Middle Lion Campground

I camped here with a group of friends and we had a lot of fun. I’m so glad the lower campground was full for someone’s birthday party because Middle Lion was much nicer and had better spots. Middle Lion’s a small area and the sites are first come first serve. so we were happy we got a good one. We had a delicious bbq, big campfire, and met some other fellow campers who were very cool. Nice neighbors all around! The bathroom was really gross but that’s camping, right? At least there was a bathroom. The ranger at the park was really sweet and helpful. This place wasn’t as amazing as camping somewhere like Avenue of the Giants. but it was a lot of fun with friends. Dog friendly campground but keep them on a leash. A bobcat had been spotted walking around earlier that day– the ranger warned everyone about him and said to keep pets close. It was fun walking along the creek, which was completely dried up in August.
We got our $ 5 Adventure Pass at a nearby visitor’s center. The ranger *did* check when we were there. so you should probably have one.

This is a very small, basic campground in a beautiful area. There are only 8 spots available. 4 of the spots are pretty nice, but the other 4 area basically together in an open parking lot configuration. If you get the right spot it can be nice. There is no running water, but there is a pit toilet. Each site has a grill set up and campfire ring. It is first come, first serve. You can not reserve a camp spot ahead of time and you need an forrest service adventure pass to camp (not that anyone showed up to check ours).
The site has no camp host, so it makes things a bit of a free for all. Park rangers may not check the campground for a few days at a time. While we were there there was spot with someone who clearly had been living there for a while. They had people driving in and out to drink and talk until past midnight. Clearly other people where living at other sites close by and they were driving to hang out with each other. There is no ranger or host to help observe what are obvious common camp courtesies.
There is a nice quiet trail along the creek (which was pretty dry in August), but the trail has lots of poison oak. You should be comfortable identifying this plant. There were still mosquitos in August. They have had bear sightings and so you need to keep you food in your car at night, there are no bear boxes at the campground. We did see a bobcat in the morning, apparently he/​she hangs out there often, that was pretty special.
If you get the right spot, come prepared with good potable water and nobody is living there for weeks on end this has the potential to be a nice place, but too many unknowns to strongly endorse this site.

Based on what we SAW, I give this place two stars. We were not even able to get a spot because it was packed… well what do you expect with only 8 or 9 sites in the camp! While well kept, spaced nicely, and in a quaint area, and had bathrooms/​fire pits/​tables; it is just too small to realistically expect to get a spot on a weekend in the spring, summer, or even early fall.
With only a hand full of campgrounds in the area, its no wonder they all fill up fast. No reservations makes it even more of a bummer when you’re faced with the possibility of either going home, or roughing it out on a trail. The latter is what we ended up doing since both Middle Lion and Rose Campgrounds were absolutely packed.
While its a nice site, beware of it being full on a weekend!

This is the most beautiful, intimate campground! It’s right next to a stream that plays beautiful water falls all night long. My boyfriend and I just came home today, last night it was in the mid-​twenties but we were prepared, therefore toasty. :) There were a few other couples and a small group that came and went throughout our stay there. I was ecstatic for a little enclosed toilet with a bunch of toilet paper! As much as I would love to keep this spot a secret, I can’t help but share with everyone!

My favorite campground in Ventura County. Lush cottonwood canopy in the Los Padres National Forest. Gorgeous in the fall when the leaves change color and cover the trail. Beautiful long hike along the mountain crevice, part of which adjacent to the creek. One toilet, little running water aside from the stream. No drinking water, no showers. BBQ, tables and fire pits. Little interruption from park services/​fire department. 5 $ daily adventure pass required. Campsites can easily provide space for 3 – 5 tents.