heat while serving up panoramic views that seem to stretch forever. The thin mountain air carries a crispness that awakens your senses, while the elevated perspective transforms everyday sunrises and sunsets into spectacular light shows across the distant bay.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living nature documentary where ancient oaks create a woodland cathedral and wildlife performs daily for attentive observers. Cheerful chickadees and vibrant finches provide the soundtrack, flitting from branch to branch in endless aerial acrobatics. Keep your camera ready—elusive bobcats occasionally grace lucky campers with a glimpse of their spotted coats, while industrious woodpeckers tap out nature's morse code on weathered bark. As you climb higher on the surrounding trails, the tree canopy opens to reveal a breathtaking tapestry of valleys and mountain ranges painted in ever-changing light.

Geological RegionOak Point Campground crowns the majestic Gavilan Mountain Range, a geological masterpiece that serves as nature's observation deck for some of California's most stunning landscapes. From this privileged vantage point, watch morning fog roll across Monterey Bay like a slow-motion ocean, while the agricultural patchwork of San Benito and Salinas valleys spreads below like a giant quilt. To the west, the dramatic Santa Lucia Mountains rise from the mist, their rugged peaks catching the last golden rays of sunset in a daily spectacle that never grows old.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy is 8 people per site.

Groups

One group site called Doe Flats accommodates up to 50 campers, providing space for larger gatherings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of individual sites arranged in a loop.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through www.ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityThere are 4 first-come, first-served sites (1, 12, 14, 15). Early arrival on Friday is recommended for weekend stays due to high demand.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made online or via phone with ReserveCalifornia at least 24 hours in advance to receive a partial refund.

AccessibilityAccessible tent camping and accessible non-flush toilets are located in each loop of the campground. Campsites 17 and 19 are ADA-accessible. Accessible vault restrooms are nearby.

Site SizeCampsites can accommodate tents, but space may be limited for larger setups. One user mentioned, 'There was little space for a larger tent, ours is about 9x13 feet and there was only 1 spot it would fit.

PrivacyCampsite privacy varies, with some sites offering seclusion while others are more exposed. 'Most spots have very little privacy,' one reviewer observed, while another stated, 'Site itself was very private, cut off from the other sites.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 25 offers great views but limited privacy. Sites towards the back of the campground are slightly more secluded.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Oak Point Campground offers visitors opportunities for hiking, nature observation, and stargazing due to its proximity to Fremont Peak's astronomical observatory. The campground's location provides stunning views of Monterey Bay and surrounding valleys.

HikingFour miles of moderate trails are available within Fremont Peak State Park, offering expansive views and opportunities for wildlife observation. One reviewer praised the Peak trail as being 'incredible.'

BikingBike trails are accessible within Fremont Peak State Park, although details specific to Oak Point Campground are not mentioned.

Wildlife viewingThe park's oak and pine woodlands host diverse wildlife, including birds, coyotes, bobcats, and more. Reviewers have appreciated the opportunities for nature observation.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe campground benefits from Fremont Peak State Park's cultural and educational programs, such as guided tours and historical exhibits about the Ohlone people and John C. Fremont.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include windy conditions, wildlife (coyotes, snakes), and occasional icy roads in winter. Fire restrictions apply seasonally.

Active AlertsFire conditions change throughout the year; wood and charcoal fires are typically banned from June to November.

Fire PolicyWood or charcoal fires are permitted in designated fire rings only when fire conditions allow. Gas stoves are recommended during fire season.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM

Emergency ServicesSan Juan Bautista State Historic Park at 831-623-4881.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities were provided. Campers are expected to maintain cleanliness and dispose of trash responsibly.

Water FeaturesNo significant water features in close proximity. Fishing is available at Lake McAlpine RV Park nearby.

Weather at Oak Point Campground

Reviews

4.4

15 reviews

Recommended

Oak Point Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, highlighting the stunning views and natural setting but pointing out limitations like basic facilities and privacy concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include breathtaking views, clean restrooms, and shaded campsites. One user stated, 'The sunset views are amazing,' while another appreciated the site's privacy: 'Site itself was...

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints often focus on small campsite sizes, lack of maintenance, and windy conditions. For example, one user noted, 'Dirty restroom. No bathroom. Low maintenance,' while another mentioned wind...

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend choosing sites in the back for privacy, being prepared for wind, and bringing a gas stove as fires may be banned.

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer camping benefits from shaded sites, but reviewers warn of wind and flies. Late fall offers a quieter experience with fewer insects and cooler weather.

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The sunset views are amazing.' 2. 'Most spots have very little privacy, and can be quite small.' 3. 'Restrooms are clean.' 4. 'Site itself was very private, cut off from the other sites.'

Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Best sites are noted as 5, 7, and 25 for views and accessibility. Site 24 received mixed reviews; one camper praised its privacy and views, while another criticized maintenance and missing amenities.

Based on 15 reviews