Slide Creek Campground
03 reviewsSlide Creek Campground, Malheur National Forest
Slide Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
No fees are required for this site.
About this campground
Nestled at the gateway to the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, Slide Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This intimate campground features just three thoughtfully placed sites beneath a canopy of towering ponderosa pines, where the gentle murmur of Slide Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your stay. As the trailhead for the Slide Connector Trail #386, this hidden gem serves as your launching point into the vast wilderness beyond, offering anglers pristine stream fishing, hikers endless mountain trails, and hunters access to remote backcountry terrain.
Slide Creek Campground includes three designated campsites, suitable for basic camping. Although originally tent-friendly, it is now described as a horse camp by users.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather here dances to its own rhythm, shifting from brilliant sunshine to dramatic storms with little warning. Summer visitors often find themselves basking in warm, dry conditions perfect for creek-side relaxation and trail exploration. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland. Spring brings its own magic, with wildflowers emerging as snow melts and the creek runs full. Pack layers and rain gear no matter the season – the mountains have a way of surprising even the most prepared visitors.
ElevationPerched high in the mountainous terrain of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, this campground offers that perfect thin-air clarity that only comes with elevation. While the exact altitude remains part of the mountain's mystery, visitors will feel the characteristic cool nights and brilliant star-filled skies that define high-country camping.
Natural Features and ScenerySlide Creek Campground immerses you in a pristine ponderosa pine forest where ancient trees stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark catching the filtered sunlight. The campground hugs the banks of Slide Creek as it journeys to meet Strawberry Creek, creating a ribbon of life through the wilderness. Beyond your tent, the dramatic peaks and hidden valleys of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness unfold, offering endless backcountry trails that wind through alpine meadows, past crystal-clear streams, and up to breathtaking vistas. This is a landscape that invites exploration, whether you're scrambling up rocky outcrops for panoramic views or following game trails through secluded forests.
Geological RegionPositioned at the northern threshold of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, Slide Creek Campground occupies a unique geological setting where ancient volcanic activity and millennia of erosion have sculpted a dramatic mountain landscape. The campground itself rests in a gentle grove of ponderosa pines along the creek's path, surrounded by the rugged peaks and deep valleys characteristic of this remote mountain wilderness. This is terrain shaped by fire and ice, where exposed rock faces tell stories millions of years in the making, and where every ridge and canyon reflects the powerful forces that created this spectacular backcountry playground.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilets are non-ADA-compliant. There is no other mention of specific accessibility features.
Sites SizeSlide Creek Campground includes three designated sites. User Michael Rudis notes that the first is a large area accommodating multiple tents and vehicles, while the second and third are more secluded.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers seclusion in some sites, with the second site specifically described as more private.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest the first site for larger groups and the second or third for privacy and proximity to the creek.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight the first campsite as the largest, accommodating multiple tents and cars. The second site is secluded, while the third is nestled between the Slide Creek Trail and Slide Creek itself.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limits are mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
User review mentions that the first site can accommodate up to half a dozen tents and several cars.
Groups
No details about group camping are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of three designated campsites in close proximity to Slide Creek and the Slide Connector Trail.
Open and Closed SeasonThe site is open but temporarily closed as per an authoritative section.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable. First-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. User reviews praise its quieter nature compared to neighboring campgrounds during busy weekends.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available; sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Slide Creek Campground provides access to outdoor activities such as hiking, stream fishing, and hunting, alongside wilderness trails. "Slide Connector Trail #386 starts at the campground."
Hiking
Day hiking opportunities begin at Slide Connector Trail #386, which originates at the campground and offers access to the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness.Fishing
Opportunities for stream fishing along Slide Creek and Strawberry Creek, as noted in both official sources and user reviews.Winter Activities
No information about winter-specific recreation is available.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire policies are not explicitly mentioned.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsWeather conditions can change rapidly, requiring preparedness. The unpaved road may pose challenges for less experienced drivers. User reviews suggest the campground experiences quiet noise levels, unlike busier sites at Strawberry Lake.
Active alertsThe site is temporarily closed.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Prairie City Ranger District (Address: 327 SW Front Street Prairie City, OR 97869, Phone: (541) 820-3800).
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are not explicitly defined.
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates on a pack-it-in/pack-it-out policy for trash removal. All trash, including cigarette butts and food, must be taken home.
Proximity to water featuresSlide Creek runs through the campground and merges with Strawberry Creek on the eastern boundary.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the lack of potable water and limited parking spaces, as noted in user reviews.
HostInformation about campground hosts is not provided.
Campground Map
Slide Creek Campground, Malheur National Forest
Driving directionsFrom Prairie City, OR., turn onto South Main Street. Follow South Main Street to the junction with Bridge Street. Turn left onto Bridge Street, on the right the second turn will be Bridge Street again, turn onto Bridge Street. Follow Bridge Street to the city limits, the road then becomes County Road 60 continue on County Road 60 for approximately 7 miles the road then becomes Forest Road 6001. Continue on Forest Road 6001 for approximately 1 mile, the campground will be on the left.
The access road is unpaved, making it perfect for car camping, according to user reviews. Seasonal closures or challenges are not explicitly mentioned in the provided source.Nearby places
Prairie City (approx. 8 miles, ~15 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Closest potable water and upgraded restrooms are at Strawberry Lake Campground. Prairie City provides access to groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Slide Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews describe Slide Creek Campground as a small, tranquil site with limited facilities but excellent access to wilderness trails. User Michael Rudis praises the secluded atmosphere and proximity to Slide Creek, while Claire Lundberg notes its transition to a horse camp, making it less suitable for tent camping.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the serene atmosphere, absence of fees, and the campground's proximity to wilderness trails and beautiful streams. The large first site accommodates multiple tents, while the second...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Issues include the lack of potable water and modern facilities. The vault toilets are older and non-ADA-compliant. Parking is limited, and recent changes to a horse camp reduced tent-friendly spaces.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water as there is no potable water on-site. Prepare for limited parking and basic facilities. Consider the campground's current status as a horse camp.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not specify seasonal trends, but the site is described as quiet and less crowded compared to nearby campgrounds. Weather conditions suggest spring to early fall as ideal camping times.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Smaller camp with (x3) sites in close proximity to Slide Creek as it merges with Strawberry Creek." - Michael Rudis. "As of 2021, this is a horse camp, information not included on the USFS website."...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The first site is spacious, accommodating multiple tents and vehicles. The second site is secluded, and the third is near the Slide Creek Trail. Limited parking may affect accessibility.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
The vault toilets are non-ADA-compliant, and no other accessibility features are mentioned.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025