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 campground is open year-round and offers dozens of single-family sites for tent or RV camping. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking spurs are paved and vary in length, accommodating RVs up to 35 feet. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets are provided, but drinking water is not available. Visitors must bring their own water, and remove their trash from the campground.
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.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Toilets
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
GuideWe love Wheeler Gorge
Camp hosts greeted us upon arrival and gave us a run down which I appreciate. They let us know there was a bear in the area and sure enough that night Bucky the bear was in our campsite plus several others. The hosts were out in force the next day cleaning up all of Bucky's messes and potty breaks. We love the water going through the campground. Only bummer was that the information area across the street seems to have been closed due to covid and never reopened? It could be open now, or maybe there wasn't enough of a need for it.
ScoutBeautiful place
We stood at space #064 Was a great spot easy access to the creek good place area for the fam and kids 064 was directly in front of the restrooms
TravelerCreek Campsite
Site #35! Prime site!. One of the best spots that I have ever camped at!, Great location and Great big area to set up one or two tents..maybe 3! Down fall was the bathrooms are like 10 -15 walk but besides that it’s great,very distant from a lot of the main camp sites. Excellent Hammock set up with the trees. Listening to the creek at night was peaceful and relaxing, Yiu are right next to the creek or a little climb down a hill next to a creek lol. Fire pits and Tables…NO WIFI/SERVICE!!!! Make sure you have a iPod or music stored on your phone…One last thing…OJIA LIQUOR!!! $6 Firewood and it’s a HEAVY bundle..Great firewood. Recommend 10/10 Campsite
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Location
Wheeler Gorge Campground is located in California
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