Bottchers Gap
Closed indefinitely since July 2016 due to Palo Colorado Road closure. The road was damaged by the Soberanes Fire and subsequent winter storms. Monterey County has stated it lacks funding for repairs, and no reopening timeline has been announced.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Monterey Ranger District Emergency Closure Order with Exceptions
To provide for public safety, the Timber and Plaskett Fire Area are closed, including roads and trails described in Exhibit A and shown on the Exhibit B Map.This Forest Order No. 05-07-51-26-11 supersedes Forest Order No. 05-07-51-26-10.
Special Closure - SBRD Storm Damage Recovery
Closure of developed recreation sites, roads, and trails in the Santa Barbara Ranger District impacted by storm damage and some roads restricted to non-motorized use. Effective from September 16, 2026, through September 15, 2027.
About
Bottchers Gap Campground occupies a scenic ridgetop location at 2,100 feet elevation within the Los Padres National Forest, approximately 7.6 miles from the Big Sur Coast Highway via Palo Colorado Road. The campground features 11 primitive campsites shaded by native oak trees, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets are available, but campers must bring their own water as none is provided on site. The location is historically significant as a gateway to the Ventana Wilderness, with the McPhearson Peak Trail and Aliso Trail departing directly from the campground. These trails provide access to the rugged backcountry terrain that defines this section of the Santa Lucia Mountains. The campground operated on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. The campground has been closed indefinitely since July 2016 following the Soberanes Fire, which originated near this area. Subsequent winter storms caused additional damage to Palo Colorado Road, leaving Monterey County without the funds necessary for repairs. Vehicular access to Bottchers Gap remains impossible until the road is restored.
Directions
From Highway 1 in Big Sur, turn inland onto Palo Colorado Road and follow it 7.6 miles to the campground at road's end. Note: The road is currently closed and impassable.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (831) 385-5434 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Los Padres NF - Bottchers Gap |
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