Middle Lion Campground
Campground · 8 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Los Padres National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 8
- Bookable sites
- 20 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 6
- People per site
- 3,149 ft
- Elevation
Overview
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.Recreation
The Lion Canyon Trail (22W06) starts at the back of the campground. After 1.3 miles you will reach the Rose Lion Connector Trail (22W16) on the right. After 0.6 miles you can take side trails to East Fork Lion Camp, which is within the Sespe Wilderness, or West Fork Lion Camp. The main trail continues 3.6 miles to Nordhoff Ridge for spectacular views. No mountain bikes are allowed in the wilderness.Facilities
Middle Lion has eight campsites. They are located along a single loop, close to a creek. While tent camping is best enjoyed in this cozy campground, there is room for RVs under 20 feet. Tables and fire rings are provided in each site. There is a vault toilet in the campground. There is no drinking water at this site, so bring your own water.Natural Features
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. As the trees seasonally change color, you will find yourself surrounded by vibrant yellow hues!Nearby Attractions
Hiking trails, biking, fishing are all within 30 minutes from the campground. Day trips to the higher elevation mountains for snow play are an opportunity in the winter. One mile away on the Rose Valley Road (6N31) is the Piedra Blanca trailhead where there are three trails to explore. All trails are located across Sespe Creek. The Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail (22W03) in the Sespe Wilderness will lead you to nearby massive white rocks, called Piedra Blanca! It is an easy walk for the first three miles.A principal attraction to this section of the Sespe is Rose Valley Falls. This trail to the falls begins just before you enter Rose Valley Campground. Follow it for a short half-mile and you will be at the base of the falls. The cliffs at the falls are arkosic sandstone and crumble easily, so tread lightly. Rose Valley Falls is the tallest waterfall in the range and while it is an easy hike to the base of the 100-foot tall lower tier of the waterfall (0.8 miles round trip with 150 feet of elevation gain), it is adventure to reach the more impressive upper tier. Please do not climb around on steep sections or get close to the edge. You will need to park outside Rose Valley Campground to hike the trails.
Another trail, the Sespe River Trail (20W13) will lead you downstream into the Sespe Wilderness. You will find some swimming holes along this walk. Remember, no mountain bicycles allowed on wilderness trails. If you would like to go on a mountain bicycle ride, take the Middle Sespe Trail (22W04) that leads up river eight miles to the west to Middle Sespe Trailhead.
The facts
- 8 bookable sites
- Vehicles up to 20 ft
- Up to 6 people per site
- Loops: Loop 1
Site types
- 8 Standard Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups.
8 campsites at Middle Lion Campground
Check-in 3:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Grade | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | Springs | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 02 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | Springs | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 03 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | Springs | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 04 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | Springs | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 05 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | Springs | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 06 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | Springs | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 07 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | Springs | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 08 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | Springs | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
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.
34.54940, -119.16620 · 34°32'57.8"N 119°9'58.3"W
Typical weather
Typically 91°F in Aug, down to 65°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 66 | 67 | 70 | 74 | 77 | 82 | 89 | 91 | 88 | 81 | 73 | 65 |
| Low °F | 35 | 36 | 39 | 41 | 46 | 50 | 54 | 54 | 51 | 45 | 37 | 33 |
| Precip in | 5.1 | 5.2 | 3.4 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 2.9 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 7.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Middle Lion Campground
- Can you reserve a site at Middle Lion Campground?
- Yes, Middle Lion Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Middle Lion Campground have?
- 8 sites.
- What is the maximum RV length at Middle Lion Campground?
- 20 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Middle Lion Campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Middle Lion Campground.
- Are campfires allowed at Middle Lion Campground?
- Campfires are allowed at Middle Lion Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
Middle Lion Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Middle Lion Campground's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- $30/night, $10/ extra vehicle fee. Concession-managed by the Parks Management Company for the Forest Service. The Interagency Senior and Acess Passes provide pass holders with 50% off of camping fees - not valid for extra vehicle parking fee.
Restrictions:
- For current fire restrictions, please visit the Los Padres website .
Camping near Middle Lion Campground
- Rose Valley Campground 1.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Wheeler Gorge 6.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Holiday Group Campground 6.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Reyes Peak Campground 10.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Howard Creek - 22W26 3.8 mi · Facility
- Nordhoff Ridge Road 5.6 mi · Facility
- Thorn Meadows Campground 6.2 mi · Campground
- Cedar Creek / Fishbowl Loop - 22W10 6.6 mi · Facility
- Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center 6.7 mi · Facility
- Fishbowls Trailhead - 21W05 7.5 mi · Facility
- Halfmoon Campground 9 mi · Campground
- Johnston Ridge Trailhead - 20W12 9 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 805 434 1996
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
Comments