Wheeler Gorge

We had the best time, great place to camp!

I was worried about roughing it without actual flush toilets but the bathrooms were some of the cleanest and nicest-smelling of any campground I’ve ever been to! Nice layout to the sites! Ours (044) had a nice big tree in it that provided plenty of shade so we didn’t have to set up the EZUP. A little buggy over Memorial Day weekend so pack the repellent and the citronella. Dark enough at night to get lots of stars, making it a good place to consider staying during a meteor shower! Town close enough to drive to for ice/beverages - we even caught the Farmers Market!

We camp here right after school gets out, every year because we find it so peaceful. Camping under the large Oak trees, hearing the frogs croak at night, relaxing in the hammocks during the day, and watching the bluejays and squirrels are the best part of this site. The stream runs right behind this site, and this year there were pollywogs aplenty. Be careful though, a skunk has set up his den under the huge rock between the table and the road. He doesn't bother you but will go through your stuff if you forget to lock it up.
Be sure to stop by the visitor center across the street (open Sat & Sun only 9-3), they have history about the surrounding flora and fauna. There are plenty of hiking trails very close to the campground, in fact one starts right at the back.
Take plenty of water, because you will drink more than your usual daily intake during the summer. Take plenty of firewood too, because the nights can be chilly during summer, depending on the tricks of Mother Nature (blazing day, chilly night)! Bug spray or natural repellent is a MUST! This year we used tiki torches with citronella and it did great for keeping the mosquitos away.

Loved our time!

This is a great campground (if you get the right site). Can be hot, so bring shade canopies. Some sites do have plenty of shade though - it all depends on the site! The creek had water even during a drought year, but it's still low level and stagnant water, so not really okay for kids to play in. Best sites in my opinion: 35 is gorgeous, shady and super private/isolated. 36/37 is the premier best spot in the campground. Get that one. It's the best. 38 can be added onto 36/37 for a perfect set-up for groups. 39 is fantastic as well. 41 and above look great, but they're getting close to the road. Firewood is available for purchase from camp host for $10 a bundle. The visitor center across the street is a cute experience for kids. The town is a bit of a drive (20-30 minutes) for re-supplying ice and other items, so that's a drag if you didn't come prepared or need more ice or water.

The campsite was clean and well maintained. There are many tent sites, and if you can get the one near the river, you can go down to explore the river and enjoy frogs' voices at night.

Very nice campground and lovely drive. Even in the drought the creek was flowing a little. Host Hector friendly. Came home with lots of bites though. Mosquitoes? Fleas?

This was the cleanliest campground I've been to in California. The bathrooms were cleaned what seemed like 3 times a day. The grounds are beautiful with most campsites having plenty of shade and privacy from your neighbors. I'd return.

This was our first time at Wheeler Gorge and our first time towing a trailer. We had site 50 and it was perfect for first time trailer haulers, very easy to park. The campground itself had pretty narrow roads, which was nerve wracking for us being so inexperienced with the trailer, but thankfully our individual site was very easy. Even though site 50 was close to the main road, we had no issues. We had our two kids, 18 months and 4 years old, with us and we all had a blast. The campgrounds are beautiful to walk around. The sound of the creek is relaxing. Lots of poison oak everywhere but site 50 had none at all. Definitely recommend for families.

Beautiful and peaceful campground. Creak was amazing, the sites were a decent size and the bathrooms were clean.
Bring bug spray!