Bates Canyon
About this site
BATES CANYON (Campground) Additional Info: Bates Canyon Campground is a small, established campground nestled in a grove of large oak and sycamore trees in the Santa Lucia Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest. The campground features 6 campsites arranged around a central loop, each with good spacing to provide privacy. Every site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Located at 2,820 feet elevation along Cottonwood Canyon Road off Highway 166, the campground is accessible from Santa Maria and serves as a gateway to backcountry trails including the McPherson Peak Trail and Aliso Trail. The area is popular with hunters during fall season and offers access to the Sierra Madre Ridge and San Rafael Wilderness areas. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis year-round with no reservations. Visitors must possess an Adventure Pass or valid Interagency Pass for parking. There is no potable water available, so campers must bring all water needed for their stay. Two vault toilets serve the campground. Pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Current fire restrictions prohibit campfires in the West Cuesta Fire Use Restriction Area per Gifford Fire Closure Order 05-07-53-25-21.
Amenities & access
Access
- Drive-in access
Amenities
- Toilets
- Pet Friendly
- Fire Rings
Contact
Location
34.953231, -119.907942
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