Middle Lion Campground Los Padres National Forest California

Middle Lion Overview

Middle Lion Campground has 8 campsites next to Lion Canyon Creek near the Sespe Wilderness Area in Los Padres National Forest. The campsites are best suited for tent camping and most have nice shade from cottonwood trees that line the peaceful stream.

Campground amenities include vault toilets and trash collection. Potable (drinking) water is not available. Each campsite also has a parking spur (up to 20 feet), table, BBQ pedestal, fire ring and grill. Cell service is not available in the area.

You may also like Rose Valley Campground (2 miles away) and Wheeler Gorge campground is about 12 miles away.

Middle Lion – Outdoor Recreation and Features

Outdoor recreation in the area includes hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, stargazing and wildlife viewing. Rose Valley Lakes (about 2.5 miles away) also have some decent fishing.

particularly beautiful in the fall. As the trees change color, you will find yourself surrounded by vibrant yellow hues! If you enjoy hiking there are several trails for you to choose from near the campground.

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.

One mile away on the Rose Valley Road (6N31) is the Piedra Blanca trailhead where are three trails to explore. All three 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.

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 8 miles to the west to Middle Sespe Trailhead.

Make a Reservation for Middle Lion

Amenities

• BBQ Grills
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - None
• Equestrian trail
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
• Grills
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Trash Collection

Activities

• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Creek
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Mountain Biking
• Nature Trails
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Stargazing
• Walking Trails
• Wildlife Viewing