Availability
Slate Creek is mapped at or near the camp-area marker. This is map evidence, not a real-time flow report.
Backpacking camp
Slate Creek Trail Camp
Santa Cruz Mountains Backcountry Trail Camps, California
About this place
Slate Creek Trail Camp is an official designated overnight location reached by the pinned agency trail route shown in Kampilo.
A reservation or permit is still required, and the map does not guarantee site availability or current access.
Water planning
Water at this camp
Natural water at or near this camp areaDrinking safety
Natural water is not verified potable. Filter and disinfect it or boil it according to the linked land-manager guidance before drinking.
Seasonality
Slate Creek is classified as perennial in USGS hydrography, but current flow still must be confirmed.
- Slate CreekRiver or stream · at the camp areaMapped perennial source — verify current flow · Treat before drinkingOfficial source
Fire planning
Campfire & stove rules
No campfires at trail campsCampfires
Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited at Santa Cruz Mountains trail camps; a provided grill or old ring does not authorize a fire.
Backpacking stoves
Portable gas stove only when park restrictions allow. Use a self-contained gas stove in the assigned camp only when California State Parks has not suspended flame devices for red-flag or extreme-fire conditions.
Permit
The trail-camp reservation is required; State Parks does not identify a separate California Campfire Permit for the allowed gas stove.
Current restrictions
Confirm the exact camp, park closure, red-flag warning, and current stove rule before hiking in.
Seasonal access
Closures & seasonal access
The four currently open Santa Cruz Mountains trail camps have no published recurring closure window, but wildfire danger, storm damage, park operations, and post-CZU repairs can close a route or campPlace closure
No recurring date-based closure of Slate Creek Trail Camp is published. The source-connected approach conditions below and temporary emergency orders still control access.
Seasonal access
Source-connected approach: Old Tree Trailhead. The four currently open Santa Cruz Mountains trail camps have no published recurring closure window, but wildfire danger, storm damage, park operations, and post-CZU repairs can close a route or camp. Big Basin trail camps remain closed and are not published by Kampilo.
Before driving
Confirm the exact trail-camp reservation, designated overnight parking, route status, sunset timing, and current fire restrictions before departure.
Mapped approaches
Choose a trailhead for Slate Creek Trail Camp
Each option has a sourced trail route to this camp area. Choose one to open its itinerary builder with this destination in context.
- Old Tree Trailhead2.3 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
Map
Loading map
- Latitude
- 37.258020° N
- Longitude
- 122.192911° W