Wheeler Gorge
Closed — Closed for habitat restoration through January 2, 2026. The closure is for reconstruction of creek crossings to restore connected stream habitat for Southern California Steelhead. Reopens January 3, 2026.
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.
From Recreation.gov
**Closed for Habitat Restoration August 4 – December 31, 2025. We're making things better for nature and for you. Thanks for your patience—see you in 2026! **
About
Wheeler Gorge Campground is located along Matilija Creek in the Los Padres National Forest, surrounded by oak and sycamore trees with evergreen undergrowth. The campground was originally built by Boy Scouts nearly a century ago and features a historic stone home on-site. With over 65 single-family sites and several double sites, the campground accommodates both tent campers and RVs up to 35 feet on paved parking spurs. Most sites are shaded, though summer temperatures can reach up to 95 degrees. The Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail begins at the upper end of the campground and provides a short loop through thick vegetation along the creek banks, leading to hillside views and wildflower displays. Matilija Creek flows near some campsites, and a small swimming hole is accessible near Highway 33. Fishing for trout is available but challenging, as the stream is not stocked. The Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center across from the campground is open on weekends and offers interpretive displays and ranger-led programs year-round. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets are provided, but drinking water is not available, so visitors must bring their own water and pack out all trash. Some sites are available first-come, first-served. The campground gate locks at 10 p.m. Ventura and the Pacific Ocean are about 20 miles south.
Directions
From Ventura, take Highway 33 north about 14 miles. Turn left, continuing on Highway 33 for another 8 miles to the campground. From Los Angeles, take I-5 north, then turn west onto Highway 126 for about 28 miles to Santa Paula. Continue north on Highway 150 for 16 miles. Turn left onto Highway 33 and continue north approximately 8 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $70 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| parksman@fix.net | |
| Phone | +1 (805) 434-1996 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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