Middle Lion Campground

Star4.04
83 reviews

Quick Facts

3,250 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Middle Lion Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates are $30 per night for standard nonelectric sites. Additional fees include $2 per weekend and $2 per holiday. The rates shown do not...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
805 434 1996customerservice@pmcparks.com
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What Campers Say

4.04

Satisfactory

Based on 83 reviews

31 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhiking

"The campground has a mixed reputation, with an average sentiment of 3.81 out of 5 for its overall camping experience. Visitors frequently praise its quiet, remote location, scenic surroundings, and creek access. However, concerns about rough road conditions, campsite size, and lack of water or cell service are commonly mentioned."

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Campground Map

Middle Lion Campground

34.5494, -119.1662

Driving directionsFollow 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. Watch out for rough sections of road.
The road to Middle Lion Campground is partially paved and narrow with rough sections, including potholes. It is recommended to use high-clearance vehicles or SUVs for access.
Nearby places
Ojai (15 miles south along Highway 33)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and other essentials are located in Ojai, 15 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Middle Lion Campground

Middle Lion transforms with the seasons, offering year-round adventure for those prepared for nature's moods. Winter blankets the campground in crisp mountain air and occasional snow dustings, while spring through fall brings warmer days accompanied by nature's tiny aerial acrobats—gnats and mosquitoes that remind visitors to pack their repellent. As darkness falls, temperatures can plummet dramatically, sometimes dropping below freezing even during fire ban periods, making warm layers essential for comfortable stargazing sessions.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Swimming holes appeal in summer, but lack of potable water and rough road limit comfort.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Golden cottonwood leaves and milder weather make fall highly recommended by reviewers.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spectacular spring wildflower displays and mild weather, frequently recommended by visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but can be extremely cold with frozen water and limited amenities in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1–December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round from January 1 to December 31.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts were mentioned. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally.

About Middle Lion Campground

Nestled alongside a babbling creek, Middle Lion Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with its single-loop design that creates a close-knit camping community. This charming retreat welcomes tent campers and small RVs (under 20 feet) to settle into sites equipped with sturdy tables and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with vault toilets and no running water, it rewards visitors with an authentic wilderness experience where the sounds of the creek replace the noise of modern life.
Middle Lion Campground accommodates tent campers and small RVs (up to 20 feet). The sites are primitive, offering a basic, natural camping experience. No group sites, glamping, or cabin accommodations are available.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Middle Lion Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Lion Canyon Trail starts directly from the campground, leading to spectacular views and wilderness areas. A nearby creek provides opportunities for wading and exploring. A variety of other trails, such as the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail and Rose Valley Falls Trail, are within a short driving distance. Seasonal activities, like snow play in winter, are accessible in higher elevations nearby.
HikingThe Lion Canyon Trail (22W06) begins at the back of the campground, offering a 1.3-mile hike to the Rose Lion Connector Trail. Hikers can explore additional paths leading to East Fork Lion Camp, West Fork Lion Camp, and Nordhoff Ridge for scenic views. Other nearby trails include the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail and the Rose Valley Falls Trail.
FishingFishing opportunities are accessible within 30 minutes of the campground, though specific details on fish availability were not provided.
SwimmingThe creek running through the campground offers areas for wading and dipping in the water, providing a refreshing activity during warmer months.
BikingMountain biking is not allowed in the wilderness trails but is permitted on the Middle Sespe Trail, which extends eight miles upriver.
Wildlife viewingCampers have reported sightings of deer, rabbits, frogs, woodpeckers, and other bird species. The serene natural environment supports diverse wildlife activity.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential dangers include rough roads, cold temperatures, lack of cell service, overgrown trails with poison ivy, and the possibility of wildlife like deer and hunters. "Avoid hiking alone and tell someone your plans," as stated in guidelines.
Active AlertsNo active alerts were mentioned. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Middle Lion Campground

Reviews

4.0
83 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Middle Lion Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has a mixed reputation, with an average sentiment of 3.81 out of 5 for its overall camping experience. Visitors frequently praise its quiet, remote location, scenic surroundings, and creek access. However, concerns about rough road conditions, campsite size, and lack of water or cell service are commonly mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 83 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the beautiful creek running through the campground, proximity to hiking trails, peaceful atmosphere, and nature-rich environment. 'The creek is amazing,' wrote one reviewer,...
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Based on 83 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the roughness of the road leading to the site, lack of potable water, uneven campsites, and maintenance issues with the vault toilet. Some reviewers also reported...
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Based on 83 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of drinking water and plan for no cell service. Firewood should be acquired beforehand, as none is available on-site. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended due to rough road...
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Based on 83 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are the most recommended seasons due to milder weather and vibrant natural surroundings. Winter camping is possible but can be extremely cold, with some reviewers noting frozen water...
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Based on 83 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The creek that runs right by the site is beautiful.' - Amy KCkid 2. 'The road was very bad though getting there. You need a high-clearance car.' - R. Joshua Adams 3. 'Bring your own water..(and...
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Based on 83 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #2 and #3 are most praised for privacy and creek access, while site #4 is criticized for being located in the middle of a road. Site #7 is noted for its lack of flat areas.
Based on 83 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility for disabilities.
Based on 83 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 83 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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