It’s that time of year where our camping trips are in full swing. This season we got a little delayed with our first camping trip due to the coronavirus pandemic. Sadly, our first camping trip of the season was canceled (we were headed here), but now that the State and National parks are all open, it’s time to hit the road and pitch a tent.

Wheeler Gorge Campground Site 59

Tucked away in the lush green forest of Ojai, in the los Padres national forest, Wheeler Gorge is easily one of the best campgrounds in Southern California. Coastal Oaks provide plenty of respite from the sun, while a calm creek offers an abundance of refreshing wading and splashing. As you can imagine, this is absolute paradise for a kid. And did I mention there’s tons of rocks and dirt your child can explore, build — and yes — get absolutely dirty.

Victoria’s nails were manicured with dirt during our entire camping trip to Wheeler Gorge Campground in Ojai. She would play all day in the dirt with her buckets, Pepa the Pig buddies, and shovels — and then we would hit the creek for an hour where her fingernails and hands would get naturally clean.

Cold Pools and Creeks Perfect for Wading

I love camping, however, if it’s in the summertime or any heat, I need a body of water I can splash into; a natural body of water. This is why we love wheeler Gorge Campground. Not only can you put your tent alongside the creek and listen to the natural white noise of the tiny rapids, but you can refresh your body all day in the crystal clear cold pools. There’s so many!

No matter where you walk around the campground there will be an inviting Creek and plenty of natural pools to soak your body. So bring your Crocs or your favorite water shoes of choice, swimsuit, and plenty of shorts and dresses.

Pictured above, I had my lightweight camping chair (which we normally used for backpacking trips like this) chilling in the middle of the creek. It was a bit too cold for me to take a dunk in the cold pool, but our daughter was all about it. I was trying to relax and get some alone time, but those moments are rare with a toddler. Naturally, Victoria climbed and cuddled on me during my moment of Zen.

She pretty much commandeered my chair … I then moved on to a rock.

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Wheele Gorge Campground in Ojai is seriously such a beautiful campground. And trust, we have done many. It’s easily one of our favorites. It’s just about and hour and a half from Los Angeles, and offers so much lush green beauty and water fun. Check out more photos below!

Pro Tip: Watch out for poison oak! There’s plenty of it at Wheeler Gorge!