One of Orange County’s most renowned venues for weddings, reunions, and corporate events reopened in mid-July after undergoing $6 million worth of improvements while preserving its historical charm.
Originally constructed in 1967, the site pays homage to the history of the Irvine Ranch, including its Cattle Camp. Over time, exposure to the elements took a toll on the site, necessitating repairs. In response to extensive community feedback, the City initiated the Bommer Canyon Community Park Rehabilitation Project in 2018, with a primary focus on restoring the Cattle Camp area. The actual construction on the site commenced in 2020.
Interestingly, Bommer Canyon was once the location of an annual cattle roundup, where thousands of cattle roamed the Irvine Company’s Irvine Ranch during most of the 1900s. Cowboys used to gather the herd at the Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp, which served as the ranch’s cattle headquarters. In 2002, the Irvine Company generously donated 2,200 acres of open space to the city of Irvine, establishing the Bommer Canyon Open Space Preserve, making it accessible for hiking and biking activities. Today, Bommer Canyon stands at the heart of Irvine’s Southern Open Space Preserve, stretching through the coastal mountains all the way to the Pacific.
The Cattle Camp has a traditional reservation season from April to October, and starting Monday, July 17, the City of Irvine began accepting reservations for the remainder of the 2023 season. During the rehabilitation project, numerous old buildings were replaced, and various amenities at Bommer Canyon’s Cattle Camp were improved, preserving the nostalgic essence of the era when cowboys tended to the cattle on The Irvine Ranch.
The camp, nestled at the head of Bommer Canyon, boasts stunning landscapes with native meadows, woodlands, and ridgelines, offering trails leading to Crystal Cove. Its Old West ambiance has made it a popular destination for private parties, picnics, and campouts. The residents insisted on retaining the original camp’s Old West aesthetic during the modernization project.
Now, the camp features 39 new picnic tables under the shade of century-old sycamore trees. A rustic barn-style building houses a dance stage and a bridal suite. Additionally, the city has added plumbed restrooms and a catering kitchen with concession windows, all constructed with fire-resistant materials. Further enhancements include improved lighting and meandering walking paths throughout the park.
The newly restored Bommer Canyon Preserve Cattle Camp, encompassed by a lush sycamore canopy, now offers a blend of modern amenities and rustic design. It includes a 15-acre event space with a stage and backstage room, a renovated Chuck Wagon kitchen, updated restrooms with flushable toilets, new picnic tables, and ADA-accessible pathways.
For those interested in renting the Bommer Canyon Preserve Cattle Camp for parties, company picnics, weddings, or family reunions, it’s worth noting that the entire area must be reserved as a whole; individual amenities cannot be rented separately. Moreover, closures of the Cattle Camp may occur due to adverse weather conditions, fire risks, or watershed concerns.
Those seeking more information or wanting to inquire about reserving the Cattle Camp in 2024 can reach out to Facility Reservations at 949-724-6620 or via email at [email protected].