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.
| 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 | Wheeler Gorge Campground reservations are 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: | Check-in: After 2:00 PM, before 10:00 PM Check-out: 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 is nearby. |
| Updates | Last Updated January 2025 |
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.
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.
Check Los Padres National Forest - Wheeler Gorge Campground for any campground updates.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2021 - 2024