Wheeler Gorge Campground
17017 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai, CA 93023
Overview
Located within Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara County, Wheeler Gorge Campground offers 74 individual sites (5 of which are accessible) and 6 double sites. Tents and RVs up to 35 feet are welcome. This campground does not offer group sites.
Amenities at Wheeler Gorge are limited to vault toilets. No hookups are available, and there is no drinking water, trash service, or dump station within the campground.
Dogs are allowed a sling as they’re properly leashed. The campground is open year round, but the creek running through it is likely to be dry in the summer heat.
Best Campsites at Wheeler Gorge Campground
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Wheeler Gorge Campground.
Best Accessible Site: #002
- Most private of the accessible sites
- Extra distance from nearby campsites
- Not far from the campground entrance
- Downside: closer to Maricopa Highway noise
Most Peaceful Sites: #041, #043
- Located at the highest points in the park
- Farthest from highway noise
- Secluded with frogs and wildflowers nearby
- Mix of sun and shade
Convenient Location: #052, #053
- Close to vault toilets
- Short walk to the creek
- Situated in a less congested area
Unique Experiences
- When Matilija Creek is running and the swimming hole is full, put on your swimsuit for a refreshing dip or stop by to relax with your feet in the cool water.
- Gather family and friends for a brief hike on the 0.7-mile nature trail to see stunning views of the mountains and the natural beauty of Los Padres National Forest.
- Head toward Ojai to visit the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts, where you’ll find unforgettable oil paintings, a collection of ethnic jewelry, and even the artist herself!
Wheeler Gorge Campground Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
35 FeetMax People per Site
6 (double sitesMax Vehicles per Site
1 ($10/night for extra)Fires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
YesWheeler Gorge Campground Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesReservations can be made by phone at 1-877-444-6777 or through the online portal at www.recreation.gov. All sites must be reserved at least 3 days before arrival.
Single sites are $25 per night for 6 guests, and doubles are $50 per night for 12 guests. Up to 2 extra people (or 4 for double sites) may be added for an additional cost of $10 per guest.
Although the majority of the sites are available to reserve in advance, approximately 9 sites are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. These sites can only be reserved with cash in person.
Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:
- Park selections
- Date you wish to start camping
- Type and size of camping equipment
- Number of people that will occupy the campsite
- Number of nights you wish to camp
- Alternative park and camping date choices
- Your phone number and area code
- Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
- Mailing address
Group Camping Reservations
There is no group site at Wheeler Gorge. However, small groups of up to 16 people can book a double site to serve as a group area. Groups are also welcome to reserve multiple individual sites for shared use, but all sites must be booked separately.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Cancellations may be requested online at www.recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777. All reservations will be assessed a $10 cancellation fee, and guests who cancel after midnight the day prior to their planned arrival will also forfeit the cost of one night’s stay in the campground.
Wheeler Gorge Campground Campground Cost
Single sites
$25Double Sites
$50Activities
Hiking
Bike Trails
Photography
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Wifi
Cell Service
Campfire Rings
Grills
Picnic Tables
Campground Host
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Wheeler Gorge Campground
Since Wheeler Gorge has extremely basic amenities, many nearby campgrounds offer more comforts such as flush toilets and drinking water. However, the affordable pricing makes this an appealing option for budget travelers.
The limited number of double sites at Wheeler Gorge can only accommodate up to 16 guests, so larger groups may wish to opt for a formal group site at another campground. For smaller groups within the size limit of a double site, the $50 cost per night is unbeatable.
South Carlsbad State Beach
South Carlsbad is quite different from Wheeler Gorge in virtually every way. The campground is located on the beach and along the bluffs instead of in a forest environment. Hookups and double hookups are available starting at $60 and $100, respectively. The campground also offers showers, a store, and flush toilets. However, it cannot accommodate larger groups of more than 8 people, so this area is not ideal for groups.
Carpinteria State Beach
Compared to Wheeler Gorge, Carpinteria is much larger with nearly 200 campsites. Hookups, showers, and a visitor’s center are all located within the campground. Sites start at $45 and max out at $80 per night for premium sites with hookups.
There are 5 small group sites (25 people), 1 medium group site (40 people) and 1 large group site (65 people) at rates of $180, $290, and $430, respectively. Therefore, Carpinteria State Beach may be a superior option for large groups or guests who prefer hookups and other amenities like showers.
Emma Wood State Beach Camping
No tents are allowed at Emma Wood, and the surroundings are a beach rather than forest. This campground offers 90 primitive sites for RVs and trailers with self-contained systems. There are no amenities of any kind. Sites are $40 during peak season and $30 for off-season stays, making this more expensive than at Wheeler Gorge. The campground is also closed from Labor Day through the middle of May.
One key difference is that Emma Wood offers four group campsites. Smaller tent-only group sites cost $130 and fit up to 30 people. The largest group site fits 50 people and up to 20 RVs/trailers for $360.
El Capitan State Beach
El Capitan is also a beach campground. Since it only permits dry camping, the campground itself offers a range of amenities that distinguish it from Wheeler Gorge. Guests have access to restrooms, campfire areas, showers, and picnic tables. El Capitan State Beach also offers surfing, a wider trail network, and fishing opportunities.
