East Fork Lion Camp

At a glance

CampgroundBackcountry

About this campsite

Campground: East Fork Lion Camp.

What this place offers

Accommodation Types

Backcountry

Location

East Fork Lion Camp•CA

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Common questions about East Fork Lion Camp

What facilities does East Fork Lion Camp have?

East Fork Lion Camp has backcountry. Facilities at camps change, particularly after a wet season, so check the operator or the managing authority if one of them decides your trip. The list comes from the site record rather than a visit, so treat it as a guide.

Can you book East Fork Lion Camp online?

We hold no online booking link for East Fork Lion Camp, so it is not bookable through this page. For sites like this, turning up early in the day is the surest way to get a spot, particularly in peak season.

Where is East Fork Lion Camp?

East Fork Lion Camp sits in CA. The map on this page shows the exact spot, and the coordinates travel straight into your navigation app. Check road conditions before you set out if you are towing, since access tracks can change with the weather.

Facilities at East Fork Lion Camp

Facilities recorded for East Fork Lion Camp
Facility	On site
Backcountry	Yes

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

600m away

West Fork Lion Camp

Campground: West Fork Lion Camp.

3.2 km away

MIDDLE LION CAMPGROUND

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.

3.6 km away

ROSE VALLEY CAMPGROUND

Overview Break free from reality and take a scenic cruise along fabulous Highway 33 for a short drive from Ojai to Rose Valley Campground and Day Use Area. Whether you're day-tripping or camping, you can explore the running creek, visit the waterfalls, take a dip and hike the nearby trails and enjoy the local wildlife. Wildflowers and shady areas under cottonwood trees invite you to indulge in a rejuvenating nap. Removed just far enough from civilization, the night sky here is fantastic, especially when gazing north, a perfect place to view meteor showers, satellites, comets and other celestial phenomenon. Recreation Rose Valley Falls is the principal attraction to this section of the Sespe. The trail to the falls begins at the southwest area of the campground between Campsites 4 and 5. Follow it for a 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. 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 an adventure to reach the more impressive upper tier. Please do not climb around on steep sections or get close to the edge. If you are not camping, you will need to park outside of the campground to hike the trails; otherwise, the day use fee for parking in the campground is $10.00. Facilities Rose Valley Campground has nine campsites. The campsites are very spacious, level, well-marked and well equipped with a picnic table, fire pit and/or a separate BBQ. There are enclosed trash receptacles around the park and an unlit single pit style toilet. There is no drinking water at this site; you must bring your own water. Natural Features Rose Valley Campground is the entry point to the legendary Rose Valley Falls, a magnificent two-tier 300-foot waterfall located on the west end of the Topatopa Mountains in Los Padres National Forest. If you are lucky, you may see coyotes, deer, bobcats, mountain lions or bears, which all live in this area. Frogs and toads, or ducks swimming on the lake, are a frequent sight as are red-tailed hawks soaring high above. Vegetation includes chamise, sage and toyon; toyon is especially beautiful in the fall and winter with its bright red berries. This area is amazing during the fall; as the trees change, you will find yourself luxuriously encased by vibrant colors. If you like wildflowers, Rose Valley offers wild rose and poppies in the spring. Nearby Attractions Hiking trails, biking, fishing, within 30 minutes. Day trips to the higher elevation mountains for snow play 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 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.