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Established Camping

Rose Valley Campground

Rose Valley Campground, near Ojai, California, is a cozy spot tucked away in the Los Padres National Forest, perfect for those who appreciate a bit of solitude. It’s a small campground with a laid-back vibe, ideal for tent and RV camping, though you won’t find many frills here.

The area is known for its stunning scenery, with hiking trails that lead to a beautiful waterfall, a highlight that many visitors rave about. As one camper put it, “The trail that starts in this campground and leads you to the waterfall is a pleasant surprise.” You’ll also enjoy the soothing sounds of a nearby creek, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

While amenities are minimal—think vault toilets and no drinking water—this campground is all about the experience of being outdoors. Some campers have noted that the sites can lack shade, so be prepared for some sun exposure, especially in warmer months. If you’re looking for a remote getaway with great hiking and breathtaking views, Rose Valley Campground is worth checking out.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Los Padres National Forest

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.

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.

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Location

Rose Valley Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Fair
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Dec. 27, 2021

Camping Gem

The campground itself does not have much to offer. It is small and quiet with a vault toilet. It is surrounded by burn scars so that is unfortunate but the scenery is still beautiful. We enjoy tent camping with minimal amenities and easy hiking trails for kids. The trail that starts in this campground and leads you to the waterfall is a pleasant surprise. It is completely unexpected, you feel like you're at a waterfall in Hawaii, it's a beautiful must-see. Most sites have little to no shade or privacy. We were there in April and it was too hot for our liking with no tress/no shade at our site. It is a small campground so even if full it wouldn't feel crowded. Most of the traffic is foot traffic from day hikers coming through to get to the waterfall.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed May. 11, 2021

Remote Ojai Beauty

RV Spot #2 is the jam. Perched on a bit of a hill, expansive views in all directions. Other spots are lower. Nice hiking/ biking in the area.

SiteRV #2
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Rose Valley Campground by Charles , May 11, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2020

Very remote, beautiful

This spot is nice and remote, there is no cell service in the area since its pretty out of the way, it’s a relatively small campground, pit toilets right in the middle of the loop. There’s a short hike up to a beautiful waterfall, which is amazing, but also makes this area popular with decent foot traffic from the day use parking out front. There is also a creek that splits around the campground so you’ll have the sound of the water on either side. There are no water spigots, so you’ll need to bring your own, and be careful if you have dogs or children as some of the sites have lots of glass on the ground. Also be sure to check on any fire restrictions, certain times of year there may be some in place.

  • Review photo of Rose Valley Campground by Alex P., August 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Rose Valley Campground by Alex P., August 12, 2020
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Reviewed Aug. 28, 2019

USFS developed campground

Beautiful area. Spring and early summer water is in the 2 small lakes or hike to the Rose Valley Water falls. Hiking, biking or just hang out. Gateway to some beautiful hikes in the Los Padres National Forest. Plenty of trails to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Rose Valley Campground?

    Camping at Rose Valley Campground can cost between $20.00 and $34.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Rose Valley Campground?

    Rose Valley Campground allows vehicles up to 20 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Rose Valley Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Rose Valley Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Rose Valley Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Rose Valley Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Rose Valley Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Rose Valley Campground?

    There are 9 campsites at Rose Valley Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts