Description

Looking for some stellar mountain views and solitude in Southern California? Head to Middle Lion Campground in the Los Padres National Forest outside of Ojai. The campground is surrounded by chaparral covered mountains, shaded by cottonwood trees, and is next to a refreshing waterfall and stream. There is ample hiking nearby, and the foliage is pretty epic in the fall. Up here you can look forward camping without the interruption!

Campsite area
Tent or RV sites
8 sites
Up to guests per site
Up to 6 vehicles
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Amenities
Picnic table available

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Biking

Ride along the beautiful Santa Barbara coast, the central Monterey coast, or anywhere you want in this huge forest. The recomme...Read more

Fishing

You can fish in the rivers and streams located throughout the forest, and fish in the ocean on the Monterey coast at Sand Dolla...Read more

Hiking

Up by Big Sur, the Ventana wilderness is a popular hiking destination, with 260 miles of hiking trails, making it a unique exp...Read more

Horseback riding

The Saint Lucia Mountains have been taken by horseback many a’ times, and the time you visit should be no exception. To truly f...Read more

Paddling

Lake Cachuma in the Santa Barbara region offers some of the best kayak fishing, especially with its location admist the mountai...Read more

Swimming

You can’t go wrong at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, but it’s no match for the Seven Falls in Santa Barbara. This hike might not be...Read more

Wildlife watching

Whether you are an avid birdwatcher (California Condor...check), or just enjoy seeing what the wilderness has to offer, Los Pad...Read more

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at Middle Lion Campground.

Beach
Cave
Forest
Hot spring
Lake
River, stream, or...
Swimming hole
Waterfall
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9 Reviews

750
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Hipcamper Lauren
Lauren C.
didn't provide a recommendation.
August 23rd, 2020

I had campsite #2 and would book it again — it felt pretty private, I had trees for shade, and had direct creek access. Overall, #1 and #2 are the most private, and #2 and #3 have creek access. Some of the other sites feel a little too close together and lacked shade (#4 is right in the middle of several others, I'd avoid it). Lots of pretty quail and bluebirds, running water in the creek was perfectly chilled, and the Lion Canyon Trail starts at the back of camp site #1 which leads to several other trails (Nordhoff Ridge, West Fork, East Fork). Road to get to the campground was pretty chewed up — be prepared for lots of potholes.

Hipcamper Max
Max K.
didn't provide a recommendation.
December 5th, 2016

Like most campsites near LA - try and get here Sun-Thurs and avoid weekends. Its a good ground, lovely views but nothing particularly special.

Hipcamper Jennifer
Jennifer J.
didn't provide a recommendation.
July 26th, 2016

I camped here a few years ago and had a terrible experience, but it was 4th of July weekend, so maybe that was part of it. On a side note, it is shady and has some decent sites, though not very private. It's also sort of hard to get to - a very windy, narrow, dirt road off the main road.

Hipcamper Dani
Dani D.
didn't provide a recommendation.
June 25th, 2015

This is a really nice campground. Lots of trees for shade and there is a hike next to it.

Hipcamper Lauren C.
recommends this listing.
August 23rd, 2020
Hipcamper Claire E.
recommends this listing.
October 8th, 2018
Hipcamper Christian H.
recommends this listing.
August 24th, 2017
Hipcamper Anthony A.
recommends this listing.
May 30th, 2017
Hipcamper Sean Q.
recommends this listing.
January 13th, 2017
Park
Los Padres National Forest
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
805 434 1996
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
34.55° N, 119.166° W
Unknown price
Tent / RV / Trailer: 8 Sites
(Up to people per site)