Wheeler Gorge

About

Wheeler Gorge Campground is a well-established family campground located 8 miles north of Ojai along Highway 33 in the Los Padres National Forest. Situated adjacent to Matilija Creek, the campground is bordered by a mixed forest of oak and sycamore trees that provides welcome shade during summer months when temperatures can reach 95 degrees. The creek flows seasonally, typically during winter and spring months. The campground offers 80 sites total, including 69 family campsites, 5 ADA-accessible sites, and 6 double sites for larger groups. Nine sites are available first-come, first-served while the remainder are reservable through Recreation.gov. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Parking spurs are paved and accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. Vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water, no showers, no hookups, and no dump station. Campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash. The Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail begins at the upper end of the campground and offers an easy 0.5-mile loop through thick vegetation along the creek banks with views of the surrounding mountains. The Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center is located across from the campground and is open weekends from 9 AM to 3 PM, offering interpretive displays and naturalist programs from May through September.

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.