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Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Oak Flat Campground

Oak Flat Campground, near Castaic, California, is a straightforward spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. It’s a free site with a laid-back vibe, perfect for campers who appreciate simplicity and a bit of nature.

The campground offers picnic tables and fire pits, making it easy to gather around for meals or evening chats. Visitors have noted that the toilets are clean, but it’s wise to bring your own water since there’s no drinking water available. As one camper put it, “I stayed here during the week and it was quiet and uneventful,” which is just what some folks are after.

For those who enjoy hiking, the surrounding Angeles National Forest provides plenty of trails to explore. You can find some great spots nearby for a peaceful hike or just to soak in the natural beauty. While some campers have mentioned the occasional noise from traffic, the overall atmosphere remains tranquil, especially during the week.

If you’re planning a visit, remember that you’ll need an Adventure Pass to camp here. It’s a great choice for a quick getaway or an overnight stop while exploring Southern California. Just be prepared for a rustic experience, and you’ll likely leave with some good memories.

Description

National Forest

Angeles National Forest

2800-foot elevation. 27 campsites. No water. Vault toilets. Campsites are first come - first served. RV's to 18'.

Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required, but the camping is free if you have one.

Reservation Info

Permit required - see link.

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Location

Oak Flat Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From 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.

Coordinates

34.59982088 N
118.72168082 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Poor
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Oak Flat Campground needs a permit.

Drive Time


Reviews

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9 Reviews

Reviewed Dec. 15, 2024

Nice but needs a permit not free

Ranger woke me up early asking for a permit. He was not agro, as I didn't look like I bum I think that helped. He explained a shell station off the 176 nearby sells $5 day passes and $30 annual.

Site5
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Oak Flat Campground by Jason R., December 15, 2024
  • Review photo of Oak Flat Campground by Jason R., December 15, 2024
  • Review photo of Oak Flat Campground by Jason R., December 15, 2024
Reviewed May. 30, 2024

Everything I needed

Free with the purchase of the adventure pass. I was here during the week and it was quiet and uneventful. Plenty of shade and simple. A bit of traffic noise but not too bad.

I stayed here as part of my 2 month camping journey through SoCal. Really easy site to find.

Toilets were clean. Bring your own water.

Site1
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Oak Flat Campground by Andrew S., May 30, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2022

Depends on how you look at things

This campsite is cheap if not free. The toilets were disgusting however I know they got new ones during the pandemic. It's very dry and if they allow you to have a fire it has to be very small, which is fair because the place looks like it's one spark away from the next hashtag fire. A lot of unhoused individuals call this place home and more than once we've been witness to some shady goings ons. However, have some comfort in knowing you do get cell service and it's the farthest into the Angeles National Forest the cops will go so if needed they will arrive. It's far from them though so be prepared if anything we're to go down. This is the campground that made me think "maybe we should get a gun for protection."

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed May. 3, 2022

Good overnight spot

Traveling in our van and we stayed the night here during the week on our way from Malibu to Sequoia National Park. Fairly clean and spots are spaced out. Bathrooms were also fairly clean as well. 2 other campers here on a Tuesday. Did I mention free with the America the Beautiful Pass???

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Feb. 28, 2022

Perfect hike to great water and flat areas

*** this review refers to the Oak Flat campground along the Sespe trail and is accessible by backpackers only, 7 miles from Piedra Blaca parking lot***.

We camped right before Oak flat and right along the Sespe river (15 yards away). There’s a path that goes down from the main trail, and the campsite is right there under a tree. Fire pit is there (stone). We filled up our water at a spot about 39 yards upstream, just bc it’s flowing better. Nearest other campers were out of sight. Busy enough to feel safe, quiet enough to have peace and feel like you’re alone. 7.3 miles to our spot from Piedra Blanca parking.

Siteabout 1/2 mile before oak flat, on north side of Sespe
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Oak Flat Campground by jerod , February 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Oak Flat Campground by jerod , February 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Oak Flat Campground by jerod , February 28, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 31, 2021

Oak flat campground

Good spot! First come first starve, adventure pass or American the beautiful pass is required

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Apr. 1, 2021

Little Hidden Gem

Quaint and cute little campground nestled in the hills. Spots have picnic and fire pits available, with clean newly updated bathrooms near by. Lots of big boulders and trees on the landscape, providing ample shade and beautiful full trees in the summer.

HEAD UP: You do need an Adventure pass to stay here, available at the 76 gas station near by - $5 a day or $30 for the whole year. FYI NO water available tho, so pack it in and pack it out. Would recommend and will be returning :)!

  • Review photo of Oak Flat Campground by Cierra M., April 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Oak Flat Campground by Cierra M., April 1, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2019

Some characters there, program local sheriff's number before going

It's a pretty nice little campground there's no water at least not that I've seen and there's a pit toilet that is probably the most disgusting toilet I've ever encountered I don't use it I don't go near it I bring a portable toilet every time I stay at this place. There can be some crazy characters and a lot of vagabonds that call this place home and sometimes you can hear some rambunctious conversations and activities which may lead you to want to call 911 but I would call the local sheriff since I'm sure they are very familiar with this campground. Lots of bugs, really nice tables, some of the spots have pretty deteriorated fire pits but they work and I'd say most of the spots have a good place for a hammock.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Oak Flat Campground?

    Oak Flat Campground allows vehicles up to 18 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Oak Flat Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Oak Flat Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Oak Flat Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Oak Flat Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Oak Flat Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is poor, and T-Mobile is good.