Middle Lion Campground
Middle Lion Campground is a national forest campground in California. Hookups: no hookups.
- Type
- National forest campground
- Location
- California
- Coordinates
- 34.54940, -119.16620
- Hookups
- No hookups
- Activities
- Biking, Camping
- Map
- Open in OpenStreetMap
- Phone
- 805 434 1996
Amenities
- Reservable sites
Only amenities a source confirms are listed; an amenity missing here is unknown, not absent.
About Middle Lion Campground
Overview Leave the city vibe behind as you meander down a winding, partially paved, narrow road that leads you into wooded Middle Lion Campground and day use area. Relax next to the running creek, take a refreshing dip, or hike the nearby trails. Tucked away in a canyon encased by chaparral and wildflower covered mountains, Middle Lion Campground is particularly beautiful in the spring and fall, but camping is great year-round. Recreation 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. Facilities Middle Lion has eight campsites. They are located along a single loop, close to a creek. While tent camping is best enjoyed in this cozy campground, there is room for RVs under 20 feet. Tables and fire rings are provided in each site. There is a vault toilet in the campground. There is no drinking water at this site, so bring your own water. Natural Features Middle Lion Campground is surrounded by chaparral covered mountains, shaded by cottonwood trees and is next to a peaceful stream near the Sespe Wilderness area. As the trees seasonally change color, you will find yourself surrounded by vibrant yellow hues! Nearby Attractions
Cell coverage
No coverage data for this location yet.
Nearby RV services
- Dump station
- Lake Casitas Recreation Area · 13 mi
- Water fill
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Propane
- Don's Gas / Market · 23 mi
- Low clearances
- None mapped within 10 mi
- Off-road routes
- 19 designated routes (59 mi) within 10 mi
Other places to stay nearby
| Name | Type | Distance | Fee | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middle Lion | Private campground | under 0.1 mi | — | — |
| Rose Valley Campground | National forest campground | 1.5 mi | — | No hookups |
| Rose Valley Campground | Private campground | 1.5 mi | — | — |
| West Fork Lion Camp | Free campsite | 1.9 mi | Free | — |
| East Fork Lion Camp | Free campsite | 2.0 mi | Free | — |
| Piedra Blanca Camp | Free campsite | 2.5 mi | Free | — |
Open Middle Lion Campground in DryRig
Save it offline, check your rig's clearance on the drive in, and see what's nearby on the map.
Sources. USFS and BLM recreation sites, Recreation.gov (RIDB). Updated June 2026. Facility facts only; DryRig does not publish ratings or reviews on this page.