The campground is adjacent to Matilija Creek, and is bordered by a mixed forest of oak and sycamore trees and evergreen shrubbery. The campground lines both sides of the North Fork Matilija Creek, which offers respite from the area’s triple-digit summer heat. Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Sam Houston National Forest allows dispersed camping anywhere along the trail except from September 15 – February 1 when you can only camp in designated areas. Choose your distance: 1 mile to Lower Camp, 3.5 miles to Middle Camp, and 5 miles to Upper Camp. The larger city of Ventura is about 20 miles south of the campground. Matilija Camp, Middle Matilija, and Maple Camp are approximately .5, 3, and 6 miles up the Upper North Fork. Campground surprises. About half of that campground was eroded away by the flooding. Phone: (805) 448-3648 (phones answered Mon-Fri 8-430) 3505 Paradise Rd. Ojai Ranger District. Peter Moyle is the Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and Associate Director of the Center for Watershed Sciences, at UC Davis. Campground No. Head 8 miles north, and you land at Wheeler Gorge Campground. 2 was completely washed away by the 1978 flooding. Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Santa Barbara Ranger District. Murietta Camp is east of Matilija creek approximately .5 mile up Murietta Canyon. Trail, Road, Campground and OHV Information . Santa Barbara Ranger District. Water is available at several stream crossings. It’s nestled in the southern end of the Los Padres National Forest where the Matilija Creek flows. The three first-come, first-served campgrounds along the Upper North Fork Matilija Creek Trail in Los Padres National Forest can be reached only by foot. Phone: (805) 448-4710 (phones answered Mon-Fri 8-430) 1190 E. Ojai Ave. Ojai, CA 93023. ... North Fork Matilija Creek … Drive up Matilija Canyon Road to a locked gate and park along the road. Ojai Ranger District. Trail, Road, Campground and OHV Information . Trail, Roads and Campground Information . 1 was located on the opposite side of the river from Matilija Canyon Road. It is a scenic hike through Matilija Creek with many great turtle ponds, swimming holes, and two waterfalls. The upper Matilija area has been a popular recreation area since the late 1800s, with many hikers making the trip up Matilija Creek to camp, fish and hunt in the canyons. Half of the 67 family campsites are first-come, first-served. It is heavily shaded and the Matilija Creek runs nearby. Phone: (805) 448-4710 (phones answered Mon-Fri 8-430) 1190 E. Ojai Ave. Ojai, CA 93023. Let the massive old-growth oaks and sycamore shade your tent, RV, or trailer. Most sites are shaded and summer temperatures reach up to 95 degrees. The campground is situated at the bottom of Live Oak Canyon at an elevation of 2,120 feet. Ojai is the nearest town, about 15 miles from the campground. Greg Casperson The 9-mile (14.5 km) trail to Matilija Falls has an elevation gain of 950 ft (290 m) and is moderate to difficult. Over the years, almost all of it has eroded and what’s left has been overgrown with vegetation. MEET THE AUTHORS. The campground was originally built by Boy Scouts nearly a century ago, as well as a historical stone home that is also on-site. Phone: (805) 448-3648 (phones answered Mon-Fri 8-430) 3505 Paradise Rd. And as a bonus you’ll be pitching your tent along a creek that’s still got water. BYO drinking water and firewood. Murietta Trail (24W07) Length: 2.4 miles Difficulty: moderate. Campground No. Trail, Roads and Campground Information . Nearby Attractions. 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