Setting up camp

Wheeler Gorge has 68 family campsites, five handicapped- accessible sites and six double sites for larger groups. Unlike other campgrounds in the southern Los Padres National Forest, Wheeler Gorge takes reservations, which must be made at least three days in advance. A two-night stay is required on weekends; three nights are required on holidays. Single-family sites cost $20 a night; double-family sites cost $40. No check-in after 10 p.m.

Facilities: Wheeler offers the bare minimum: pit toilets and a pay phone. You can buy firewood from the campground host. There is no potable water on-site.

A National Forest Adventure Pass is required if you are parking outside the campground for day hikes. Daily passes ($5) and yearly passes ($30) are sold at the campground or the Wheeler Gorge Visitors Center, which is open on weekends.

From Los Angeles, take Interstate 5 north, then west on California 126 for 28 miles to Santa Paula. Go north on California 150 for 16 miles. Turn left onto California 33 north for about eight miles. You can also take U.S. 101 north for 67 miles, then take California 33 north for 13.8 miles.

Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or www.recreation.gov

Wheeler Gorge Campground: (805) 640-1977, www.rockymountainrec.com/camp/padres-wheeler-gorge.htm

For more ideas on where to camp and outdoors activities, go to latimes.com/outdoors.