By:
Submission
From Santa Maria: Hwy 166 50 miles east, Cottonwood Cyn. Rd. 7.5 miles southwest
Don’t bother unless you have 4x4 and enjoy treacherous journeys to skanky campgrounds. 2 miles from main road does not describe what you’re dealing with. Don’t trust G maps for estimates.
We drove in today just to look about; will definitely return to camp. The drought has not been kind, but we’re seeing effects of that everywhere we visit. The entire site was clean, the road in was not bad at all and we loved the serenity…
Up into the Canyon a bit from the 166, and nothing special here. About 6 or 7 spots/tables. It's a poor dirt road the last 2 miles to get here.
Bates Canyon campground is a very remote and beautiful campground. There are 6 tables & 2 buildings for pit toilets. The real charm of Bates is the serene and dramatic setting as It's nestled in the steep mountains & situated next to a babbling creek that can be enjoyed from your picnic table. Topping the area out eere all the beautiful majestic old growth oak trees. Site #2 has the best kid climbing tree. While my brother and I stayed and enjoyed Bates Canyon campground for several days it rained and we saw how well thought out the area was devloped as all of the tent sites drained well. It's a very old forest service facility and could use some reinvestment on the tables and pit buildings but this charming camp ground easily gets a 4 star. Check out the animal tracks after a rain and have fun identifying your track treasures. I've shared a pic of a large track my brother found just next to the camp ground. Remember your adventure pass & be prepared to unwind.
