About MOUNTAIN OAK
Overview Escape to Mountain Oak Campground in the Angeles National Forest for a restful, refreshing getaway from city life. Just northwest of the Los Angeles metro area, Mountain Oak provides a scenic and relaxing destination for camping, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing. The campground is also near Jackson Lake for easy access to fishing, canoeing and swimming.Recreation Swim or canoe in the refreshing waters of Jackson Lake, the only lake near Wrightwood. The lake is stocked with trout and bluegills. Powerboating is not permitted in the lake, so the setting is peaceful and quiet. Hikers can find trails near the campground.Facilities The single-loop campground provides lots of shade from towering trees but minimal privacy from neighboring campgrounds. Ground cover is mostly pine needles and leaves. Bear-proof food containers are provided at each campground and amenities include picnic table, grills and flush toilets. Drinking water is also available. A camp host is on-site, offering firewood for sale.Natural Features At an elevation of 6,400 feet, Mountain Oak is shaded by oak, ponderosa and sugar pines in the Angeles National Forest. This forest, spanning across most of the San Gabriel Mountains, provides a striking backdrop for the Los Angeles area. Jackson Lake spans just 3 acres and lies in the San Gabriel Mountains. Formed by the San Andreas fault, the lake is primarily fed by snow runoff from the mountains and is hugged by grass and sand beaches. The lake is ideal for listening to nature's soundtrack, complete with sounds of birds singing and leaves rustling in mountain breezes. A diverse variety of animal life exists in Angeles National Forest, such as bobcat, mountain lion, bear and Nelson bighorn sheep. Many species of birds and smaller animals also inhabit the forest. Nearby Attractions The Angeles Crest Highway, part of California State Route 2, is a scenic byway that meanders through oak thickets, chaparral, high desert landscapes and pine tree f
How to Get There
From Wrightwood, CA, take State Rt. 2 west 2.4 miles to Palmdale/Jackson Lake sign (County Rt. N4/Pines Highway). Turn right onto Rt. N4 and go 3.1 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
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High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to MOUNTAIN OAK
Heading to MOUNTAIN OAK? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for MOUNTAIN OAK?
No central reservation system listed for MOUNTAIN OAK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233733) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to MOUNTAIN OAK?
From Wrightwood, CA, take State Rt. 2 west 2.4 miles to Palmdale/Jackson Lake sign (County Rt. N4/Pines Highway). Turn right onto Rt. N4 and go 3.1 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground.
How do I contact MOUNTAIN OAK?
You can reach the park at phone: 760-249-3526 or email: comments@AmericanLL.com.
References & Official Resources