Middle Lion Campground
Open — Open year-round first-come, first-served. No advance reservations. 2-night minimum stay on weekends, 3-night minimum on holidays.
Gifford Fire Closure Order
Gifford Fire Closure Order 05-07-53-25-21 supersedes Order 05-07-53-25-20 executed on August 24, 2025.
Sespe Condor Sanctuary Closure
The Los Padres National Forest will prohibit entry by the public to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary to support ongoing Condor recovery efforts. This special closure order supports the overall survivorship and sustained population increase of the California Condor species.
Forest Order - Special Closure - Storm Damage Recovery
Special Closure - Storm Damage Recovery - Los Padres National Forest - Forest Order NO. 05-07-53-25-07
Dry Canyon Area, Roads and Trails, and Wilderness Closure
Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Dry Canyon Area, Roads, Trails and Wilderness Closure
West Cuesta Fire Use Restrictions
Building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System (NFS) lands within the West Cuesta Fire Use Restriction Area
Prohibition of overnight camping and campfires at San Carpoforo Beach
The following acts are prohibited on San Carpoforo Beach, which includes all National Forest lands west of Highway 1 to the mean high tide line of the Pacific Ocean in Section 16, Township 25 South, Range 6 East, Mount Diablo Base a
Fire Restrictions for Santa Barbara Front Country
Fire restrictions are still in effect in the Santa Barbara front country. This prohibition will remain in effect through Feb 26, 2026.
Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 7:22PM PST until December 30 at 3:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...North to northeast winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph. * WHERE...Ventura County Coast, Malibu Coast, Ventura County Valleys, western Los Angeles County Valleys, Southern Ventura County Mountains, Eastern Santa Monica Mountains, and Eastern San Gabriel Mountains. * WHEN...Until 3 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
About
Leave the city behind on a winding, partially paved narrow road that leads into Middle Lion Campground, a small day-use area and campground nestled in a canyon along a running creek. With only 8 campsites arranged in a single loop, this cozy spot is shaded by cottonwood trees that create a vibrant yellow canopy in fall. The campground sits at 3,250 feet elevation near the Sespe Wilderness boundary, surrounded by chaparral and wildflower-covered mountains. The Lion Canyon Trail starts at the back of the campground and climbs 1.3 miles to the Rose Lion Connector Trail, with options to reach East Fork Lion Camp and West Fork Lion Camp in the Sespe Wilderness, or continue 3.6 miles to Nordhoff Ridge for spectacular views. Nearby attractions include Piedra Blanca's massive white rocks, Rose Valley Falls (the tallest waterfall in the range), and swimming holes along the Sespe River Trail. The campground is particularly beautiful in spring and fall, though camping is enjoyable year-round. Campers must bring their own water as none is available on-site. Each site includes a table and fire ring. The rough access road and lack of amenities make this a destination for those seeking a more rustic experience away from cell service and crowds.
Directions
From Ojai, follow Highway 33 north for 14.7 miles to Rose Valley Road (6N31) at mile marker 25.84. Turn right and follow the paved road 4.8 miles, then turn right and continue 0.8 miles to the campground. Watch for rough road sections.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 20ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 20ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (805) 434-1996 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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