How much does camping cost at Slate Creek Trail Campground?

Camping fees at Slate Creek Trail Campground range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Slate Creek Trail Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Slate Creek Trail Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Slate Creek Trail Campground before I book?

Yes! Slate Creek Trail Campground has 16 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Slate Creek Trail Campground?

Slate Creek Trail Campground is open Open late spring through mid-autumn.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Slate Creek Trail Campground?

Slate Creek Trail Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Slate Creek Trail Campground?

Fire policies at Slate Creek Trail Campground: Fires are prohibited; backpacking stoves are allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Slate Creek Trail Campground have?

Slate Creek Trail Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Slate Creek Trail Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Slate Creek Trail Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Slate Creek Trail Campground?

Slate Creek Trail Campground offers: Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Slate Creek Trail Campground?

Popular activities at Slate Creek Trail Campground include Hiking, Swimming, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Slate Creek Trail Campground

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9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Featured in:Swimming Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,112 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open late spring thr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,112 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open late spring thr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Slate Creek Trail Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Trail camp fees are $15 per site per night, with a $8 non-refundable reservation fee that covers processing and cancellations.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

(650) 948-9098interp@parks.ca.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Slate Creek Trail Campground

9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Nearby places

Sky Londa (14 miles away), La Honda (9 miles away)

Nearby supplies

Nearest gas station is 14 miles away in Sky Londa

nearest groceries are 9 miles away in La Honda.

Weather at Slate Creek Trail Campground

Current alert: Trail conditions vary due to weather and fallen trees; campers must turn back if trails are unsafe.

Best Time to Camp at Slate Creek Trail Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions: cool mornings and afternoons in the mid-50s to low-80s°F, with nights dropping to the mid-40s to mid-50s. Fog often drifts through the canyon, keeping things cooler than the coast range average. The campground gets 40 to 60 inches of rain annually, mostly in winter when storms turn trails muddy and Slate Creek swells. Winter camping means navigating rushing water and slick conditions. Pack warm layers year-round.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers most reliable conditions, warmer creek pools and seasonal bridge access.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open late spring through mid-autumn.

About Slate Creek Trail Campground

Slate Creek Trail Campground offers six primitive, hike-in sites tucked into an old-growth redwood forest deep in Portola Redwoods State Park. At $15 per night, these tent-only sites accommodate up to 6 people each on 10x10-foot tent pads. No campfires are allowed, and there's no cell service anywhere in the park.

Slate Creek Trail Campground offers primitive camping exclusively for backpackers, reinforcing the park's focus on low-impact recreation.

Historical Significance

The park takes its name from Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola. An old haul road carved by logger William Page cuts through the area, a remnant of the logging era. Ruins of Christian Iverson's cabin, built by a Danish immigrant, still sit among the ferns.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions: cool mornings and afternoons in the mid-50s to low-80s°F, with nights dropping to the mid-40s to mid-50s. Fog often drifts through the canyon, keeping things cooler than the coast range average. The campground gets 40 to 60 inches of rain annually, mostly in winter when storms turn trails muddy and Slate Creek swells. Winter camping means navigating rushing water and slick conditions. Pack warm layers year-round.

ElevationNestled within the rolling embrace of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the campground occupies that sweet spot of elevation where coastal fog mingles with mountain air, creating the perfect conditions for the mighty redwoods to thrive. This mountain perch offers a refreshing escape from valley heat while remaining accessible to dedicated backpackers seeking highland adventures.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient redwoods tower above the campground, mixing with second-growth forest on the steep canyon walls. Slate Creek runs through the basin, carving pools that warm enough for swimming by summer. The forest floor spreads thick with sword ferns, huckleberry, and moss. Filtered light creates shifting patterns through the dense canopy. The canyon sits at 1,112 feet elevation, where the Santa Cruz Mountains show their dramatic topography through sharp drops and persistent water flow.

Geological RegionThe Santa Cruz Mountains reveal their dramatic character here through a deep canyon carved by patient waters over millennia. This geological masterpiece showcases nature's architectural prowess, where mixed evergreen forests cling to steep canyon walls and magnificent old-growth redwoods stand sentinel alongside their second-growth descendants. The interplay of ancient geology and persistent streams has sculpted a landscape that perfectly balances rugged mountain terrain with the gentle grace of one of Earth's most impressive forest ecosystems.

Scenic ViewsCampers can experience views of towering redwood trees and forested landscapes.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations are available at Slate Creek Trail Campground. The site is exclusively for primitive backpacking camping.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs at Slate Creek Trail Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Reservations are required
campsites can accommodate up to six people each.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Six people maximum per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSix hike-in sites spread through the forest with good separation between them. Each site includes a 10x10-foot tent pad and bear locker.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via parks.ca.gov/scmtrailcamps or by calling (831) 338-8867.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations are mandatory.

Cancellation PolicyChanges and/or cancellations must be made a full 48 hours in advance by calling (831) 338-8867.

AccessibilitySlate Creek Trail Campground does not provide accessibility features. The site requires a 2.5-mile hike and is not wheelchair-accessible.

Site SizeSites are limited to 6 people each, with tent pad areas measuring approximately 10x10 feet.

PrivacySites are well-separated, providing significant privacy for campers.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites based on proximity to Slate Creek for water access.

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Amenities available

Slate Creek Trail Campground provides a primitive camping experience for backpackers. It is located within Portola Redwoods State Park, offering six primitive campsites accessible via a 2.5-mile hike from the Old Tree trailhead. Amenities include potable water from Slate Creek (to be treated or packed in) and the use of backpacking stoves, as fires are prohibited. There are no flush or vault toilets at the campsites.

Potable water

Food storage lockers

Firewood available

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Slate Creek Trail Campground is nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering activities like hiking through redwoods and wildlife viewing. Fires are prohibited, prioritizing a conservation-friendly camping experience.

Hiking

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampers should be cautious of poison oak, stinging nettle, ticks, yellowjackets, and muddy trails during the rainy season.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Slate Creek Trail Campground. Visitors must prepare for primitive conditions.

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are required to prevent wildlife access.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFires are prohibited; backpacking stoves are allowed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are accessible by dialing 911; nearest ranger station with pay phone is at Portola Redwoods State Park headquarters.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not provided at Slate Creek Trail Campground. Visitors are encouraged to pack out all waste to maintain the area's natural environment.

Water FeaturesSlate Creek is located about 1/4 mile from the campground.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Slate Creek Trail Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Slate Creek Trail Campground is praised for its secluded and peaceful atmosphere, located within an old-growth redwood forest. Backpackers appreciate the natural beauty and the challenge of hiking in.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Users highlight the remote location, abundant wildlife, and proximity to scenic trails as major positives.

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of cellular reception, absence of flush or vault toilets, and the need to treat or carry in drinking water.

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific reviews for designated sites are unavailable.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing a water filtration system, packing warm clothes due to cool temperatures, and preparing for poor cell service. They also advise early arrival to complete hikes before...

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that winter brings challenges such as muddy trails and fallen trees, while summer offers easier access with installed seasonal bridges.

Camper Quotes

1. 'The hike to Slate Creek Trail Campground is a rewarding challenge, offering stunning views of redwoods and pristine nature.' 2. 'Prepare to filter water and pack for primitive camping...

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are absent due to the primitive nature of the campground.

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at Slate Creek Trail Campground, so there are no reviews regarding pet policies or features.

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Backpackers who want real solitude in a Santa Cruz Mountains redwood canyon. Summer is the sweet spot: Slate Creek warms enough to swim, the 10x10 tent pads give everyone room, and the six well-separated sites rarely feel crowded at $15/night.

Skip if

No vault toilets anywhere at the sites, water from Slate Creek needs treatment or you're carrying it all in, fires are prohibited park-wide, and your dog can't come. Car campers or anyone expecting drive-up convenience will find nothing here.

Nearby Campgrounds

9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Portola Campground sits at 1,160 feet in a stream basin carved into the Santa Cruz Mountains, where 55 sites nestle beneath coastal redwoods and mixed evergreen forest. Sites run $10-$35 per night and accommodate tents, RVs, and groups. Cell service is nonexistent. There's a pay phone at the visitor center for emergencies.