Description
Yep…this is the one that you’re not supposed to tell anyone about. Perhaps one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets, Wheeler Gorge Campground has plenty of sites adjacent to a picturesque stream and rocky mountains.
It's perfect for tent camping and each site contains a table, BBQ, and fire ring. There is no dump station or portable water on site, so come prepared. It's also a great base to explore Matilija Creek, the town of Ojai, and nearby Ventura. When you’re snug in your hammock give a shout out to the Boy Scouts who built the campground nearly a century ago!
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 Wheeler Gorge Campground.
The vibe at Wheeler Gorge Campground
14 Reviews
Had a great weekend at Wheeler Gorge! A few things: Plan to arrive during the day because setting up a tent in the dark here was not ideal. Also, be sure to reserve a campsite further from the entrance (around the 40s) because our site (006) was not as secluded as others we saw as we walked around, beautifully tucked between the trees and away from the main road. Eggs and Potatoes is a great breakfast spot in town about a 10 minute drive away, and if you forget to BYOW, there is a grocery store next door. Wheeler Gorge has fun rocks and a stream to explore and it is definitely a great starter campground (seconded from below!)
Just remember to byow (bring your own water)
This is one of my favorite campgrounds. It is close enough to town and markets that it makes a great starter campground for people. There are some great hikes nearby too.
Wheeler Gorge is a beautiful place in the Los Padres forest. We were in site 44 and I think 44-46 are the most beautiful sites. The plants, the birds, the night air - everything was beautiful and smelled great. the sites are far from each other, and on a Sunday night the place wasn't crowded at all. The outhouse facilities were very good, and the camp manager was very nice too. Just remember to bring your own water, and be VERY careful with your fires in the dry forest!
Make sure you're on the west side of the stream! So lovely here - especially if the water is flowing (early summer) - some amazing swimming holes a mile or two down the road as well.
Had a great spot next to a creek. The owners of the site sold firewood which came in handy
Nice campsite just off a paved road. Lots of sites all separated by lots of trees. Some sites had enough room for group camping and others suited solo campers. It was nice to get somewhere that only had tent campers too. Most of the sites are pretty dusty, most likely due to high traffic. Expect to have dirty shoes!
I'd highly recommend rock jumping in the creek and say hello to the super nice camp hosts!
This is by far my favorite campground in the area. It really is a nice campground with a creek that runs past most of the sites (and usually has some water in it, even in dry years). I'd definitely stay away from the entrance, but any site past number 9 is decent. I don't want to give away my two favorite spots (because then I'll never get them!) but many of their sites can be reserved. The out houses are decent, but there isn't any running water, so bring your own. Most are also somewhat secluded.
- Park
- Los Padres National Forest
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- (805) 968-6640
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 34.512° N, 119.274° W
- Unknown price
- Tent / RV / Trailer: 67 Sites (Up to 8 people per site)
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