Within Los Padres National Forest, Rose Valley Campground operates as a US Forest Service facility from May through November at $30-34 per night. This small, drive-in campground accommodates RVs up to 20 feet and sits alongside a creek that flows around the camping loop.
The campground's compact size creates an intimate atmosphere, with vault toilets centrally located and most sites offering limited shade or privacy. A creek provides constant water sounds on both sides of the loop, though campers should bring their own drinking water as no spigots are available. The area shows burn scars from past wildfires, yet hiking opportunities remain abundant. A short trail leads directly to a waterfall that multiple visitors describe as unexpectedly tropical in appearance.
Day hikers frequently pass through the campground accessing the waterfall trail, creating steady foot traffic during peak hours. Weekend nights can become lively with groups, while weekdays offer quieter conditions. Charles notes that "RV Spot #2 is the jam. Perched on a bit of a hill, expansive views in all directions." Some sites contain broken glass, requiring caution with pets and children.
The location provides access to Piedra Blanca Trailhead and Sespe River nearby. For different camping experiences, Middle Lion Campground sits 1.5 miles northeast.
Description
Overview
Break free from reality and take a scenic cruise along fabulous Highway 33 for a short drive from Ojai to Rose Valley Campground and Day Use Area. Whether you're day-tripping or camping, you can explore the running creek, visit the waterfalls, take a dip and hike the nearby trails and enjoy the local wildlife. Wildflowers and shady areas under cottonwood trees invite you to indulge in a rejuvenating nap. Removed just far enough from civilization, the night sky here is fantastic, especially when gazing north, a perfect place to view meteor showers, satellites, comets and other celestial phenomenon.
Recreation
Rose Valley Falls is the principal attraction to this section of the Sespe. The trail to the falls begins at the southwest area of the campground between Campsites 4 and 5. Follow it for a half-mile and you will be at the base of the falls. The cliffs at the falls are arkosic sandstone and crumble easily, so tread lightly. Rose Valley Falls is the tallest waterfall in the range. While it is an easy hike to the base of the 100-foot tall lower tier of the waterfall (0.8 miles round trip with 150 feet of elevation gain), it is an adventure to reach the more impressive upper tier. Please do not climb around on steep sections or get close to the edge. If you are not camping, you will need to park outside of the campground to hike the trails; otherwise, the day use fee for parking in the campground is $10.00.
Facilities
Rose Valley Campground has nine campsites. The campsites are very spacious, level, well-marked and well equipped with a picnic table, fire pit and/or a separate BBQ. There are enclosed trash receptacles around the park and an unlit single pit style toilet. There is no drinking water at this site; you must bring your own water.
Natural Features
Rose Valley Campground is the entry point to the legendary Rose Valley Falls, a magnificent two-tier 300-foot waterfall located on the west end of the Topatopa Mountains in Los Padres National Forest. If you are lucky, you may see coyotes, deer, bobcats, mountain lions or bears, which all live in this area. Frogs and toads, or ducks swimming on the lake, are a frequent sight as are red-tailed hawks soaring high above. Vegetation includes chamise, sage and toyon; toyon is especially beautiful in the fall and winter with its bright red berries. This area is amazing during the fall; as the trees change, you will find yourself luxuriously encased by vibrant colors. If you like wildflowers, Rose Valley offers wild rose and poppies in the spring.
Nearby Attractions
Hiking trails, biking, fishing, within 30 minutes. Day trips to the higher elevation mountains for snow play in the winter. One mile away on the Rose Valley Road (6N31) is the Piedra Blanca Trailhead where there are three trails to explore, all located across Sespe Creek. The Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail (22W03) in the Sespe Wilderness will lead you to nearby massive white rocks, called Piedra Blanca! It is an easy walk for the first three miles.
Reservation Info
Reservations: 6 sites are now on the reservation system: www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. (3) sites are on a first-come, first- serve basis.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRose Valley Campground is located in California near Ojai
Directions
To get there, follow Hwy. 33 north from Ojai 14.7 miles to mile marker 25.84. Turn right at the Rose Valley Road (6N31) turnoff and follow the paved road for 3.1 miles. Turn right again at the Rose Valley Campground sign (across from the lower lake) and follow this road 0.6 miles into Rose Valley Campground. Watch out for rough sections of road.
Coordinates
34.5326 N
119.1824 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 1 min from Oxnard, CA
- 1 hr 46 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 54 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 6 min from Santa Maria, CA
