About this campground
The Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center which is located 8 miles north of Ojai on Highway 33, is the first dedicated Visitor Center in the almost 100 year history of the Los Padres National Forest. Since opening in June 2001, the center has served over 20,000 visitors. The Visitor Center provides public information about Los Padres National Forest and also sells maps, trail guides, forest-related books, Adventure Passes and other items. Trained staff can help guide you to the many and varied recreational and educational experiences available in the forest and can also help with extended backcountry trip planning for the local wilderness areas. The Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center also serves as a hub for interpretive and educational activities and programs. These include presentations about the resources and issues of Los Padres National Forest. One of the more popular programs is the Introduction to Backpacking course. Programs are offered on Saturdays May through September. The Visitor Center also has local wildlife displays and there is a classroom, library, large parking area and an outside picnic area. For information about scheduled hours of operation and current programs please visit the Los Padres Forest Association website or call the Ojai Ranger Station at 805-448-6487.
Getting there
From Ventura, take Highway 33 towards Ojai at the “Y” intersection (by the Vons shopping center) turn left on Hwy 33 for 8 miles. From Carpinteria, take Hwy 150 east until you connect with Hwy 33 and turn left at the intersection.
Activities
- HIKING
- VISITOR CENTER
Nearby federal campgrounds
- HOLIDAY GROUP CAMPGROUNDLos Padres National Forest0 mi
- WHEELER GORGELos Padres National Forest0 mi
- Nordhoff Ridge RoadLos Padres National Forest2 mi
- Howard Creek - 22W26Los Padres National Forest3 mi
- Upper Rose Valley Lake Day Use AreaLos Padres National Forest5 mi
- Ojai Ranger DistrictLos Padres National Forest8 mi
Explore more California camping
Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby California campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse California camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.