Description
Access and Directions
Vehicle access to the Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp is restricted and available only when there’s a special public or private event.
- Location: The camp is located on Bommer Canyon Road, accessible exclusively from Shady Canyon Road.
- Bommer Canyon Road: Look for a stone monument sign reading “Bommer Canyon” at the turn-in. Be mindful that this sign is easy to miss, and the speed limit on Shady Canyon Road is 55mph.
- If you miss the turn: Continue to Turtle Rock Community Park, use the parking lot to safely turn around, and return.
- Once on Bommer Canyon Road:
- Keep left to stay on Bommer Canyon Road
- Pass the parking lot and bathrooms on the right (road maybe gated off beyond this point)
- The camp is located one mile further down on the right
Visiting the Camp
Bommer Canyon Road is typically gated near the bathrooms. The gate is only unlocked during private or public events.
- Suggested Way to Visit: Plan your visit during a public event to ensure gate access.
- Event Types: Good opportunities include Wilderness Access Days or Exploration Days hosted by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. You can search for these types of events on the Irvine Ranch Conservancy website.
History and Renovations
The camp has a long history and recently underwent significant upgrades.
- Historical Use: It served as a herding station for the Irvine Company’s Cattle Ranch from the late 1800s to 1985. The land was donated to the city in 2002.
- Renovation Timeline:
- Closed for renovations in March 2021
- Reopened in July 2023
- New Facilities: The upgraded facility, designed to resemble the original herding station, now includes:
- An upgraded stage
- Picnic tables
- Bonfire pit
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Dance area
- Reservations: All facilities can be reserved. For more information, you can call 949-724-6620.
Fee if wanting to reserve
$300/per day to reserve. Visit the city’s Bommer Canyon Preserve Cattle Camp Page for more.
