California / Ventura County / Los Padres National Forest

Holiday Group Campground

Open — Open year-round. Currently operating with both reservation and first-come, first-served availability. No potable water is available on-site; campers must bring their own drinking water.

About

Holiday Group Campground is situated at 2,120 feet elevation in the heavily shaded Live Oak Canyon of Los Padres National Forest, where Matilija Creek flows nearby. This group campground features a single large site that can accommodate up to 50 people with parking for 10 vehicles. The location provides access to diverse recreational opportunities including the Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail, a short loop trail leading through thick vegetation along the river banks to scenic hillside views with seasonal wildflowers. More experienced riders can tackle the challenging 10-mile Ortega Trail for off-road vehicles, which climbs rocky, steep terrain to the ridgetop. The creek near the campground offers a small swimming hole, and though fishing is available, the stream is not stocked and catches can be difficult. The campground serves as a relaxing escape from urban areas, located about 9 miles north of Ojai on Highway 33, with the town of Ventura approximately 20 miles south. The Pacific Ocean is accessible from Ventura, making this location ideal for groups seeking a forested mountain setting within reasonable distance of coastal attractions.

Directions

From Ventura, travel north on Highway 33 for about 14 miles to Ojai. Turn left, continuing on Highway 33 and travel north about 9 miles to the campground. From Los Angeles, take I-5 north and turn west onto Highway 126 for 28 miles to St. Paula. Turn onto Highway 150 and travel north for about 16 miles. Turn left onto Highway 33 and continue north for approximately 9 miles.

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