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.
Special Closure - SBRD Storm Damage Recovery
Closure of developed recreation sites, roads, and trails in the Santa Barbara Ranger District impacted by storm damage and some roads restricted to non-motorized use.
Special Closure - SLRD Lake Fire Post-Burn Public Safety
Closure of developed recreation sites and roads on the Santa Lucia Ranger District impacted by the Lake fire.
Dry Canyon Area, Roads and Trails, and Wilderness Closure
Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Dry Canyon Area, Roads, Trails and Wilderness Closure
Road Use Restriction - Sycamore Cyn Rd to Pfeiffer Beach
Prohibits being on Sycamore Canyon Road (Forest Road No.
West Cuesta Fire Use Restrictions
Prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System lands within the West Cuesta Fire Use Restriction Area. Reference the description of the area and attached map for details.
San Carpoforo Beach Prohibition of Overnight Camping and Campfires
Prohibits overnight camping and building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire on San Carpoforo Beach, which includes all National Forest lands west of Highway 1 to the mean high tide line of the 
Santa Barbara Front Country Fire Use Restrictions
Prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System lands within the Fire Use Restriction Area which is the front country of Santa Barbara. Reference the description of the area and the attached map for details.
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
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