Bates Canyon Campground

Star0
5 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

January - December

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

Opens Los Padres National Forest site

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Bates Canyon Campground
$5.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Requires Adventure Pass ($5/day) or Annual Interagency Pass ($30/year)
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sites

"The campground receives mixed reviews. Positive highlights include its remote and serene setting, surrounded by oak trees and a babbling creek. Criticisms focus on poor maintenance, trash issues, and lack of amenities like hiking trails and drinking water."

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Fees & Passes at Bates Canyon Campground

$5 - $30/night

Campsite fees

Stay Limit: 14 day

Prices verified August 10, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Los Padres National Forest website.

Best Time to Camp at Bates Canyon Campground

Experience the full spectrum of mountain seasons at this year-round destination. Winter transforms the campground into a crisp wonderland, with comfortable daytime temperatures hovering between 52°F and 57°F—perfect for invigorating hikes without the crowds. Evenings cool to a refreshing 37°F to 40°F, ideal for gathering around the campfire. As summer unfolds, the mercury climbs to a pleasant 90°F to 92°F, while the canopy of ancient trees provides natural air conditioning. Winter months bring rejuvenating rains that awaken the forest, while summer offers endless blue skies and star-filled nights.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: January - December

About Bates Canyon Campground

Escape to a hidden sanctuary where ancient oaks and towering sycamores stand sentinel over your wilderness retreat. This secluded campground, cradled in the embrace of steep mountain walls, offers adventurers a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's timeless rhythms. Here, where old-growth giants whisper stories of centuries past, you'll find the perfect basecamp for both peaceful reflection and mountain exploration.
The campground provides primitive camping facilities. It caters primarily to tent camping and does not appear to have RV-specific accommodations based on user reviews and authoritative sources.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of mountain seasons at this year-round destination. Winter transforms the campground into a crisp wonderland, with comfortable daytime temperatures hovering between 52°F and 57°F—perfect for invigorating hikes without the crowds. Evenings cool to a refreshing 37°F to 40°F, ideal for gathering around the campfire. As summer unfolds, the mercury climbs to a pleasant 90°F to 92°F, while the canopy of ancient trees provides natural air conditioning. Winter months bring rejuvenating rains that awaken the forest, while summer offers endless blue skies and star-filled nights.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral where centuries-old oaks spread their mighty branches overhead, creating a natural sanctuary alongside graceful sycamores that have witnessed countless seasons. The soundtrack to your stay is provided by a melodious creek that dances over smooth stones, its gentle babbling creating the perfect ambiance for restful nights. After winter rains, the soft earth reveals a fascinating story written in tracks—evidence of the deer, raccoons, and other wildlife that call this forest home. Morning light filters through the canopy, creating an ever-changing tapestry of shadows and golden rays that photographers dream about.
Geological RegionThis remarkable campground sits in a natural amphitheater carved by time itself, where steep mountain slopes rise dramatically on all sides, creating an intimate valley that feels worlds away from civilization. The rugged terrain tells a geological story millions of years in the making, while the convergence of mountain creek and ancient forest creates a unique microclimate that supports the magnificent oak and sycamore groves. This protected pocket of wilderness offers both the drama of vertical landscapes and the gentle comfort of streamside camping.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityNo explicit information about accessibility features found.
Sites SizeUser reviews suggest the sites are close together, impacting privacy.
Sites PrivacyReviews note a lack of privacy due to closely spaced campsites.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #2 recommended for families with children who enjoy climbing trees.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 day
Groups
No group camping information available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout6 sites with picnic tables. Sites are described as close to one another as per some user reports.
Open and Closed SeasonJanuary - December

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers limited recreational activities such as hunting and access to nearby wilderness areas, including Sierra Madre Ridge and San Rafael Wilderness.
Wildlife viewing
User review encourages checking out animal tracks after rain and identifying them for fun.
Winter Activities
No specific winter activities were highlighted.
Water Sports
No details about non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed

Hazards

General hazardsNo potable water is provided. User reviews mention the challenge of access roads and potential for flooding during rain.

Weather at Bates Canyon Campground

70
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 27%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 3.3 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Clear sky
Weather History
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Good to know

Trash and recyclingAuthoritative sources and reviews emphasize a pack-out-all-trash policy. Some users report trash issues at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresNext to a babbling creek.
Common complaintsSome reviewers noted a lack of shade, trash, unclean restrooms, and proximity of campsites to one another.

Campground Map

Driving directionsFrom Santa Maria: Hwy 166 50 miles east, Cottonwood Cyn. Rd. 7.5 miles southwest.
"2 miles from main road does not describe what you’re dealing with. Don’t trust G maps for estimates." - Claire Wakeley (2023)

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
5 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Bates Canyon Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives mixed reviews. Positive highlights include its remote and serene setting, surrounded by oak trees and a babbling creek. Criticisms focus on poor maintenance, trash issues, and lack of amenities like hiking trails and drinking water.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

'Nestled in the steep mountains and situated next to a babbling creek.' 'Majestic old-growth oak trees.' 'Well-drained tent sites.' 'New picnic tables as of 2019.'
Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

'Bathrooms are a mess.' 'Camping spots are way too close together.' 'Lots of trash.' 'Lack of shade.' 'No hiking trails.' 'Views are mediocre.'
Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring an Adventure Pass or equivalent to avoid fines. Prepare for no potable water and messy bathrooms. Enjoy identifying animal tracks after rain.
Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Some users report clean and serene conditions during certain seasons, while others complain about drought impacts and poor maintenance affecting the experience.
Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The real charm of Bates is the serene and dramatic setting.' 2. 'The drought has not been kind, but we’re seeing effects of that everywhere.' 3. 'Don’t bother unless you have 4x4 and enjoy...
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Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #2 has the best kid climbing tree and is highlighted positively.
Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed with collars bearing current tags per authoritative guidelines.
Based on 5 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

0
0 review
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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