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Wheeler Gorge
FSU.S. Forest Service — OJAI · California · Los Padres National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Los Padres National Forest |
| Location | OJAI · California · Los Padres National Forest · 34.51194, -119.27361 · Map |
| Sites | 66 public sites counted from the federal listing — 66 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 66 sites Water hookups at 0 of 66 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 66 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 66 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 45 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 31 sites · 30 ft: 14 sites · 35 ft: 4 sites · 40 ft: 4 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Single Sites: All single campsite reservations are good for 6 people and 1 vehicle. Maximum number of people per single site is 8 ($10.00 additional charge per person per night after 6 people). Maximum number of vehicles per single site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for 2nd vehicle per night). Double Sites: All double campsite reservations are good for 12 people and 2 vehicles. Maximum number of people per double site is 16 ($10.00 additional charge person per night after 12 people). Maximum Number of vehicles per double site is 4 ($10.00 additional charge per vehicle per night after 2 vehicles). Extra Vehicle and person fees will be charged at the facility. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 67 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 4 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 805-434-1996 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
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.
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · OJAI CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceRose Valley Campground
5 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceMiddle Lion Campground
7 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceReyes Peak Campground
9 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServicePine Mountain Campground
9 mi straight-line · California
Trip Card — Wheeler Gorge
OJAI · California · Los Padres National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | OJAI · California · Los Padres National Forest |
| Fees | Single Sites: All single campsite reservations are good for 6 people and 1 vehicle. Maximum number of people per single site is 8 ($10.00 additional charge per person per night … |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 45 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 66 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232138 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.