Wheeler Gorge

$70.00/night

Show on map805-434-1996info@camplospadres.com
1190 E. OJAI AVE.
OJAI, CA 93023

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (820) 500-1099.

Nearby Attractions

Ventura and the Pacific Ocean are about 20 miles south of the campground.

Camp site features

Across 66 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 66 sites
  • ADA accessible: 4 of 66 sites
  • Longest RV: 45 ft
  • Largest party: 16 people

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 7.5 mi · Lake Casitas Recreation Area

Nearest water fill: 22.1 mi

Fees

Single sites: up to 8 people and 2 vehicles. Double sites: up to 16 people and 4 vehicles.

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

493 reviews
5 stars
327
4 stars
87
3 stars
37
2 stars
28
1 stars
14
Brian D
Loop:Whee
Site:
Reviewed 16 days ago
Great camp site with a central creek
Beverly C
Loop:Whee
Site:
Reviewed 17 days ago
Great site for just enjoying nature.
Marianne M
Loop:Whee
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Everything was great. Site was a bit close to the road, but it worked well for a group of 5 women.
Laura A
Loop:Whee
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Everything was amazing.
Lucas B
Loop:Whee
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Campsites were all excellent as we walked around and saw everybody else’s.really can’t pick a bad one. Every single one of them was well thought out and spaced to feel private. Which is the whole point of getting out and going camping anyways… Camp host was very helpful, down to earth. Creek was fun, refreshing and the kids LOVED it!
Danielle B
Loop:Whee
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Love this campground. 44 was a great site, really private with a good spot to pitch our big 8P tent. It’s toward the top of the campground so very little traffic coming up there and it’s right by the entrance to the nature trail. 2 min walk to the water. Great times at Wheeler Gorge!
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve
Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 3% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 4 years of reservations.

Season dates

Peak season

Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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