Slate Creek Trail Campground

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9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,112 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open late spring thr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
(650) 948-9098interp@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 0 reviews

Most mentioned

location

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom Highway 35, turn west onto Alpine Road, go 3 miles, and turn onto Portola State Park Road. The road dead ends in the park. Use low gear as both these roads are steep and winding.
The roads leading to the park are steep, narrow, and winding. The last 6 miles require extreme care during the drive.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Slate Creek Trail Campground

This enchanted forest drinks deeply from Pacific storms, receiving 40 to 60 inches of rain annually that nourish the towering giants overhead. Summer visitors often find themselves wrapped in nature's own air conditioning as cool fog drifts through the canyon, creating an ethereal atmosphere among the ancient trees. When winter storms roll in, the landscape transforms into a wild, muddy adventure playground where normally gentle streams become rushing torrents, demanding respect and careful navigation from those brave enough to explore during the rainy season.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers easier access (seasonal bridges) and drier conditions for hike-in campers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through mid-autumn; still scenic though increasing rain and trail issues reported later in season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open in late spring; lush forest but wetter conditions and higher water levels early in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is open late spring through mid-autumn; winter access is limited and trails muddy/blocked.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open late spring through mid-autumn.
  • Current Alerts: Trail conditions vary due to weather and fallen trees; campers must turn back if trails are unsafe.

About Slate Creek Trail Campground

Deep within a secluded redwood sanctuary, Slate Creek Trail Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking true wilderness immersion. Six intimate primitive campsites await backpackers ready to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's ancient rhythms. While campfires aren't permitted to protect this pristine environment, the gentle glow of backpacking stoves illuminates evening meals as twilight filters through towering canopies. The melodic babble of nearby Slate Creek provides nature's soundtrack, though wise adventurers pack their own water or come prepared with purification systems to safely enjoy this mountain stream's offerings.
Slate Creek Trail Campground offers primitive camping exclusively for backpackers, reinforcing the park's focus on low-impact recreation.
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Best Campsites

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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.

Amenities available

Potable water
Food storage lockers
Firewood available

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.
HikingSlate Creek Trail Campground is accessible via a 2.5-mile hike along the Slate Creek Trail. Other trails in the park, such as Bear Creek Trail and Peters Creek Loop, provide more strenuous hiking options and opportunities to explore old-growth redwoods.
SwimmingSwimming is permitted in creeks, but activities such as diving and rock dam construction are prohibited to protect aquatic ecosystems.
BikingBiking is not permitted on trails but is allowed on paved roads and Old Haul Road, a scenic 10-mile round-trip ride.
Wildlife viewingThe campground offers opportunities to view diverse wildlife including black-tailed deer, raccoons, mountain lions, and endangered marbled murrelets. Birdwatchers may spot forest birds like jays and ravens.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampers should be cautious of poison oak, stinging nettle, ticks, yellowjackets, and muddy trails during the rainy season.
Active AlertsTrail conditions vary due to weather and fallen trees; campers must turn back if trails are unsafe.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are required to prevent wildlife access.

Weather at Slate Creek Trail Campground

Reviews

0.0
0 reviews
Limited 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.

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...
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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...
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Site-Specific Reviews

Specific reviews for designated sites are unavailable.

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.

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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