Date Hiked: July 30, 2023
General Condition: Impassable (completely overgrown or tread obliterated)

I don’t advise attempting this trail unless you have prior experience and a saw, though parts of the trail look clear with the view from the road above. I did not make it even 25 yards before I had to turn back due to a downed tree with multiple branches completely obstructing any path that made sense. Instead I waded the river down from Pioneer Camp to try and find LSC, that was not too sketchy. When I arrived at where the camp should have been along the river it appeared to be totally washed away from the heavy flooding, I could see the old grills all mangled and rusted spread around the area. Maybe there are some other camp sites that are above the river but I did not want to expend the energy needed to climb the hill to find out. Hopefully some interested and motivated volunteers can bring this area back into public use.

Date Hiked: May 16, 2016
General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)

A tree is down on the trail, a little tricky to pass, about 15 min minutes in the little sur river camp trail.
Camp in very good shape, mosquito really active

Date Hiked: June 13, 2015
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)

I hiked from Botchers Gap on Saturday and came out on Sunday. The trail was clear and easy to navigate. The camp was in good condition. Its a great place to relax with the river at your fingertips. Did a little fishing and exploring. I found and packed out the childs blue jacket left behind by Debz and kids. I live in Salinas area and can make arrangements to return it if you see this post.

Date Hiked: May 24, 2015
General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)

Hey Folks, We brought 5 kids down to the Little Sur Campground for Memorial Weekend. It was a good distance for them and a wonderful, safe place for them to play! My 6-year-old left his nice warm (blue and green) rain jacket down along the river. If anyone finds it and is coming back the Santa Cruz way, we would love to get it back. Please leave a message here - we could pick it up at the VWS office easily.

The trail condition was good, still lots of poison oak along the trail that we had to trample before the kids came through. The big fire ring down there is full of ash and hopefully someone can dig that down before the next campfire season opens. When wind stirs the ash up it's not very pleasant.

Thanks!! - Deb & kids in Santa Cruz

Date Hiked: August 1, 2009
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)

This trail is in good condition. There is some poison oak and a are few easily negotiated dedadfalls but the trail is heavily traveled. The camp is just as pleasant as it has ever been.

Date Hiked: July 25, 2007
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)

Conditions reported by: Reed Thayer
Survey date: 25-JULY-2007
General: CLEAR
Specific:

A lot of poison oak on the side but trail is in excelent condition.
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Conditions reported by: Greg Minter
Survey date: 1-JANUARY-2006
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Thought about an overnight on New Year's Day, but driving wind and rain, with a forecast for more, turned my overnight into a day hike to Little Sur Camp. Encountered one deadfall that wasn't too much trouble, otherwise trail is clear. The river was roaring strongly, enough so that you'd sleep uneasily in one of the riverside campsites. Site 3 was a bit flooded; sites 1 and 2, closest to the trail, were soggy but in good condition.
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Conditions reported by: Julio Rivera
Survey date: 12-SEPTEMBER-2005
General: PASSABLE
Specific:

Like other individuals that have reported about the trail itself, there are a few passable fallen trees that only make it difficult for heavy backpackers. The saddest and most unfortunate note is the state in which the campsite is being left recently. We collected several plastic containers, food wrapings and, most alarming, we saw evidence of human defecation too close to the watersource, the beautiful and bubbling Little Sur River.
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Conditions reported by: John Fedak
Survey date: 13-NOV-2004
General: CLEAR
Specific:

A few down trees may present some difficulty for those with full packs, but nothing particularly difficult for packless hikers. The campsites were unoccupied and in good condition. Trip Pictures
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Conditions reported by: Carl A. Mounteer
Survey date: 13-NOV-2004
General: PASSABLE
Specific:

Section: Entire length

Aside from three fallen trees that were easily negotiable, I would have rated this trail "Wilderness Freeway". The tread is well defined and the brush well cut back. I hesitate to say this but I will: The camp itself is really a lovely little spot that has not been trashed by backpacking trolls who get most of their calories from Jim Beam. I just hope it stays that way. If I go back there and find otherwise I will forever remain silent about little wilderness jewels like this one.
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Conditions reported by: Mike Heard
Survey date: 7-JUNE-2003
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Conditions are improved from the previous report: the tread is still in great shape and only two obstacles remain, both easily negotiated. The first is a fallen tree hanging about six feet over the trail; it's about 2/3 mile from the road. The second, which is about 200 yards closer to the river, is the root end of a huge redwood right on the trail through which a narrow passage has been cut. It is adequate for a hiker or backpacker, though probably impassable for stock.
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Conditions reported by: Andrew Ricciardi and Jennie Rees
Survey date: 3-APRIL-00
General: PASSABLE
Specific:

From Bottchers Gap to the Little Sur Camp trail you descend a dirt road for about a mile. No problems here except for the occasional inconsiderate drivers blowing by you. The trail is very well graded as you go down to the river. Towards the river there are a couple of large trees that have fallen over the trail. These require some careful scrambling to climb over. This would be much more difficult with a large pack.
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* USFS Trail #1E03
* Parking: Bottchers Gap $5/day
* Watersheds: North Fork Little Sur River
* Junctions: Scout Camp road
* Connects: Scout Camp road with Little Sur Camp
* Camps: Little Sur Camp