Wheeler Gorge
Shady Creekside Camping Near the quaint town of Ojai
Start: Thursday, May 15, 2025
End: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Location: Wheeler Gorge Campground, 17017 Maricopa Highway, Ojai, CA 93023
Camp Leader: Russell Hammerl, VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org
Camp next to Matilija Creek, under a verdant canopy of native sycamore, oak, bay, and ash trees in a shaded canyon. Listen to the peaceful sounds of the stream. The area has endless options for hiking. Many attractions are in and around Ojai including restaurants and shops. It’s going to be fabulous!
Please note the gate to the campsite is locked at 10:00 PM. These are nonelectric sites, vault restrooms. You will need to bring all of your own water for the weekend.
Thursday, May 15
- 2:00 PM Check in, set up camp
- 5:00 PM 1.5 mile riparian nature trail.
- 6:00 PM Meet and greet, bring an appetizer to share
- 7:00 PM Dinner is on your own
- 7:30 PM Group Campfire
Friday, May 16
- 10:00 AM Hike on Matilija Creek 7.5 miles. Bring a swimsuit or wear it under your hiking pants as there are swimming holes carved from thousands of years of erosion into the granite rock. We will be driving to the trailhead from the campsite. Bring: lunch, sun protection, plenty of water, hiking shoes and pole, 10 essentials.
- 6:00 PM Traditional potluck, prepare enough for 5-6 servings and bring your own plates and utensils.
- 7:30 PM Group Campfire, bring some firewood to share
Saturday, May 17
- 10:00 AM Coffee in Ojai and wait for those renting bikes. If not going on the bike ride options could be exploring Ojai, having lunch, visiting Bart’s Books, etc. There is also a nature center across the road from the campground that might be worth taking a look.
- 10:30 AM Bike ride to Ventura, 30 miles round trip, if you choose to go that far. Ride a beautiful 8ft wide path designated for bikes and walking without being adjacent to cars. The route parallels the Ventura River and is tree lined. A middle stripe divides the path. There are fences when adjacent to equestrian trails. There is a slight downhill grade which is deceiving for the effort to return so we will monitor our time and possibly break into slower and faster groups. Bike and electric bike rentals are available in Ojai. Rental is on your own and needs to be done in advance.
- 6:00 PM Dinner is on your own or at a restaurant in Ojai
- 7:30 PM Group Campfire
Sunday, May 19
- 12:00 PM Clean campground and Check out by noon.
- 12:30 PM Don’t rush off because we are going for lunch at Paddy's Bar & Lounge, the best gay bar in Ventura County.
- 1:30 PM Explore the super cute Main Street and walk to Ventura Beach for a swim and a walk on the pier.
Prices:
This camping trip is for GO members only*. If you are not yet a member please join the GO chapter of your choice before registering for this trip.
- RVs Contact Russell because we only have a few sites that can accommodate RVs over 20 ft. first person – $120.00 (3 RVs Max). There is no dump station or potable water at the campground. Please bring your own drinking water. RVs less than 20' can park in a tent site and pay tent site fee.
- Each additional RV passenger - $30.00
- Tent Camping first person - $50.00 There will be two tents per site. (12 Tents max.)
- Tent each additional person – $30.00 Must arrive in the same vehicle as first person and be in the same tent.
- Free if arriving by train and camping (6 max). We might be able to pick you up in Ventura, but you must register.
- *Free if staying in Ojai and coming to hang out with us during the day only but please register here and park on the road outside of the campground. Day visitors do not need to be a member of GO.
- There is a possibility of arriving on Wednesday. Inform trip leader by May 1, 2025. There will be an additional fee.
Refunds: Cancel by May 1, 2025 for a refund (minus $10 service fee). Contact the trip leader if you need to cancel.
Pets: Dogs are allowed and must be kept on a leash at all times and picked up after.
What to Bring: Camping/cooking gear, 10 essential items, food, warm/cool weather clothing, appetizer for Thursday night, potluck item for Friday night and firewood for group fire. Firewood is for sale at the campground (buy it where you burn it policy). Consider going green and bring your own reusable plates, cups, mugs, and eating utensils.
