Established Camping

Wheeler Gorge Campground

About

USDA Forest Service

Los Padres National Forest

Overview

Wheeler Gorge Campground is a great place for families to explore the Los Padres National Forest all year long. Informative tours of the area are led by forest rangers at the nearby visitor center. The campground provides scenic views of a nearby stream, as well as vast mountain vistas.

Recreation

The Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail begins at the upper end of the campground. It is a relatively short loop that leads through thick vegetation along the creek banks and to a hillside view of the area. Wildflowers often bloom along the path. The creek flows near some of the campsites and a small swimming hole is frequented near the side of the highway. Fishing is rough in the area and may produce a catch of trout, but the stream is not stocked. Kayaking or canoeing in the creek is not recommended. Educational programs, including ranger-led hikes, are offered year-round.

Facilities

The Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail begins at the upper end of the campground. It is a relatively short loop that leads through thick vegetation along the creek banks and to a hillside view of the area. Wildflowers often bloom along the path. The creek flows near some of the campsites and a small swimming hole is frequented near the side of the highway. Fishing is rough in the area and may produce a catch of trout, but the stream is not stocked. Kayaking or canoeing in the creek is not recommended. Educational programs, including ranger-led hikes, are offered year-round.

Natural Features

The campground is adjacent to Matilija Creek, and is bordered by a mixed forest of oak and sycamore trees and evergreen shrubbery. Most sites are shaded and summer temperatures reach up to 95 degrees. The campground was originally built by Boy Scouts nearly a century ago, as well as a historical stone home that is also on-site.

Nearby Attractions

Ventura and the Pacific Ocean are about 20 miles south of the campground.

Fee Info

Single Sites:<br/> All single campsite reservations are good for 6 people and 1 vehicle. <br/> Maximum number of people per single site is 8 ($10.00 additional charge per person per night after 6 people). <br/> Maximum number of vehicles per single site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for 2nd vehicle per night). <br/><br/> Double Sites:<br/> All double campsite reservations are good for 12 people and 2 vehicles. <br/> Maximum number of people per double site is 16 ($10.00 additional charge person per night after 12 people). <br/> Maximum Number of vehicles per double site is 4 ($10.00 additional charge per vehicle per night after 2 vehicles). <br/> Extra Vehicle and person fees will be charged at the facility.

Reservation Info

Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance. This campground requires a 2 night minimum stay on weekends and a 3 night minimum stay on holiday weekends. Maximum 2 vehicles per site. An additional fee will be collected on-site for second vehicle. No check-in after 10pm, security gate locked.

9 campsites sites are on a first-come, first- serve basis. Cash only for first-come, first-serve campsites.

If you have a Senior Interagency Pass or Interagency Access Pass, you are eligible for a 50% discount on overnight camping.

Dogs are allowed on a leash in campgrounds and picnic areas, dogs mst be kept on a leash. Dogs must wear a collar with current tags, as state and county laws apply on National Forest System lands. and within your control at all times.

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Location

Wheeler Gorge Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Ventura, take Highway 33 north about 14 miles. Turn left, continuing on Highway 33 for another 8 miles to the campground. From Los Angeles, take I-5 north, then turn west onto Highway 126 for about 28 miles, to Santa Paula. Continue north on Highway 150 for 16 miles. Turn left onto Highway 33 and continue north approximately 8 miles to the campground.

Address

1190 E. OJAI AVE.
Ojai, CA 93023

Coordinates

34.5119444 N
119.2736111 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites