## 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.

Wheeler Gorge

Our first time here and just like previous reviews state, there are alot of bugs and they want to kiss you.  Of course fire, candles and bug spray help but because of the nice creek nearby its kind of unavoidable.  With that said, the bugs go night night at dark and a big fire helps.  Pretty quiet site, the creek is easily accessible and great for photos.  The restroom situation wasn't the best, but was expected from previous reviews and the website stating no running water.  We brought 5 gallons of water for dishes/hand washing and 5 gallons of water for drinking.  The sites are a little on the small side, however we did book two sites next to each other for two families of four.  I suggest you bring wood, it's a little expensive in the campground and in town. 


Across the street from the campground theres a store that has trail maps, information and little dry goods and toiletry.  They also sell really neat Crystal's, arrowheads and bumper stickers. About 4 or 5 miles up the road there's a nice 15-20 min hike to a nice waterfall.  

I wouldn't mind coming back especially since I know what to prepare for next time and it's so close to Los Angeles.  