Wheeler Gorge offers a campground and a nature trail. If you are planning an overnight visit to the Los Pardres near Ojai, keep Wheeler Gorge campground as an option. When the free campgrounds fill up with weekend fishermen, Wheeler Gorge is an attractive if costly alternative. Sites go for $20 a night (and $5 for additional vehicles). On busy weekends, there may be a two night minimum.
Wheeler Gorge Campground
The campground rests along the banks of a flowing creek, making the grounds lush and relatively private. Pick your spot among the 70 nicely-spaced sites. Watch out for the poison oak when deciding where to place your tent.
There is a trailhead for a short hike right next to the campground. This brief loop is barely a mile long, but offers respectable views of the surrounding mountains. The trail frolics along Matilija Creek before rising up on to a hill for a good look around.
The campground is located right along Route 33, so even if you are only driving past, the short nature trail may be worth stopping for.
Matilija Creek near the start of the nature trail
To get to Wheeler Gorge: Take the 101 north through Ventura and exit onto Highway 33. Take the 33 through Ojai and into the Los Padres National Forest. The address for Wheeler Gorge Campground is 17017 Maricopa Highway, Ojai, CA 93023.
Use the map below to create your own directions:
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Nearby Trails
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Sespe Creek to Willett Hot Springs This 19-miles round trip follows Sespe Creek to a relaxing hot springs. |
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This 1-mile round trip trail leads to the lower tier of this two-tier 300 foot waterfall. From there one can scramble off trail to the much taller upper tier. |
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Explore other destinations along the California coast between Ventura and Monterey, including trails in Los Padres National Forest. |
I wanted to know where is the double tier waterfall located and which one is the nearest campground. Would it be the Wheeler Gorge or we are too far from there?
Rose Valley Campground is the closest one to Rose Valley Falls, but Wheeler Gorge is not too far.