Oakwilde Campground

About

Oakwilde Campground was once a backcountry trail camp situated along the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail in Angeles National Forest. Located in a scenic canyon along the Arroyo Seco at roughly 1,800 feet elevation, the site offered a primitive camping experience accessible only by foot via a roughly 3-mile hike from Switzer Picnic Area or a 5-mile hike from the Altadena trailhead. The 2009 Station Fire devastated this section of the San Gabriel Mountains, and subsequent flooding further damaged the Oakwilde area. After years of closure, volunteer efforts helped restore the trail segment between Oakwilde and Switzer's Camp, reopening this stretch of the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail. However, the campground itself was decommissioned and is no longer maintained or listed as an official Forest Service camping facility. Hikers passing through the area may find remnants of the old camp, but there are no maintained amenities, and the site is not actively managed for overnight use. The surrounding Gabrielino Trail remains a popular hiking route through the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.

Directions

Historically accessed via the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail. From Switzer Picnic Area off Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2), hike approximately 3 miles south along the trail. Alternatively, from the Altadena trailhead at the end of Ventura Street, hike north approximately 5 miles.