Availability
Midpen's Black Mountain camp brochure identifies nonpotable water for washing at the campground; it is not drinking water.
Backpacking camp
Black Mountain Backpack Camp
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, California
About this place
Black Mountain is Midpen's only legal campsite; the agency-mapped camp trail system serves four single-party sites and one group site 1.5 miles from the Page Mill Road permit lot.
Carry the camping and overnight-parking permits, use the assigned site for no more than two nights, and treat the nearby trough as nonpotable under the preserve's current water and fire notice.
Water planning
Water at this camp
Nonpotable wash water · carry or treatDrinking safety
Filter, boil, or otherwise disinfect this nonpotable supply before drinking; carry backup water in case it is unavailable.
Seasonality
Midpen says drinking water is not generally available in its preserves. Carry a complete supply because the camp system or trough can be dry or out of service.
- Black Mountain Backpack Camp nonpotable water supplyWater spigot · at the camp areaSeasonal facility — may be dry or shut off · Treat before drinkingOfficial source
Fire planning
Campfire & stove rules
Campfires prohibitedCampfires
Midpen's Black Mountain camp rules prohibit campfires throughout the campground.
Backpacking stoves
Gas cook stove permitted. Use a gas cook stove at the assigned campsite and keep it attended; do not use wood, charcoal, or a biomass stove.
Permit
The camping and overnight-parking permits are required; Midpen does not identify a separate California Campfire Permit for the allowed gas stove.
Current restrictions
Check the current permit notice and fire-weather restrictions because Midpen can suspend gas-stove use during exceptional danger.
Seasonal access
Closures & seasonal access
Black Mountain Backpack Camp is offered year-round, but Midpen can close wet trails or reroute visitors around Monte Bello Road work; wind, heat, storms, and fire danger can also change accessPlace closure
No recurring date-based closure of Black Mountain Backpack Camp is published. The source-connected approach conditions below and temporary emergency orders still control access.
Seasonal access
Source-connected approach: Monte Bello Page Mill Road Trailhead. Black Mountain Backpack Camp is offered year-round, but Midpen can close wet trails or reroute visitors around Monte Bello Road work; wind, heat, storms, and fire danger can also change access.
Before driving
Check the current Monte Bello construction map, trail conditions, camping permit, and overnight-parking permit before travel.
Mapped approaches
Choose a trailhead for Black Mountain Backpack Camp
Each option has a sourced trail route to this camp area. Choose one to open its itinerary builder with this destination in context.
- Monte Bello Page Mill Road Trailhead1.8 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
Map
Loading map
- Latitude
- 37.318841° N
- Longitude
- 122.153086° W