Holiday Group Campground
4.507 reviews1190 E. OJAI AVE.
Holiday Group Campground
$150.00 - $150.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$150.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group site fee is $150.00 per night during peak season. Additional fees apply for extra people and vehicles: $10.00 per person or vehicle, per day.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Live Oak Canyon, Holiday Group Campground beckons adventurers seeking a perfect basecamp for outdoor exploration. This secluded group site sits beneath a canopy of towering trees, offering natural shade and the soothing sounds of nearby Matilija Creek. Whether you're planning a family reunion, scout expedition, or gathering of friends, the campground provides an ideal setting with its central kitchen area featuring a traditional Santa Maria-style grill for memorable outdoor cooking. Miles of surrounding trails invite exploration on foot, horseback, or off-road vehicle, while convenient vault toilets ensure basic comfort during your wilderness retreat.
Holiday Group Campground caters exclusively to group camping, providing a large site suited for tents. RV camping, primitive walk-in sites, or glamping options are not offered.
Weather and SeasonsHoliday Group Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. The sweet spot for camping falls during the cooler months when daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 62°F, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities, while evenings cool to a crisp 43°F—ideal for gathering around the campfire. Summer visitors should come prepared for the canyon's intense heat, as temperatures frequently soar into the mid to high 90s, making early morning and evening adventures the best choice for beating the heat.
ElevationPerched at 2,120 feet above sea level, Holiday Group Campground occupies a unique position in the Los Padres landscape. This moderate elevation creates a microclimate that delivers refreshingly cool temperatures during fall, winter, and spring camping trips. The elevation works its magic by tempering the region's Mediterranean climate, though summer visitors will find that even at this height, the canyon can trap heat, creating surprisingly warm conditions that add to the authentic Southern California wilderness experience.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a natural cathedral where ancient oaks and sycamores create a living roof overhead, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The campground's position along Matilija Creek brings the constant companion of flowing water, its gentle murmur providing nature's soundtrack to your stay. The dramatic walls of Live Oak Canyon rise around you, creating an intimate amphitheater of stone and greenery that shields campers from the outside world while showcasing the raw beauty of the Los Padres backcountry.
Geological RegionHoliday Group Campground occupies a special pocket within the Los Padres National Forest, where Live Oak Canyon has carved its signature into the landscape over millennia. This geological treasure sits at the canyon's floor, where dense groves of native trees thrive in the protected environment. The proximity to Matilija Creek has shaped both the terrain and the ecosystem, creating a lush oasis that stands in beautiful contrast to the rugged canyon walls and the broader chaparral-covered mountains of the Los Padres wilderness.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe site can accommodate up to 50 people and 10 vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe group site offers multiple locations for tents under shaded areas, providing some privacy but also includes a central, open 'kitchen' area that may reduce overall seclusion.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors should avoid summer due to excessive heat and black flies. Bringing sufficient drinking water is essential as none is available on-site.
Best CampsitesNot applicable since it is a single group site.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Amaximum stay of 14 consecutive nights is allowed during all times of the year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The group site accommodates up to 50 guests.
Groups
The campground is designed as a single group site that can accommodate up to 50 people and 10 vehicles.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe group site includes multiple tent locations, a central kitchen area with a Santa Maria-style grill, and a parking area for up to 10 vehicles.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from January 1 to December 31 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability is stated. Reservations must be made through Recreation.gov.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies along with forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival for group sites). Changes to reservation dates incur a $10 change fee. No modifications are allowed after the reservation check-in date begins.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Holiday Group Campground offers a variety of activities that include hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle trails. The nearby Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail provides a short loop hike through riverside vegetation and scenic views, while the 10-mile Ortega Trail caters to experienced off-road riders. A small swimming hole is available near the creek, but fishing is rough in the area. Kayaking or canoeing in the creek is not recommended.
Hiking
The Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail offers a relatively short loop with thick riverside vegetation and hillside views. The 10-mile Ortega Trail, designed for off-road vehicles, features rocky and steep terrain extending to the ridgetop.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are limited. While trout can be caught in the creek, the area is not stocked, and fishing is described as 'rough.'Swimming
A small swimming hole is located near the creek for campers to enjoy.Biking
The area includes trails suitable for biking, alongside other recreational uses such as horseback riding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed. Visitors are asked to use caution with propane or gas stoves and grills.
Hazards
General hazardsSummers are extremely hot ('hot hole,' as described in reviews), and visitors have reported black flies with painful bites. Vault toilets are poorly maintained, and no drinking water is available.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ojai is the nearest town (15 miles away) where emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are likely available.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 to December 31.
Trash and recyclingThree trash cans are available on-site; however, trash has been reported around the campground, including in fire rings and on the ground.
Proximity to water featuresMatilija Creek runs nearby, providing a small swimming hole. The creek is not suitable for kayaking or canoeing.
Common complaintsVault toilets are described as 'disgusting' and poorly maintained. 'Trash throughout' the site and excessive heat during summer months are recurring issues in reviews.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
1190 E. OJAI AVE.
Driving directionsFrom Ventura, travel north on Highway 33 for about 14 miles to Ojai. Turn left, continuing on Highway 33 and travel north about 9 miles to the campground. From Los Angeles, take I-5 north and turn west onto Highway 126 for 28 miles to St. Paula. Turn onto Highway 150 and travel north for about 16 miles. Turn left onto Highway 33 and continue north for approximately 9 miles.
Route to the campground involves some smaller highways (Highway 33 and Highway 150) which are paved and accessible year-round. No specific seasonal closures or navigation challenges are noted.Nearby places
Ojai: 15 miles, Ventura: 20 miles.
Nearby supplies
Ojai (15 miles away) provides access to groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Ventura (20 miles away) may offer larger stores and more extensive services.
Camper Reviews
4.5
7 reviews
Holiday Group Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with many appreciating the group-site layout and shaded areas, but complaints about poor facility conditions and cleanliness are prevalent.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers praised the 'plenty of space for people and activities,' 'multiple fire rings,' and the shady spots under large trees. The nearby creek and the presence of a small swimming hole were also...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints centered around the vault toilets, described as 'disgusting' and 'smelly,' as well as the site being littered with trash upon arrival. The lack of potable water and the poor condition of...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Future campers are advised to bring their own drinking water and be prepared for high temperatures during summer months. Cleaning supplies may be necessary to improve the campsite's condition upon...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer visits are challenging due to high temperatures; one reviewer mentioned daytime highs in the mid-90s Fahrenheit and a 'tree-less dirt patch' in the central area that radiates heat. Fall and...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'Hot Hole. That’s what the employee at the Wheeler Creek Visitor Center called it.' - 'The site had trash throughout...upon arrival.' - 'Lots of shady spots for tents.' - 'Vault toilet was THE most...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews primarily focus on the single group site, referred to as 'A001.' While some describe it as spacious and well-suited for groups, others emphasize cleanliness issues and the smelly vault...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025