How much does camping cost at Bottchers Gap Campround?

Camping fees at Bottchers Gap Campround range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Bottchers Gap Campround?

Bottchers Gap Campround is open Closed indefinitely due to Palo Colorado Road closure.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bottchers Gap Campround?

Bottchers Gap Campround does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Bottchers Gap Campround have?

Bottchers Gap Campround has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Bottchers Gap Campround?

Pets are not allowed at Bottchers Gap Campround. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Bottchers Gap Campround?

Bottchers Gap Campround offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bottchers Gap Campround?

Popular activities at Bottchers Gap Campround include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bottchers Gap Campround

Q: Is Bottchers Gap Campround first-come first-served or reservation?

Bottchers Gap Campround operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground was open to walk-ups before closure. Visitors were advised to arrive early due to limited spots (12 sites total).

3.60

15 reviews

Featured in:Camping Near Big Sur

Quick Facts

1,860 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Closed indefinitely ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,860 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Closed indefinitely ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Bottchers Gap Campround

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly fee for camping is $15. However, as of the latest information, the campground remains closed due to road and fire damage.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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USFS

Provider

(831) 385-5434 ext. 0

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Bottchers Gap Campround

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Campground Map

Bottchers Gap Campround

36.3537, -121.8131

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.

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.

Weather at Bottchers Gap Campround

Current alert: "CLOSED INDEFINITELY due to Palo Colorado Road closure." The campground has been closed since July 2016.

Best Time to Camp at Bottchers Gap Campround

Fall delivers the best conditions. Temperatures run 50-70°F during the day with nights in the 40s, and the dry weather makes ridge hikes clearer and more comfortable than spring. The oak and madrone stands take on warm tones, trails are less buggy, and summer crowds are gone. Winter brings rain. Summer brings flies. Reviewers mentioned needing fly swatters. Wind gusts can hit 35 mph as they sweep through the saddle.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as best: 50–70°F days, clearer ridge hikes and comfortable conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Closed indefinitely due to Palo Colorado Road closure.

About Bottchers Gap Campround

Bottchers Gap Campground sits at 1,860 feet in Los Padres National Forest, perched on a natural saddle shaped by the Palo Colorado fault. The campground has been closed since July 2016 due to road damage. When operational, it offered 12 tent sites for $15 per night, with vault toilets and fire rings but no cell service.

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 Significance

The Civilian Conservation Corps built a guard station here during the Depression. Young CCC workers watched over the forest and created infrastructure that served campers for decades until the 2016 closure.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Temperatures run 50-70°F during the day with nights in the 40s, and the dry weather makes ridge hikes clearer and more comfortable than spring. The oak and madrone stands take on warm tones, trails are less buggy, and summer crowds are gone. Winter brings rain. Summer brings flies. Reviewers mentioned needing fly swatters. Wind gusts can hit 35 mph as they sweep through the saddle.

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 SceneryThe campground occupies a geological saddle created by the Palo Colorado fault, where tectonic forces carved a mountain pass that supports an unusual mix of vegetation. Five species of Live Oak grow alongside Madrone groves, each adapted to conditions the fault line created. Sites 9-12 sit on higher ground with panoramic views across coastal mountains. A spot known as the heliport offers 360-degree views including distant ocean glimpses. The elevation and exposed ridgeline mean wind is a constant presence.

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.

Scenic Views"Sites 9 through 12 offer panoramic views, but view from the 'heliport' is best." The surrounding forest and fault-saddle geography provide a unique natural setting.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations such as cabins or hotel-style lodges are available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo programs of cultural or educational nature are detailed.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwelve tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Sites sit relatively close together. Some tent pads are separated only by posts in the ground. The access road is steep and narrow with tight turns, so drive cautiously.

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).

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are not available, and there is no specific mention of other accessibility features.

Site SizeTent sites are suitable for standard tents.

PrivacySites are relatively close together, as noted by reviews mentioning shared tent pads separated only by posts in the ground.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors are advised to explore the 'heliport' for the best views.

Best CampsitesSites 9-12 have the views. They sit higher than the rest of the campground with panoramas across the coastal mountains. For the widest views, the heliport spot offers 360 degrees.

Amenities available

The Bottchers Gap Campground is currently closed indefinitely due to the Palo Colorado Road Closure, which has been in effect since July 2016. Officially, potable water is not available at this campground, and restroom information is not currently provided. The elevation of the campground is noted to be at 1,860 ft, and it is located within Los Padres National Forest amongst Madrones and five species of Live Oaks.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBefore its closure, driving on Palo Colorado Road was notably challenging due to steep, winding, and narrow conditions. Currently, the road is damaged and impassable.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available according to official records.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.6

15 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Bottchers Gap Campround has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 15 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 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on persistent flies, windy conditions, and lack of water or basic amenities.

Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 9 through 12 offer panoramic views, but views from the heliport were noted to be the best.

Based on 15 reviews

Pro 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 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews generally reflect better experiences in warmer months due to accessibility and scenic views. Seasonal issues include flies and wind.

Based on 15 reviews

Camper 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 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.

Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically addressed pet policies or experiences with pets.

Based on 15 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

When it reopens, sites 9-12 and the heliport overlook are the draw, with fall temps in the 50s-70s, the Skinner Ridge trailhead into 156 miles of Ventana Wilderness trails, and $15/night fees that beat the Big Sur coast options.

Skip if

The road closure is indefinite and has been since 2016, so anyone planning a trip should confirm access before driving Palo Colorado Road. Even historically, no water on site meant hauling your own from 14 miles away, and summer flies were bad enough that reviewers packed fly swa

Nearby Campgrounds

45500 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Trail Campground sits in a meadow at Andrew Molera State Park where the Big Sur River winds toward the Pacific. This walk-in campground has 24 primitive sites. 22 tent spots and two hike-and-bike sites. Each with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear locker. Potable water and flush toilets are available, but there are no showers. Fees run $5-$30 per night.

Bottchers Gap Campround

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Bottchers Gap Campround

Campground Map

Weather at Bottchers Gap Campround

Best Time to Camp at Bottchers Gap Campround

Planning Tips

About Bottchers Gap Campround

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

Directions

Plan a trip to Bottchers Gap Campround

Best Time to Camp at Bottchers Gap Campround

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews