Holiday Group Campground

For California residents, finding the ideal camping spot that caters to larger gatherings, while still offering a genuine connection with nature, can sometimes be a challenge. Look no further than Holiday Group Campground, a remarkable destination nestled within the expansive Los Padres National Forest, just a short drive from Ojai. This campground is specifically designed to accommodate groups, providing a relaxing and immersive natural experience away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're planning a family reunion, a large friends' trip, or a gathering for an outdoor club, Holiday Group Campground offers the perfect blend of space, serenity, and access to a variety of recreational activities. Our aim in this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of this hidden gem, highlighting its unique features and why it's an excellent choice for local Californians seeking a memorable group outdoor adventure.

Holiday Group Campground is strategically located at California 93023, USA, within the beautiful Los Padres National Forest. More specifically, it sits at the bottom of a heavily shaded Live Oak Canyon at an elevation of 2,120 feet, with the Matilija Creek running nearby. This prime location offers both seclusion and convenient accessibility for Californians. The nearest town is Ojai, approximately 15 miles away, offering a quaint destination for supplies or a meal. The larger city of Ventura is about 20 miles south, with the Pacific Ocean not far beyond, providing additional recreational opportunities within a reasonable driving distance.

From Ventura, the journey is straightforward: travel north on Highway 33 for about 14 miles to Ojai, then turn left to continue on Highway 33 for approximately 9 more miles until you reach the campground. For those coming from the Los Angeles area, take I-5 North, then turn west onto Highway 126 for 28 miles to Santa Paula. From there, turn onto Highway 150 and travel north for about 16 miles before turning left onto Highway 33 and continuing north for approximately 9 miles to the campground. This relatively easy access from major Southern California hubs makes Holiday Group Campground an ideal choice for locals seeking a quick yet profound escape into the wilderness without the burden of excessive travel time. The drive itself is scenic, preparing you for the natural beauty that awaits.

Holiday Group Campground is tailored to provide a comfortable and engaging experience, especially for larger groups, by offering specific services and amenities.

• Dedicated Group Site: The campground features one large group site primarily designed for tent camping, capable of accommodating up to 50 people. This makes it ideal for significant gatherings, ensuring your entire party can stay together.
• Vehicle Accommodation: An adjacent parking area provides space for up to 10 vehicles as part of the base fee, with options for additional vehicles at an extra charge, simplifying logistics for large groups.
• Basic Facilities: Vault toilets are provided on-site for convenience. However, it's important to note that drinking water is not available at the campground, so campers must bring all necessary water for their stay.
• Camping Essentials: Each site is equipped with picnic tables and barbecue grills, perfect for group meals and social gatherings around a campfire (when fire restrictions permit). Food storage lockers are also available to protect provisions from wildlife.
• Campfire Opportunities: Campfires are generally allowed, encouraging a classic camping experience, though visitors are advised to exercise caution and adhere to any current fire restrictions, especially concerning propane or gas stoves.
• Open Year-Round: The campground is open all year, offering flexibility for groups to plan their outings during any season, whether they prefer the cooler temperatures of fall and winter or the longer days of spring and summer.

Holiday Group Campground's features and highlights truly define its appeal, especially for local Californians seeking a tranquil and activity-rich group camping experience.

• Heavily Shaded Live Oak Canyon: The campground's location at the bottom of a heavily shaded Live Oak Canyon provides welcome relief from the California sun, ensuring a cooler and more comfortable camping environment. This natural shading contributes to a relaxing ambiance.
• Matilija Creek Proximity: The Matilija Creek runs nearby the campground, offering the soothing sounds of flowing water and opportunities for exploration. While fishing in the creek can be challenging and it's not stocked, a small swimming hole is available nearby for a refreshing dip on warm days.
• Access to Diverse Recreational Opportunities: This campground is a gateway to a wide array of activities within Los Padres National Forest:
  • Hiking: The Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail, a relatively short loop, begins not far from the campground, leading through thick vegetation and offering scenic views and wildflowers.
  • Off-Road Vehicle (OHV) Trails: The 10-mile Ortega Trail, with its rocky, steep terrain, is popular among experienced off-road vehicle enthusiasts, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience.
  • Biking and Horseback Riding: The surrounding trails are also suitable for biking and horseback riding, catering to a variety of outdoor preferences.
  • Wildlife Viewing and Stargazing: The natural setting provides excellent opportunities for observing local wildlife and, given its relatively dark skies, is ideal for stargazing away from urban light pollution.
• Peaceful and Relaxing Atmosphere: Despite being a group campground, it maintains a relaxing and uncrowded feel, allowing groups to enjoy nature without feeling overwhelmed by other campers. It's a quick escape from city bustle.
• Proximity to Ojai and Ventura: The nearby towns of Ojai and Ventura offer additional amenities, dining options, and attractions, making it easy to stock up on supplies or enjoy a day trip outside the campground.

For inquiries, reservations, or any additional information regarding Holiday Group Campground, you can contact the managing body using the following details. It's often managed by the Los Padres National Forest, and direct contact details for the campground itself might be routed through their general forest information or recreation.gov.

Address: California 93023, USA (Note: The primary contact point is often associated with the Ojai Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest, specifically 1190 E. Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023, for inquiries related to the area.)

Phone for campground inquiries: (805) 434-1996 or (805) 646-4348 (These numbers are often associated with Los Padres National Forest or recreation.gov support for the area).

It is always recommended to check the latest information on Recreation.gov or the Los Padres National Forest website for the most current details on reservations, fees, and any fire restrictions.

Holiday Group Campground in Los Padres National Forest stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for locals across California, particularly those planning group outings. Its fundamental appeal lies in its design specifically for larger parties, accommodating up to 50 people and multiple vehicles, which is a rare and valuable feature in many California campgrounds. This makes it a seamless choice for family reunions, scout groups, or large gatherings of friends who wish to camp together.

The campground’s location offers an immediate sense of escape. Situated in a heavily shaded Live Oak Canyon with the soothing presence of Matilija Creek, it provides a tranquil environment that feels miles away from urban stress, despite its convenient accessibility from major Southern California cities. This combination of natural seclusion and ease of access means less time traveling and more time enjoying the outdoors.

Beyond its group-friendly nature, the array of available recreational activities solidifies its appeal for local outdoor enthusiasts. From various hiking trails, including the scenic Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail, to dedicated routes for off-road vehicle enthusiasts like the Ortega Trail, there's an adventure for every interest. The opportunity for biking, horseback riding, and simply enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings ensures that every member of the group, regardless of their preferred activity level, will find something to love. While drinking water is not provided, this minor planning detail is a small trade-off for the privacy, peace, and natural beauty that Holiday Group Campground offers. It truly provides a perfect setting for Californians to reconnect with nature and each other, making it an ideal choice for your next memorable group camping trip.

Holiday Group Campground

California 93023, USA