Wheeler Gorge Campground Los Padres National Forest California
Wheeler Gorge Overview
Wheeler Gorge campground has 69 single-family campsites situated around Matilija Creek and surrounded by mountains in the Los Padres National Forest. There are also 6 double sites for larger groups.
Up to 2 vehicles and 8 people are allowed per campsite. There is an additional charge for the 2nd vehicle. Double campsites are good for up to 2 vehicles and 12 people, with an extra charge for the 2nd vehicle. The gate is locked at 10pm and campsite check-in must be completed prior to 10pm. Some sites are first-come, first-serve.
Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs (15 to 35 feet). Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grate. Some also have a BBQ pedestal. The campground has vault toilets, but no potable water. Firewood is also available for sale from the camp host.
Wheeler Gorge – Area Recreation
The campground offers a nice base camp for families to explore the Los Padres National Forest. It can get quite hot here in the summer, but most sites have nice shade. The area has plenty of trails to hike and explore. Some of the campsites are located next to the creek. Outdoor recreation includes hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, wildlife viewing and splashing about in the creek. Fishing is marginal at best (the creek is not stocked).
If you’re heading toward the coast, you may also be interested in Emma Wood State Beach or McGrath State Beach. Rose Valley campground is also nearby.
Make a Reservation for Wheeler Gorge
Amenities
- BBQ Grills
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
- Grills
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Restrooms (Vault Toilets)
Activities
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Creek
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Trails
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Stargazing
- Walking Trails
- Wildlife Viewing
Ojai, California 93023
805 434-1996
Lat / Long:
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Campsite Types
- ADA
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
# of Campsites:
68
Campsite Vehicle Size:
15 to 35 feet.
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
1,804
Wheeler Gorge Comments & Reviews
Visited Wheeler Gorge Campground lately? We'd love to hear about your adventure. Did you find us useful? Did we forget something? Anything our community should know before heading out to Wheeler Gorge?
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is there close by river access by site #12?
Hi Z,
Wheeler Gorge campsite #12 is very close to the two creeks that run through the campground. You’re probably about 100 feet from either creek.
How far away is the creek from campsite #32?
Hi Lily,
Wheeler Gorge campsite #32 is about 50 feet from the creek.
which campsite are the most remote? we are just 2 people with a tent.
Hi Julie,
Probably campsites 40-51 are the more remote campsites (with decent distance between neighbors) at Wheeler Gorge campground.
Hello! I just booked 43. Is that shaded and also on the creek? I could also book 28 but it looks close to the road and to neighbors. Any thoughts?
Hi Lauren,
Both campsite 28 and 43 have good shade, and both are next to the creek (about 30-40 feet). Hope this helps!
What are the best creek-side campsites (4 people 2 tents) tha are very close to creek, shaded, away from the road, and with some space between other campsites?
Hello Lisa!
Our favorite Wheeler Gorge campsites are 12, 13, 28, 34, 46, 56, 61, 62. Of those – 34, 46, 61 and 62 are along the creek. Campsites 12, 13, 28 are next to a smaller stream. Campsite 46 probably is furthest from road / more private. Perhaps someone else here has some ideas.
Hi Camp Ranger, I took your advice and reserved #46. Can you tell me if has a flat area for my car/camper to sit level? Thanks
Hi Ellen,
You should love campsite #46. It is nice and flat/level for your vehicle and camper. It will also have some nice shade from the large tree.
WRITING TO PROTECT OTHER WOMEN & SOLO CAMPERS:
While I had only been to Wheeler Gorge Campground one other time (back in 2017), I had it on my list of favorite local spots…a beautiful place we could get to within a couple hours that didn’t seem too “campgroundy,” if that makes sense. But my opinion has completely changed thanks to the camp host. Here’s a recount of the events from 10/11/20, and why I cannot recommend anyone go here until changes are made:
I decided to take a quick one-day SOLO camping trip, and arrived at Wheeler Gorge Campground around 1pm on Sunday. The gentleman at the camp host tent seemed shy, but nice, and he offered to pick out the camp spot for me. He told me about a bear in the area, that there were no fires permitted, took my $25 and sent me to spot #34. Because I’m a 5’5 female, setting up a rooftop tent and awning by myself takes me a while. During this time, a lady came by in a golf cart.
She said “Are you guys supposed to be in 32?” I said “It’s just me. He assigned me 34…do you want to see the hang tag?”
She replied by saying, “No, all good. Did he tell you everything? About the bear and no fires?” She seemed to be questioning the other camp host.
I told her he had told me the rules and I would be sure to pack away all food and toiletries.
I went on a walk searching for cell signal and was gone from about 3:00-4:00. When I returned and walked past the host tent, there was a different, shorter guy sitting inside. He asked if I needed help, and I explained that I had already checked in. I annoyingly asked if there was any Wifi in the area, and he explained they only have 10MB to spare for their office. Then he asked where I had walked, and we had a short conversation about rock climbers being considered vandalism. It was a nice enough conversation and for the most part, I felt safe with my choice of campground for the night.
As a side note, I heard the golf cart go past my site a few more times later that afternoon…noticing once that the lady was the driver of the cart. Not sure who was driving the other times because I was sitting on the other side of my truck.
I retreated to the rooftop tent once it got dark and I started reading. Around 8:30, I heard the golf cart coming down the road and stop at my site. This is a very dark, tree-covered campground, so it is pitch black. The only light was from the golf cart headlights and my reading light. I hadn’t heard the golf cart in hours (and I didn’t hear it again the rest of the night after this incident described below), so clearly the hosts weren’t patrolling or checking on the campsites…so that meant the guy literally got in his cart just to make a special trip to my site.
I heard a voice say “hello in there” and I sat up to look outside. I saw the shorter man (who was in the camp host tent after my walk) coming towards my truck and he was yelling at me saying “you have broken the rules and you need to un-camp and leave right now.” His demeanor was alarming and he seemed drunk, and I sternly asked him to stop walking and stay where he was.
From there, he continued to tell me (aka yell at me) that I had broken the rules and I could not park where I was parked. I kept trying to interrupt so I could ask questions and try to understand, but he was belligerent and wobbly and aggressive. He kept saying “we can ask anyone to leave and we can refuse service to anyone, so you need to un-camp right now and leave.”
As a side note, I have a small truck/rooftop tent set-up. It has an awning, a fridge in the back of the truck, and I put out a table and chair. I had a TINY footprint and almost no items outside my truck. There would be zero reason to be upset with me as a customer of the campground. I had no music playing, no food, and wasn’t even using the campsite table.
I finally started yelling back, saying “Are you saying I can’t park on flat ground? And are you seriously asking me to break down camp in the pitch black? I’m leaving in the morning! I’m a female by myself in the dark and it would be dangerous and take me forever to tear down.” The quantity of rude and unintelligible words coming out of his mouth was staggering, including “you women just think you can do everything by yourself and get away with whatever you want.”
Needless to say, I felt 100% threatened. His yelling (and me trying to interrupt) went on for quite a while. I felt he could turn violent at any moment.
I said, “If I’m breaking the rules, then why did the camp host lady not say anything when she came to talk with me? And why did no one stop the other four times I heard the golf cart go by this afternoon?”
He then said “You’re lying and I’m going to go ask my wife if she talked with you. But you will need to leave.” He stumbled off, got on his golf cart and I watched him attempt to get it in gear/drive it forward for what seemed like an eternity. He was quite intoxicated.
I sat there stunned and scared, holding a knife, unsure what to do. I had no cell signal and had seen no other campers near me. If I had gotten out of the tent to start the tear-down process in the dark, I would have felt exposed and vulnerable. And I was worried he had other drunk pals who would come over to scare or threaten me, or do who knows what. I also didn’t want to walk and search for someone else, worried I’d be run down by the drunk guy on a golf cart.
So I stayed in the tent and I didn’t sleep a wink until it was daylight.
At some point while I was packing up the next morning, the golf cart came by, but I didn’t see who it was and they didn’t stop. Clearly no one thought I was breaking the rules when it was daylight. When I left the campground, the exit road didn’t take me past the camp host, but I did notice a different, very large guy standing near their tent.
Obviously the behavior is concerning to anyone outdoors and exposed, no matter if you’re a solo female or a family. I chose not to confront anyone when I was leaving, because I wasn’t sure what type of demeanor I’d get from either husband or wife (assuming they were actually married). With the state of country these days and the attitude that you can just lie and bully your way through an argument, I didn’t want to take the chance of causing a scene and them going berserk.
My husband and I are trying to go through the proper channels to report this man. But as with many government contract situations, it is way harder than it should be, especially as it relates to the safety of campers. So he has contacted the Forest Service directly, as they have a Harassment Hotline, solely for the purpose of reporting this type of incident in our parks. We have also been in touch with the contractor that “manages” this and many of the campgrounds in California – who has a website of campone.com – They said they are “investigating.”
Again, I cannot stress enough to stay away from this campground, and any other that is managed by Campone aka “Parks Management Service.” In the end, it is their responsibility to hire and vet employees, and to not outsource their Human Resources Department to the campers that end up being threatened by their belligerent hires.
So sorry to hear that and Thank you for sharing I m almost to go by myself with my little canine too, now I changed my mind.
That is terrifying. I am also a single female camper and will avoid this place. Too bad, it sounds nice.
I am concerned also that the ranger has commented on most other posts before and after, but not on this one. Camp Ranger… Are the camp hosts the same, or have they changed? Are there rules/reporting for camp hosts to support this not happening again?
HI Wendy,
Liza did share a very concerning account of what happened to her at Wheeler Gorge, and I’m glad she posted here to let everyone know.
CampsitePhotos.com is not associated with the campgrounds listed on our site. We provide the photos of each site and campsite availability alerts.
Liza did the right thing to contact Campone (the company providing management and hiring the camp hosts for the campground). I’m not sure if Liza was able to talk with a Ranger.
Hopefully the situation was investigated by Campone and the Ranger.
I’m unaware of what happened and/or if the camp hosts were replaced.
We have booked site 64 and are wondering how many tents it can fit? In other words, would it be possible to have 4 two-person tents?
Hi Sasha,
Wheeler Gorge campsite #64 has room for 4 two-person tents.
Keep in mind that you can have up to 2 vehicles and 8 people per campsite. There is an additional charge for the 2nd vehicle. The gate is locked at 10pm and campsite check-in must be completed prior to 10pm.
Hello Camp Ranger,
Wondering if it is possible to cancel a site in person day-of check-in?
My group of 4 has 2 sites and we might want to consolidate into one site and cancel the other. Is this possible to do a cancelation with refund at check-in?
Hi Nay,
Generally Wheeler Gorge and other campgrounds won’t let you cancel a campsite/reservation on the day of arrival. However, sometimes the check in person will give you a pass!
We plan on staying at the dual site 004 and 005 – it’s hard to tell from the pictures about the access to creek/stream and ability to hold 4 tents on site – the pics only show the parking space. Any thoughts / recommendations for first time staying at this site with 8 adults 2 kids?
Hi Popos,
Campsite 4/5 is a double site and you can have up to 16 people and 4 vehicles. The double site will also accommodate 4 tents. You can walk to the creek from this campsite (about 20 yards).
Hi! Can you fit 2, 5 person tents on site 44? Hard to tell from photo, thanks!
Hi! Can you fit 2, 5 person tents on site 44? Hard to tell from photo, thanks!
Is there shade at the campsite?
Hi Akash,
Most of the Wheeler Gorge campsites have decent shade. A few have limited shade – depending on the time of day.
Hi! Is site 69 or 45 closest to a stream/creek? And of these two sites which will better accommodate 2 tents (6-person tent and 4-person tent)? Thanks so much for your help!
HI PSA,
Campsite #69 is a bit closer to the creek, and it probably has more room to accommodate your two tents. Have fun!
Hi,
Can I access the creek from the back of campsite # 53, and how far is this site from the restroom?
Hi Ernie,
Yes, you can access the creek from campsite #53. It’s about 40 feet from your site. Also, the restroom is right across the street from your site – about 60 feet from your site.
Hi! Can you fit 2, 5 person tents on site 44? Hard to tell from photo, thanks!
Hi Z,
Yes you can. There’s 2 tent pad areas you can use to fit your two 5-person tents.
We have 3 adults and 1 child and will be in 2 tents: a 2 person tent and a 4 person tent. We have 1 vehicle. We were at the campground today looking around but could not figure out which sites would accommodate both tents as some looked like there was not enough space. Thank you
We now have 6 adults and 3 tents (2 small, 1 med). I had intended to book 2 sites but could only find 1 site available for June 9 and 10. I booked # 45 but don’t know if we can all fit 3 tents. Should some of us stay home?
Hi Nancy,
That might be tight as the tent pad areas are limited at the campsite with the rocks around, etc. Per Rec.gov, the site allows for a maximum of 1 vehicle and 8 people.
Does every site have a grill and fire pit? I reserved #42 because I didn’t know the difference in sites . Is 42 close to restrooms or stream by chance? Thank you
Hi Jenna,
Each Wheeler Gorge campsite has a table, fire ring and grate. Some also have a BBQ pedestal. The campground has vault toilets, but no potable water. Firewood is also available for sale from the camp host.
Hope you have a great time!
Hi there!
I see one of the amenities listed is firewood, how much do bundles normally go for?
Also, what is the additional charge for a second vehicle?
Thank you in advance!
HI Chelsea,
The extra vehicle charge is $10 per night at Wheeler Gorge. Firewood will cost about $7 per bundle.
Hi Camp Ranger,
Does this campsite have overflow parking? I have site 69 and may have 3 cars. I also wanted to know about how far the bathrooms were from this site.
Do you have any great recommendations for dealing with the insects while camping there? I heard there were a tremendous amount of nats and biting flies.
I am looking forward to checking this place out!
Hi Lee,
Although Rec.gov has site #69 as allowing only 1 vehicle (maximum), you can have two, but there will be a charge (per night) for the extra vehicle. There is not any overflow parking at the campground that I’m aware of. As for the bugs/nats – you may want to pick up a mesh head net. Repel 100 is a decent bug repellant, and you can also try Citronella candles. Maybe someone else has some ideas and can comment.
Hello,
I’ve reserved campsite #20 next month and I see that it only allows 1 vehicle max. I called and a Ranger said that was correct, but there was additional overnight parking available. However, I keep reading reviews online saying you can actually have 2 vehicles max as long as you pay the additional vehicle fee. And I’ve read there’s no additional parking. Can you please offer some clarification?
Thank you
Hi Jake,
Campsite #20 is listed on Rec.gov as allowing only one vehicle. Most sites are listed as having only 1 vehicle allowed, but a few allow for 2 and one for 4 vehicles. With that said, the parking pad for campsite #20 can fit 2 vehicles, it just depends on what the camp host/ranger will allow when you get there. If a 2nd vehicle is permitted, you’ll pay an extra nightly fee.
I am planning a trip in the next two weeks during the middle of the week, I was hoping to get campground 34, but I see that it’s only available first come first serve. I know my chances that it’s available are probably fairly high since I’m going in the middle of the week, but I don’t want to risk it. If I were to make a reservation for a different site, and then when I get there site 34 is available, would I be able to just swap my payment for that site? Thanks.
Hi Shya,
I’m not sure if they will allow you to switch from a reserved campsite to a first-come first-serve site at no extra charge. You may try checking with Rec.gov: 1-877-444-6777
Also, Wheeler Gorge is currently closed until at least September 17th due to National Forest closure (due to fire danger). I’m also not sure if it will reopen on September 18th. You can also check the Rec.gov site for status updates.
First Time to Wheeler Gorge. I have a small 16ft camper trailer. What sites are recommended? we have 2 young kids 4&5yo. the available sites for my stay are: 21-22, 23-27, 31,38,42,44,51,54,55,59 66-67.
i ended up booking site #66. do you think that will be a good spot. need some open area for the kids to play. thx.
Hi David,
You can check out the parking spur sizes on Rec.gov:
Hi. I’ve booked campsites 6 and 7. How many one person tents do you think we can fit on each campsite?
Hi Brooklyn,
Looks like you can fit one small to medium sized tent on #6 and 1-2 small tents on site #7.
Hi there,
I can’t decide on a site and it seems the ones recommended are mostly booked. I’ve stayed before in site 46, but it was on the end of the road next to the gate out to the highway. So, there was highway noise and people walking by to go out to the nature trail. I’ve booked 38, but I’m still not sure. Is that a good site? Is it by the creek or stream? Is it private, shaded and have decent space?
Thanks!
Hi Harmony,
Site #38 looks to be pretty nice (size and privacy). It does back up to the creek (about 30-40 feet from site), and will have some morning and afternoon shade. I don’t believe it has a view of the creek though (because of brush). Unfortunately we don’t have anyone at the campground (to answer your specific questions). Perhaps someone else has info / can comment on #38.
Wheeler Gorge trip in April 2022. Our leader is staying in #46. I am trying to choose best site from #49, #50 or #52. #49 looks like most shade & closest to #46 & rest of our group. We will have 2 small tents (dome 8.5 ft x 7.5 ft and “A” frame easy up 7 ft x 7 ft). Hard to make choice from map & photos. Thank you!
Hi! Do you know if site #29 has a place for parking? Cant quite tell from the image. Thank you!
Hi Jillian,
Yes, Wheeler Gorge campsite #29 has a parking some for a vehicle up to 15 feet.
Hi! I’m looking for a site along the creek that has trees to hang a hammock? 34 maybe??
Hi A.C.
Unfortunately we don’t have anyone on site at Wheeler Gorge campground so I can’t really give you a good answer. I’d say going by the photos is your best bet, but maybe someone else can comment here.
Interested in site 63 but see it is very close to neighbors. We have a large 6 person tent and wondering if that will have shade/fit the large tent?
Hi CJ,
Wheeler Gorge campsite #63 isn’t bad. You’ll have room for a large tent and have decent shade. Although closer to your neighbors (compared to other sites), you’ll still have some privacy and space.
Is site #44 having good shade?
How far is it from water stream?
What % of walk up sites are usually not taken?
Hi Akash,
Campsite #44 has good shade (most of the day) in the parking spur, as well as the camping area (table/fire pit). It is an interior campsite and you’d need to walk over a camp road to get to the stream. I’d say it’s about 200 feet from the stream. The campground is fairly popular, especially on weekends and usually all reservable campsites are taken. This would indicate that most if not all of the walk up (first-come, first-serve) campsites will be in demand on the weekend. I recommend trying to arrive Thursday afternoon if you’re trying for a first-come, first-serve campsite. Best of luck!
Hi 👋 I have reserved site #58. My kids like playing in the water. Can anyone tell me if that site is close to the creek? Also, does it have a decent amount of shade provided by trees. I’d also like to hang a hammock if possible. Thanks
Hi Yesenia,
Campsite #58 is a nice one that has good shade and is about 50-60 feet from the creek. Not sure if there are trees that will work for a hammock, but there may be a couple. Have a great time!
Wheeler Gorge has new camp hosts (sort of) We we’re here a few years ago as camp hosts and have returned. We are working hard to get this back to a family friendly campground again and one where female campers either single or in groups are safe to camp. We take our jobs seriously and this is a great safe place to camp again !
Come check us out again !
Thanks Bob!
Hello,
I was wondering if the road is still closed leading to the campground? I am looking to book for June and Recreation.gov gives me the option to, but not sure I want to risk it if the road may still be closed at that time. Thanks,
Hi Chris,
The USFS still have the roads closed in Los Padres National Forest (and other areas) due to storm damage. Not sure when they will reopen but they are working on them. You can check status here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/lpnf/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5309152
Are we free to pick up any down trees for fire wood ? Can I get away with not taking any wood? Do they sell wood on the camp site ?
Hi Aeriel,
The camp host does sell firewood at Wheeler Gorge campground. I’m not sure if it is allowed to collect any downed wood (for the aera) to use as firewood.