Wheeler Gorge Campground

Have you ever wanted something so bad that for some reasons, no matter whatever  you do, you cannot get it?

I’ve   been wanting to camp at Wheeler Gorge since 2021.  When I first tried to book it that year, there was a huge fire in Ventura, California and the site was closed.  Then on 2022, we have a heavy rain and the road to that site was washed and took almost a year to repair.  By 2023, I was successful reserved  two sites, but I was notified that my reservations were cancelled because the road, Highway 33, was close.  So, I must go to Keyesville, near Lake Isbella.  On 2024, I reserved  the site the moment that it was available and succeed in get 2 sites side by side.

The drive to Venture was pleasant from Orange County, Caifornia, and my impatient 5-years-old  give me a thumb up.  We left on Friday and arrived there early.  To my surprise, the two sites, 63 and 64 ,  together were huge.  Our sites were fully shaded by oak trees and not canopy needed at all.  Next to our site is a nice natural river where the kids would swim, catch tadpoles, and hike up the river to a waterfall.   The river is part of Matilija Creek was perfect for 4-years-old cause it is shallow and the deepest was 3 feet.  My daughter immediately jumps into the river once she sees water and its beauty.   At the time that we camp here, there are toilets but not running water even there are faucets next to the bathroom.  Each site has a picnic bench, fire ring, bbq grill, and NO BEAR BIN.  In addition, there are trash bins for your rubbish.   I brought an extra folding table just in case we needed more room for our friends.

Since we arrived there on Friday, we enjoyed the first days without the crowds and our friends did not come till the next day, Saturday.  Each sites are allow 1 car free, and $10 for additional car to each site and 8 people per site.

There are a few nice hiking tails around the area.  We chose a super easy hike at Rose Valley Fall which was 1 mile round trip.  The reason I select the hike because it was 100 degree Fahrenheit at noon and short enough for all ages.  If you plan to park at Rose Valley campsite, it will cost you $15 at the time this article is written.  But if you park outside the campsite, it is free to walk in.   I have to say that the waterfall was not what you think, it is more like the “Weeping Rock” at Zion National Park.  If you happen to be under waterfall, you will feel like heavy rain hitting you.  Like I said the before, it is great for the kids.  Also, there is a small cave on the right side of the water fall, see if you can find it.

IF YOU DECIDED TO GO TO ROSE VALLEY FALL, PLEASE PARK YOUR CAR HEAD/TAIL IN SO MORE PEOPLE CAN HAVE ROOM TO PARK THEIR CARS.