Wheeler Gorge Campground

California's Best Camping

Santa Ynez Mountains,  California
Santa Ynez Mountains,  California

Wheeler Gorge Campground

Los Padres National Forest


Wheeler Gorge Campground

Wheeler Gorge Campground is in Los Padres National Forest, 8 miles north of Ojai. Visitors to the area enjoy hiking along nature trails, viewing wildlife, and exploring the North Fork of Matilija Creek. Trout fishing is good early in the season, and the creek offers some nice swimming holes in the summer. Interpretive programs are offered year-round.

Wheeler Gorge Campground has 67 family campsites, 4 wheelchair accessible sites, and 6 double sites. Campsites can accommodate smaller RVs, trailers and tents. Campsites are in a forest of oak and sycamore trees and evergreen undergrowth. There is no potable water at the campground. Campers should bring their own water and firewood.

Half of the campsites are available through reservations, the remainder are first-come, first served. A 2-night minimum stay is required on weekends, and 3 nights on holiday weekends. There is no check-in after 10 PM when the campground gate is locked to incoming vehicles.

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Wheeler Gorge Campground Basics
Wheeler Gorge Campground Location: 8 miles north of Ojai on Hwy. 33
Elevation: 1,825 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city: Ventura - 27 miles, 40 minutes
Number of Sites: 77
Camping Season: Open year-round
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Reservation covers 6 people.
Additional people per site are $10 each per night to a maximum of 8.
Vehicles per Site: 1 vehicle and $10 per night for one additional vehicle
Pets: on leash, always attended
Operated by Parks Management Company for Los Padres National Forest
Ojai Ranger Station: (805) 646-4348

Reservations for Wheeler Gorge Campground
Reservations available whenever campground is open, up to 6 months in advance
Maximum RV/trailer Length: 35 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: 2, 15, 16, 55
Fees: $35 per night
$2 more on weekends and holidays
Reservations: Wheeler Gorge Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: After 2:00 PM and before 10:00 PM, Check-out at Noon

Wheeler Gorge Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, no drinking water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Wheeler Gorge Campground: Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center has interpretive displays, exhibits, and naturalist programs. The center is open on weekends. Wheeler Gorge Natural Trail follows a stream. Try fishing in Matilija Creek and swimming in summer. Hike to Rose Valley Falls. Visit nearby Ojai and Lake Casitas. Historic Ortega off-highway vehicle trail nearby.



General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.



Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties Attractions

Visitors to Santa Barbara and Ventura counties find many great attractions along the coast as well as inland at lakes and in Los Padres National Forest. Campers at Wheeler Gorge Campground enjoy a well-developed campground with many natural attractions in the area.

  • Explore day hiking trails in the Matilija Wilderness and the Sespe Wilderness in Los Padres National Forest.
  • Fish for monster bass at nearby Lake Casitas.
  • Visit the Flight 261 Memorial Sundial at Hueneme Beach.
  • Enjoy the calm waters of beautiful Cachuma Lake for boating and fishing.
  • On the shore of Cachuma Lake set out on hiking trails or lake cruises. Spend time at the playground and the nature center.
  • Head to the coast and surf the point at El Capitan Beach, Mondos, or Rincon Point.
  • Find excellent pier fishing off the Gaviota Pier.
  • Take off hang gliding at Douglas Preserve near Arroyo Burro Beach.
  • Spend the afternoon kiteboarding at Leadbetter Beach.
  • Take a look at the Harbor Seals near Carpinteria Beach.
  • Watch some exciting beach volleyball at East Beach.
  • Kayak the Santa Barbara coast.
  • Explore Channel Islands Harbor where you can rent a boat or take a cruise out to the Channel Islands.

Key Wheeler Gorge Campground Regulations

  1. Obtain firewood locally to bring to the campground.
  2. Campfires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
  3. The campground gate is locked at 10 PM. Check-in must be completed prior to closure.
  4. Quiet Hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.

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