Oak Flat Camp South Los Padres National Forest

• Camp Type: Wilderness Trail Camp
• Topo Map Link: Topatopa Mountains
• Elevation: 2600 feet
• Wilderness Area: Sespe
• County: Santa Barbara County
• Ranger District: Ojai Ranger District
• Longitude: -119.0682105
• Latitude: 34.55945
• Water Sources: The Sespe can be dry in this section in Summer and Fall. If dry at camp, water can usually be found off-trail in Timber Creek, or back at Kerr Spring.
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Reservations: Wilderness Trail Camp

Recent Water Reports:

Date	Surveyor	Water Report
05-26-2024	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
06-03-2022	Addison Jerlow	Stagnant
05-29-2022	Yertle	Trickle
04-21-2022	the_fog	Flowing
02-26-2022	Daniel J. Hall	Flowing
12-19-2021	Yertle	Flowing
07-03-2021	Braulio Aguilera	Stagnant
01-18-2021	Shaddus Maximus	Flowing
01-17-2021	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
01-16-2021	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
11-28-2020	Anonymous Surveyor	Trickle
11-27-2020	Christopher P. Lord	Trickle
11-24-2020	Shaddus Maximus	Trickle
05-15-2019	Daniel J. Hall	Flowing
04-21-2019	S. Sampson	Flowing
07-28-2018	Anonymous Surveyor	Stagnant
07-14-2018	Anonymous Surveyor	Stagnant
06-30-2018	Anonymous Surveyor	Trickle
07-29-2017	Anonymous Surveyor	Stagnant
05-06-2017	Clayton Stevens	Flowing
05-06-2017	Clayton Stevens	Flowing
04-27-2017	Ken J Nishiya	Flowing
03-15-2017	Daniel J. Hall	Flowing
09-08-2016	Anonymous Surveyor	Dry
03-07-2016	Yellow Mantis	Flowing
02-13-2016	flynn	Flowing
12-28-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing

Photo: Christopher P. Lord (above), Addison Jerlow (below)

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Survey This Camp

Description:

Oak Flat Camp is located on a large bend in the Sespe River with numerous sites dispersed throughout the area. The main camp is situated under a few large live oak trees and contains two picnic tables and a fire ring. At the west end of the flat where the river comes out of a small canyon, is a long, large pool, good for fishing or swimming.

The 1968 flood washed out the short trail over to the camp from the Sespe River Trail so it is necessary to pick a way over the rocks and between the bushes. Several large pieces of junk tin that washed down Sespe River during the flood are caught in trees along the bank.

Recent Uploads:

Photo By: Christopher P Lord - Website Link

Survey Photos:

• 
  Yellow Mantis - 03-07-2016
  
• 
  Yellow Mantis - 03-07-2016
  
• 
  Clayton Stevens - 05-06-2017
  Sespe pool
• 
  Clayton Stevens - 05-06-2017
  Looking down on Oak Flat
• 
  Clayton Stevens - 05-06-2017
  Sespe pool
• 
  Clayton Stevens - 05-06-2017
  Looking down on Oak Flat
• 
  Christopher P. Lord - 11-27-2020
  Timber Canyon Camp (Just upstream from Oak Flat)
• 
  Christopher P. Lord - 11-27-2020
  Another one of Timber Canyon Camp for the archives
• 
  Christopher P. Lord - 11-27-2020
  Oak Flat Camp
• 
  Christopher P. Lord - 11-27-2020
  Oak Flat
• 
  Christopher P. Lord - 11-27-2020
  Western site near the Sespe
• 
  Christopher P. Lord - 11-27-2020
  The swim hole

Submitted Camp Reports

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 05-26-2024 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	05-26-2024
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	Backpacked in and camped for 2 nights, the river was easy to cross with trekking poles. There were a few swimming holes that were nice to swim in during the hot afternoons. Overall, a fun and amazing trip!
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Flowing with an average depth of 4-5 ft, clear in most parts
Weather Conditions:	Sunny - 75 F

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 06-03-2022 - by Addison Jerlow

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	06-03-2022
Surveyor Name:	Addison Jerlow
Camp Description:	Main camp looks good but definitely a little trashy. I picked up what I could.
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:	Really scummy with slight trickle in rockier portions of creek. Took a long time to fill. Tasted like moldy dirt.
Weather Conditions:	low 80s, low 50s

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 05-29-2022 - by Yertle

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	05-29-2022
Surveyor Name:	Yertle
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 04-21-2022 - by the_fog

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	04-21-2022
Surveyor Name:	the_fog
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 02-26-2022 - by Daniel J. Hall

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	02-26-2022
Surveyor Name:	Daniel J. Hall
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Clean and clear, but low flow for late Fevruary.
Weather Conditions:

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 12-19-2021 - by Yertle

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	12-19-2021
Surveyor Name:	Yertle
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 07-03-2021 - by Braulio Aguilera

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	07-03-2021
Surveyor Name:	Braulio Aguilera
Camp Description:	Didn’t go down to the main camp just stopped by the ones on the side of the trail. I could see a stagnant pool of water, I imagine it’s safe enough to drink from using a filter but doesn’t taste very good. That water probably won’t be there for very long.
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:	Like the rest of the sespe right now, small pools of stagnant water
Weather Conditions:

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 01-18-2021 - by Shaddus Maximus

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	01-18-2021
Surveyor Name:	Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 01-17-2021 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	01-17-2021
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	camp was in good condition. river low enough to get to the other side
Weather Conditions:

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 01-16-2021 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	01-16-2021
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Full of water
Weather Conditions:	Pretty warm, hot even in January

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 11-28-2020 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	11-28-2020
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	Creek on the west side of the campground was trickling into larger more stagnant pools. Creek on the east side of campground was dry.
Weather Conditions:	Below freezing at night. Mid 70s during the day

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 11-27-2020 - by Christopher P. Lord

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	11-27-2020
Surveyor Name:	Christopher P. Lord
Camp Description:	Semi decent water at the Sespe spur crossing with the best just upstream and around the bend from the main site. Near the swim hole are a few fire rings for overflow and or anyone wanting to be closer to the water. When visiting head up to the old Timber Canyon Camp you wont regret it. Timber Camp Coordinates N34° 33.399' W119° 04.199' More details below. https://christopherplord.blogspot.com/2020/12/horsethief-timber-canyon-camps.html
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Sunny, cold nights
Images:	Timber Canyon Camp (Just upstream from Oak Flat) Another one of Timber Canyon Camp for the archives Oak Flat Camp Oak Flat Western site near the Sespe

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 11-24-2020 - by Shaddus Maximus

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	11-24-2020
Surveyor Name:	Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	Good, clear flow of water in the Sespe here at Oak Flat
Weather Conditions:

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 05-15-2019 - by Daniel J. Hall

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	05-15-2019
Surveyor Name:	Daniel J. Hall
Camp Description:	Camping areas are in good shape, except that the best of the two old picnic tables has been destroyed sometime in the last two years.  Regarding the spur trail to the camping areas: good from Sespe Trail to creek, then after crossing the creek, the first 100 feet that are in the flood plain have been wiped out but it is still passable, then the last section across higher ground can be found and followed but it getting brushed over.  Great place to camp, if you don't mind crossing the creek to get in and out.  Captioned photos with more detail at http://tinyurl.com/yy32hc7v Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 04-21-2019 - by S. Sampson

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	04-21-2019
Surveyor Name:	S. Sampson
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 07-28-2018 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	07-28-2018
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	Did not fill up enough water at Bear Creek, assuming water quality would be better here.  Was planning to hike through to Wilton Hot Springs, but when we got to Oak Flat, we could barely stomach the water through the LifeStraw, but it is drinkable with proper filtration (we didn't get sick), the taste is a mixture of strong algae and dirt, even through the life filter.   Spotted very fresh bear droppings here in 2 areas. The air was so, so dry and we had pretty heavy bags (35lbs ea...) and completely exhausted.  We rested here for 30 minutes or so to replenish and decide our next move.   We decided to turn around at this point, as we weren't sure of what the water quality would be going forward or if it would be completely dry all the way, and with having never done this hike prior, was afraid the water system at Wilton campsite might not be functioning, we feared dehydration.  Stayed back at Bear creek for the second night.  Make sure you fill up completely at Bear Creek during this time!
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:	2 1/2 feet deep, still a large pond, green/murky, taste was very off
Weather Conditions:	93-98's, awful dry

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 07-14-2018 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	07-14-2018
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	the trail gets a little lost right after bear creek. Its not clear that you need to cross the creek right after the last camp site at Bear Creek. Once you get on the right of the creek, it's clear. Some water still flowing in the creek, but probably not for long. Lots of animal tracks, plenty of deer were see. Found bear tracks on the trail the next morning, heading towards the water. Very hot, and very little water options at Oak Flat.
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:	about 4 feet deep in big pool, not flowing, murky
Weather Conditions:	84-90, Dry, slight wind, in high 60's in evening

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 06-30-2018 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	06-30-2018
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	The pools were not looking the best. A small spring was good if you had something to collect it with. Some friendly neighbors built a small pool with rocks.
Weather Conditions:

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 07-29-2017 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	07-29-2017
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:	Trail not well marked
Weather Conditions:	Clear and mid 90s

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 05-06-2017 - by Clayton Stevens

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	05-06-2017
Surveyor Name:	Clayton Stevens
Camp Description:	Great site just across the creek from the trail.  Look for the cairns.  Several nice sites to choose from.  Access to water was perfect.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Strong flow, clear clean water
Weather Conditions:	Showers and cool
Images:	Sespe pool Looking down on Oak Flat

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 05-06-2017 - by Clayton Stevens

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	05-06-2017
Surveyor Name:	Clayton Stevens
Camp Description:	Great site just across the creek from the trail.  Look for the cairns.  Several nice sites to choose from.  Access to water was perfect.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Strong flow, clear clean water
Weather Conditions:	Showers and cool
Images:	Sespe pool Looking down on Oak Flat

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 04-27-2017 - by Ken J Nishiya

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	04-27-2017
Surveyor Name:	Ken J Nishiya
Camp Description:	Great time.  Water is flowing well.  Everything in good shape. Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	85, Hot, Dry, Windy

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 03-15-2017 - by Daniel J. Hall

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	03-15-2017
Surveyor Name:	Daniel J. Hall
Camp Description:	Good water, good camp and a safe, sane crossing into the camp on this date.  Photos at http://tinyurl.com/n4af85eÂ
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	knee deep crossing of the Sespe, swift in some places, into the camp
Weather Conditions:

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 09-08-2016 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	09-08-2016
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:	a 3 foot by 3 foot shallow puddle is left in which fish are trying to survive until the next rain. Basically no water.
Weather Conditions:

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 03-07-2016 - by Yellow Mantis

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	03-07-2016
Surveyor Name:	Yellow Mantis
Camp Description:	did not stay at this camp but passed through. water was flowing, a little murky, but probably from the rain.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	flowing water above ground from rose valley through willett
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 02-13-2016 - by flynn

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	02-13-2016
Surveyor Name:	flynn
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	water is flowing all the way to oak flat.
Weather Conditions:

Oak Flat Camp Survey - 12-28-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Oak Flat Camp
Date:	12-28-2014
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

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