Middle Lion Campground
Los Padres National Forest — riverside
Location: Ojai, CA, CA
Price: From $30 per night
Rating: 3.7 out of 5 (40 reviews)
Season: Year-round
Leave the city vibe behind as you meander down a winding, partially paved, narrow road that leads you into wooded Middle Lion Campground and day use area. Relax next to the running creek, take a refreshing dip, or hike the nearby trails. Tucked away in a canyon encased by chaparral and wildflower covered mountains, Middle Lion Campground is particularly beautiful in the spring and fall, but camping is great year-round.Middle Lion Campground is surrounded by chaparral covered mountains, shaded by
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Drinking Water
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/middle-lion-campground to be notified when sites open up.
Small, scenic campground tucked in a canyon with creek access, hiking trails, and wildflower-covered mountains. Campers praise its beauty and note it's great for families and couples seeking a peaceful retreat.
Wildlife alert: American Black Bear, Bobcat, Ringtail, and California Condor documented in the area within 8km.
Insider tips for Middle Lion Campground: Book early — it's a federal campground with only 8 sites and high demand High-clearance vehicle recommended; road to campground has rough sections Campground is laid out in a circle — site selection matters as some are small, angled, or close together
Skip Middle Lion Campground if: You need RV hookups — no hookups available; only suitable for self-contained RVs. You have a low-clearance vehicle — road conditions require high clearance SUV or car. You want larger tent sites — several spots are small and at angles.
Best time to visit Middle Lion Campground: Spring — Wildflower-covered mountains and canyon setting particularly beautiful in spring according to RIDB description. Fall — Particularly beautiful in fall according to RIDB description.
Nearby campgrounds: Rose Valley Campground (Ojai, CA), Wheeler Gorge (OJAI, CA), Holiday Group Campground (OJAI, CA), Reyes Peak Campground (Maricopa, CA).
Cell Phone Coverage at Middle Lion Campground
Cell signal at Middle Lion Campground (Ojai, CA): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
Leave the city vibe behind as you meander down a winding, partially paved, narrow road that leads you into wooded Middle Lion Campground and day use area. Relax next to the running creek, take a refreshing dip, or hike the nearby trails. Tucked away in a canyon encased by chaparral and wildflower covered mountains, Middle Lion Campground is particularly beautiful in the spring and fall, but camping is great year-round.Middle Lion Campground is surrounded by chaparral covered mountains, shaded by cottonwood trees and is next to a peaceful stream near the Sespe Wilderness area.
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early
it's a federal campground with only 8 sites and high demand
High-clearance vehicle recommended; road to campground has rough sections
Campground is laid out in a circle
site selection matters as some are small, angled, or close together
Wildflower-covered mountains and canyon setting particularly beautiful in spring according to RIDB description
Particularly beautiful in fall according to RIDB description
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
Follow Highway 33 north of Ojai for 14.7 miles to the Rose Valley Road turnoff (6N31) which is at mile marker 25.84. Turn right and follow the paved road 4.8 miles. Turn right and go 0.8 miles to Middle Lion Campground. The elevation is 3250 feet. Watch out for the rough sections of road.
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Los Padres National Forest fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Los Padres National Forest before arrival — seasonal closures common.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Middle Lion Campground cost per night?+
What season is Middle Lion Campground open?+
Does Middle Lion Campground have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Middle Lion Campground?+
How do I make reservations at Middle Lion Campground?+
What is the cell service like at Middle Lion Campground?+
What season is Middle Lion Campground open, and what are check-in times?+
●Data sources on this page
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