Bottchers Gap Campround
05 reviewsBottchers Gap Campround
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly fee for camping is $15. However, as of the latest information, the campground remains closed due to road and fire damage.
About this campground
Tucked away in the rugged wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, Bottchers Gap Campground offers adventurous souls a chance to disconnect from civilization and immerse themselves in California's untamed backcountry. Though currently closed indefinitely since July 2016 due to the Palo Colorado Road closure, this remote sanctuary once beckoned campers seeking solitude among ancient oaks and sweeping mountain vistas. Perched at the edge of the Ventana Wilderness, the campground's more elevated sites reward visitors with panoramic views that stretch across the coastal mountains, making it a coveted destination for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
Bottchers Gap Campground historically provided tent camping opportunities. There are no RV or group camping options. The campground features sites primarily for standard tents, numbering 12 in total.
Historical SignificanceThis mountaintop retreat holds stories etched deep into its soil. During the Great Depression, young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps established a guard station here, watching over these precious forests and helping to build the infrastructure that would later welcome generations of campers. Their legacy lives on in the campground's rustic character, where modern adventurers can still feel the echoes of those who came before, working to preserve and protect this slice of California wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsThe mountain climate here dances between seasons with dramatic flair. Cool mountain air prevails year-round, with temperatures typically hovering between 40-60°F, creating perfect conditions for cozy campfire evenings. Winter months bring refreshing rains that nourish the surrounding forest, while gusty winds—sometimes reaching up to 35 mph—sweep through the saddle, carrying the scent of oak and madrone. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-dappled paradise, with clear skies and gentle breezes making it the ideal season for pitching your tent under the stars. Spring and fall offer their own magic, with wildflowers or autumn colors painting the hillsides.
ElevationAt 1,860 feet above sea level, Bottchers Gap occupies a sweet spot in the coastal mountains where the air is crisp and clean, and the views are nothing short of spectacular. This elevation creates a unique microclimate—high enough to escape the coastal fog that often blankets lower elevations, yet accessible enough for most vehicles and hikers. From select campsites perched along the ridge, visitors can witness sunrise painting the eastern peaks while evening brings stunning sunsets over the Pacific horizon.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a masterpiece at Bottchers Gap, where ancient Madrones twist skyward alongside five distinct species of Live Oaks, creating a canopy of green that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Sites 9 through 12 serve as natural balconies, offering breathtaking panoramic views that make you feel like you're camping on top of the world. For the ultimate vista, seasoned campers know to seek out the area known as the 'heliport spot,' where the landscape unfolds in a 360-degree tapestry of mountains, valleys, and distant ocean glimpses that will leave you reaching for your camera—or simply sitting in silent awe.
Geological RegionBottchers Gap sits atop one of nature's most dramatic geological features—a natural saddle carved by the ancient forces of the Palo Colorado fault. This unique positioning creates a mountain pass where tectonic history meets botanical diversity, with the fault line having shaped not just the topography but the entire ecosystem. The resulting landscape supports an extraordinary grove of Madrones and five different species of Live Oaks, each adapted to the specific conditions created by this geological phenomenon. Once home to a Civilian Conservation Corps guard station, this remarkable saddle in the mountains continues to tell the story of both human and natural history, written in stone and soil over countless millennia.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are not available, and there is no specific mention of other accessibility features.
Sites SizeTent sites are suitable for standard tents.
Sites PrivacySites are relatively close together, as noted by reviews mentioning shared tent pads separated only by posts in the ground.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors are advised to explore the 'heliport' for the best views.
Best CampsitesSites 9 through 12 are noted for their panoramic views.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest count per site is mentioned.
Groups
No group sites are available, and there is no information about accommodations for large parties.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground contains 12 tent sites with tables and grills. Sites 9 through 12 are highlighted for their views.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; currently closed indefinitely due to road damage and other factors.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this site.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground was open to walk-ups before closure. Visitors were advised to arrive early due to limited spots (12 sites total).
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers limited activities due to its closed status. Historically, it provided access to Skinner Ridge Trail, which leads to a network of trails in the Ventana Wilderness. Fishing or water-based activities like swimming, boating, and water sports are explicitly not available.
Hiking
The Skinner Ridge Trail provides access to a 156-mile network of trails in the Ventana Wilderness. Hiking is limited to foot and horse travel.Winter Activities
No winter activities were described in the materials.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsBefore its closure, driving on Palo Colorado Road was notably challenging due to steep, winding, and narrow conditions. Currently, the road is damaged and impassable.
Active alerts"CLOSED INDEFINITELY due to Palo Colorado Road closure." The campground has been closed since July 2016.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information is available about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThere are no water features directly at the campground. Potable water is also unavailable on-site, and visitors are directed to Julia Pfeiffer-Burns State Park for water.
Common complaintsUser reviews mentioned steep, narrow access roads and a high presence of flies in the area during summer visits.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Carmel, CA, take State Rt. 1 south 11.2 miles to Palo Colorado sign. Turn left at the sign and go 7.7 miles on Palo Colorado to campground. NOTE: The Palo Colorado road is paved, but is steep, winding, and single-lane with turnouts most of the way.
The road access to the campground is described as steep, winding, and single-lane with turnouts. Palo Colorado Road is paved but presents challenging navigation due to its terrain. The road to the campground is currently closed, contributing to the campground's indefinite closure.Nearby places
Carmel, CA is approximately 11.2 miles from the campground.
Nearby supplies
Water is available at the Julia Pfeiffer-Burns State Park located 14.9 miles south of the campground on State Rt. 1.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Bottchers Gap Campround has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are limited and primarily focus on the campground when it was operational. Reviewers noted scenic views, proximity to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), and site-specific issues such as flies and wind.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include scenic views, proximity to PCH, and availability even during high season when other campgrounds were full.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints focus on persistent flies, windy conditions, and lack of water or basic amenities.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include driving cautiously on the winding and steep road, arriving early to secure a spot, and bringing essentials like water and fly swatters.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews generally reflect better experiences in warmer months due to accessibility and scenic views. Seasonal issues include flies and wind.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Perfect for spontaneous stays even during high season! The campsites along PCH were all packed but this one was half empty and perfect for us (tent, low budget)." - Jessica Lee "The drive up to the...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 9 through 12 offer panoramic views, but views from the heliport were noted to be the best.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically addressed pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025