Madulce Camp South Los Padres National Forest

• Camp Type: Wilderness Trail Camp
• Topo Map Link: Malduce Peak
• Elevation: 5100 feet
• Wilderness Area: Dick Smith
• County: Santa Barbara County
• Ranger District: Santa Barbara Ranger District
• Longitude: -119.579302
• Latitude: 34.70340214
• Water Sources: Water is available seasonally at Madulce Spring and at the creek behind camp. To find the spring box, look for a small fork in the trail in the fern patch about 150 yards up trail (west) of the cabin site, after crossing the creek once.
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Reservations: Wilderness Trail Camp

Recent Water Reports:

Date	Surveyor	Water Report
04-11-2024	Red	Flowing
03-09-2024	Jonathan Rocque	Flowing
11-25-2022	Charles	Dry
04-17-2022	The Lost Padre	Flowing
03-31-2022	Danny Trudeau	Flowing
03-12-2022	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
01-23-2022	B Campbell	Flowing
11-27-2021	Charles	Dry
04-24-2021	Addison Jerlow	Flowing
03-25-2021	Sonia	Flowing
02-21-2021	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
07-01-2020	Micah Sittig	Flowing
06-25-2020	Conor W	Flowing
06-23-2020	John Doe	Flowing
05-27-2020	Antonio Calderon	Flowing
01-02-2019	Brad Anderson	Dry
08-25-2018	Andrew	Dry
05-28-2018	Shaddus Maximus	Flowing
05-15-2018	Valerie Norton	Flowing
04-25-2018	Kevin Donlon	Flowing
04-16-2018	Lightningrod	Flowing
03-19-2018	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
06-04-2017	Dirge	Flowing
05-20-2017	MSchless	Flowing
03-19-2017	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
07-23-2016	Los Padres Forest Association	Trickle
05-30-2016	Steve Cypher	Flowing
05-21-2016	James Wapotich	Trickle
05-21-2016	James Wapotich	Trickle
05-21-2016	James Wapotich	Trickle
05-14-2016	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
04-02-2016	Paul Cronshaw	Flowing
02-20-2016	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
10-04-2015	Los Padres Forest Association	Stagnant
06-20-2015	Condor	Stagnant
05-22-2015	Condor Trail	Trickle
05-13-2015	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
04-25-2015	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
10-25-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Dry
06-27-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing

Photo: Bryan Conant

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Description:

The Maldulce Camp was once an old forest service outpost or guard station, the historical structure was first constructed by a squatter in the 1880's and was used by the Forest Service from 1890 to 1929, then was rebuilt in 1930 and was used until it was burnt by an act of arson in late 1990's. The camp is positioned under a group of tall pines and next to a small seasonal creek. The Zaca Fire burnt this area in 2007, please take caution when choosing a location to camp due to multitude of hazard or dead trees, which can be a major issue in a light wind, so please choose a safe location to set up camp. The meadow or clearing below the camp at the old cabin site is both a wonderful and safe place to camp.

Access: 6 miles beyond the locked gate at the head of the Santa Barbara Canyon Trail (25W02), an old jeep road that gradually increases in elevation until near the end of the canyon at which point it steeply escalates up a ridge, this portion is called heartbreak hill. The camp can also be accessed from the Malduce Trail (28W09) via the Puerto Suelo Trail (3E08) or Buckhorn Rd (9N11)

History: This camp takes its name from Malduce Peak, called Strawberry Peak on the 1905 Forest Service Map. While the term has never existed as written word in Spanish, it (or a term close in appearance and sound) is Catalonian Spanish for "strawberry," and was used as such in this part of the state. The small wild California strawberry plant grows in this area and in the San Rafael Mountains.

 

~ Robert A. Burtness - A Camper's Guide to the Tri-County Area

Recent Uploads:

Photo By: - Website Link

Survey Photos:

• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 06-27-2014
  Spring box fixed and working nicely.
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 10-25-2014
  
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 10-25-2014
  
• 
  Condor - 06-20-2015
  spring is wet but no flow. Recommend cleaner pools downstream
• 
  Condor - 06-20-2015
  possibly killed by bear as there was a lot of sign nearby
• 
  Condor - 06-20-2015
  3 rattlesnakes were spotted on our overnight trip
• 
  Condor - 06-20-2015
  bear tracks in the mud. looks like a mother and cub
• 
  Paul Cronshaw - 04-02-2016
  Campsite from ridge trail
• 
  Paul Cronshaw - 04-02-2016
  Old Cabin site
• 
  Paul Cronshaw - 04-02-2016
  Madulce Creek
• 
  Paul Cronshaw - 04-02-2016
  Upper Campsite
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 03-19-2017
  First view of Madulce from the top of Heart Break Hill on the Santa Barbara Canyon Trail.
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 03-19-2017
  The Station Campsite.
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 03-19-2017
  Spring box is working great, but there is so much water everywhere.
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 03-19-2017
  The huge hazard pine at the Backpacker Campstie. Again, suggest camping at the Station Site.
• 
  Anonymous Surveyor - 05-13-2015
  
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 03-19-2018
  The cabin camp overview
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 03-19-2018
  Backpacker camp, with hazard tree looming in the distance.
• 
  Kevin Donlon - 04-25-2018
  Creek behind cabin camp flowing nicely
• 
  Antonio Calderon - 05-27-2020
  
• 
  Antonio Calderon - 05-27-2020
  
• 
  John Doe - 06-23-2020
  
• 
  Micah Sittig - 07-01-2020
  Camp is full of grasses, firewood is collected but current restrictions disallow fire.
• 
  Micah Sittig - 07-01-2020
  Signpost at the junction just outside of camp needs to be redone.
• 
  Charles - 11-27-2021
  
• 
  Charles - 11-27-2021
  Fixed the sign
• 
  Anonymous Surveyor - 03-12-2022
  
• 
  Danny Trudeau - 03-31-2022
  
• 
  The Lost Padre - 04-17-2022
  
• 
  The Lost Padre - 04-17-2022
  

Submitted Camp Reports

Madulce Camp Survey - 04-11-2024 - by Red

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	04-11-2024
Surveyor Name:	Red
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 03-09-2024 - by Jonathan Rocque

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	03-09-2024
Surveyor Name:	Jonathan Rocque
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Lots of water flow in the creek
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 11-25-2022 - by Charles

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	11-25-2022
Surveyor Name:	Charles
Camp Description:	Camped at the lower camp site. It was very nice. I was unable to find the spring box the fourth time I've come out here.
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:	Couldn't find the spring box, there was snow but no water
Weather Conditions:	cold nights warm days

Madulce Camp Survey - 04-17-2022 - by The Lost Padre

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	04-17-2022
Surveyor Name:	The Lost Padre
Camp Description:	The creek is flowing in both camps but stagnant in other areas. Mtn Lions “chirping” near camp at night. The harder to navigate dead trees in the trail above camp to Madulce Peak connector have been removed. Still some large stepovers , 1 big over/under & a big snag at an upper Madulce creek crossing
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Spring box is full & flowing well!
Weather Conditions:	65 day/ 30’s night
Images:

Madulce Camp Survey - 03-31-2022 - by Danny Trudeau

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	03-31-2022
Surveyor Name:	Danny Trudeau
Camp Description:	Trail has multiple down trees between camp and madulce peak trail junction.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Madulce Camp Survey - 03-12-2022 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	03-12-2022
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	Camp is in good condition. Creek was flowing. Ground is a little lumpy but 6-8 tents could fit
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Madulce Camp Survey - 01-23-2022 - by B Campbell

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	01-23-2022
Surveyor Name:	B Campbell
Camp Description:	Camp is in excellent shape.  Water was flowing nicely in the creek bed.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 11-27-2021 - by Charles

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	11-27-2021
Surveyor Name:	Charles
Camp Description:	Campsite was very nice  the creek was dry didn't go to spring box.
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	clear sky cool nights warm days
Images:	Fixed the sign

Madulce Camp Survey - 04-24-2021 - by Addison Jerlow

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	04-24-2021
Surveyor Name:	Addison Jerlow
Camp Description:	The cabin camp is in great shape with good flowing water.  Trail camp also looked good but with only a trickle/pools in the creek and clearly less used. Couldn't find the spring box but wasn't exactly sure where to look...
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	good flow at cabin, trickle at backpacker camp
Weather Conditions:	sunny mid 60s, mid 30s at night

Madulce Camp Survey - 03-25-2021 - by Sonia

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	03-25-2021
Surveyor Name:	Sonia
Camp Description:	Large camp area around old cabin foundation.  Another just up the Madulce Trail in the trees with a couple ice cans.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 02-21-2021 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	02-21-2021
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Good water flowing in camp. Cold mornings but one great thing about Madulce is that it gets super early sun! Good news is that the HUGE hazard tree that had been hanging over the backpacker camp has fallen and did not destroy the camp. The backpacker camp should be safe to stay at again. Be sure to always look up and assess hazard trees before choosing your camping spot. Enjoy.....
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Cold nights and warm days

Madulce Camp Survey - 07-01-2020 - by Micah Sittig

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	07-01-2020
Surveyor Name:	Micah Sittig
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Small stream with a moderate flow, a little algae but enough flow to get clear water.
Weather Conditions:	Clear skies, 90 degrees in the day, down to low 50s at night.
Images:	Camp is full of grasses, firewood is collected but current restrictions disallow fire. Signpost at the junction just outside of camp needs to be redone.

Madulce Camp Survey - 06-25-2020 - by Conor W

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	06-25-2020
Surveyor Name:	Conor W
Camp Description:	Good water in the creek next to camp. Madulce Trail up to Big Pine Rd. is in need of work. Multiple fallen trees across trail, heavy brush and tangles near riparian areas. The route has been freshly flagged for ease of travel.Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 06-23-2020 - by John Doe

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	06-23-2020
Surveyor Name:	John Doe
Camp Description:	The creek is flowing nicely next to both sites. Lots of algae but a few clear pools to filter from.Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	A few clear pools ~1 foot deep next to each site
Weather Conditions:	Clear skies, dry, ranged from high 40s to low 90s
Images:

Madulce Camp Survey - 05-27-2020 - by Antonio Calderon

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	05-27-2020
Surveyor Name:	Antonio Calderon
Camp Description:	The cabin site is a great spot with good water flow. Hiked up Santa Barbara canyon and spent one night here. Beautiful quite place. The upper campsite is also a great spot though it did have lots of downed trees all around.Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Great flow, good quality
Weather Conditions:	Sunny, high 80s
Images:

Madulce Camp Survey - 01-02-2019 - by Brad Anderson

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	01-02-2019
Surveyor Name:	Brad Anderson
Camp Description:	First Camp has a lot of litter: beer cans, water bottles, and left camping gear. Second camp is nice.
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:	Creek behind camp is dry, but there is water ~1.5 miles upstream.
Weather Conditions:	Cold!

Madulce Camp Survey - 08-25-2018 - by Andrew

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	08-25-2018
Surveyor Name:	Andrew
Camp Description:	Well-used camp by what looks like a lot of pack animal riders. A lot of dead trees surround the camp. Came is equipped with no table, a fire ring, shovel and axe. Watch where you make camp as I had a large dead tree fall out of the blue right behind the camp.Â
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 05-28-2018 - by Shaddus Maximus

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	05-28-2018
Surveyor Name:	Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Good flow at the main station camp; more of a trickle at the upper backpacker's camp.
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 05-15-2018 - by Valerie Norton

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	05-15-2018
Surveyor Name:	Valerie Norton
Camp Description:	Stayed at the camp my first night going after some area peaks. (Link to write up.) I could hear the creek when I spotted the camp from above. Saw no one all day, but someone came thrashing through the brush, across the creek, and a bit more thrashing heading east once it got really dark. I expect bear. A little bit of dew and some freezing overnight. The night was clear right until it started to brighten in the dawn and then clouds rushed in to make for a foggy first few hours.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	beautiful big creek, did not check springs
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 04-25-2018 - by Kevin Donlon

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	04-25-2018
Surveyor Name:	Kevin Donlon
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Water flowing very nicely in the creek behind the cabin camp. Plenty of flow to wash off and filter water.
Weather Conditions:	70's during the day, mid-30's at night
Images:	Creek behind cabin camp flowing nicely

Madulce Camp Survey - 04-16-2018 - by Lightningrod

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	04-16-2018
Surveyor Name:	Lightningrod
Camp Description:	Spent the night at Madulce as part of a three day loop trip starting at the Santa Barbara Canyon trail head.  Camp was in OK shape after cleaning some horse apples out of the area.  We were pelted with snow late afternoon and was very cold overnight.  Snow on the ridge above us when we awoke on Tuesday morning.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Stream next to camp is flowing nicely
Weather Conditions:	Night time low was mid 20's. Cold and snow!

Madulce Camp Survey - 03-19-2018 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	03-19-2018
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	The upper "backpacker camp" remains in the shadow of the huge dead hazard pine and as a result the main cabin site continues to see most of the action.  The camp is in great shape. Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Exceptional flow in Pine Creek as well as the spring near the backpacker camp.
Weather Conditions:	Cold, snow.
Images:	The cabin camp overview Backpacker camp, with hazard tree looming in the distance.

Madulce Camp Survey - 06-04-2017 - by Dirge

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	06-04-2017
Surveyor Name:	Dirge
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Plenty of water at camp
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 05-20-2017 - by MSchless

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	05-20-2017
Surveyor Name:	MSchless
Camp Description:	Stopped by Madulce on the way up to Big Pine. 250 ish lb bear in the meadow just after cresting heartbreak hill. Lots of good water in the creek. Didn't check the spring box.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Clear steady flow through creek
Weather Conditions:	Mid 70s around 11:30 am

Madulce Camp Survey - 03-19-2017 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	03-19-2017
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Madulce is in great shape.  Showing a little bit of use but no overuse.  Signs of recent equestrian use at the main Station Campsite.  The Backpacker Campsite still has that one huge dead hazard pine tree lingering over camp which makes it sketchy to camp at.  Suggest staying at the Station Camp.  Tons of water in the creek, green grass in the fields and flowers on the plants. Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Sunny, mid-60's, perfect.
Images:	First view of Madulce from the top of Heart Break Hill on the Santa Barbara Canyon Trail. The Station Campsite. Spring box is working great, but there is so much water everywhere. The huge hazard pine at the Backpacker Campstie. Again, suggest camping at the Station Site.

Madulce Camp Survey - 07-23-2016 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	07-23-2016
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Great article by James Wapotich on the history of the Madulce Camp site, enjoy: https://songsofthewilderness.wordpress.com/2016/07/23/trail-quest-madulce-guard-station/
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 05-30-2016 - by Steve Cypher

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	05-30-2016
Surveyor Name:	Steve Cypher
Camp Description:	LPFA conducted a trail maintenance project based at Madulce Station site May 20-30. The station site is being taken over by cherry & roses, but still room for several tents. The corral was repaired and is safe for holding livestock. Water in the creek was slightly more than a trickle and adequate for filling buckets and watering stock. Backpacker's camp is in good shape, but has some hazardous dead trees that will fall at some point.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Ankle deep, sweet, clear water at cabin site.
Weather Conditions:	Mostly clear. Heavy frost May 20, chilly nights.

Madulce Camp Survey - 05-21-2016 - by James Wapotich

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	05-21-2016
Surveyor Name:	James Wapotich
Camp Description:	The water at the camp is starting to dry up. There is still water upstream along the trail, as well as the spring box.
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 05-21-2016 - by James Wapotich

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	05-21-2016
Surveyor Name:	James Wapotich
Camp Description:	The water at the camp is starting to dry up. There is still water upstream along the trail, as well as the spring box.
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 05-21-2016 - by James Wapotich

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	05-21-2016
Surveyor Name:	James Wapotich
Camp Description:	The water at the camp is starting to dry up. There is still water upstream along the trail, as well as the spring box.
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 05-14-2016 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	05-14-2016
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	Ankle deep water flowing in creek and plenty in the spring box.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 04-02-2016 - by Paul Cronshaw

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	04-02-2016
Surveyor Name:	Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:	Stayed at main campsite where the original cabin once stood.  There is a nice rock firing with grate, shovel, ax and post hole digger.  Stock pen is functional.  Upper campsite is unsafe due to two standing hazard trees.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Nice pools of clean water
Weather Conditions:	Sunny, temps in high 70's, frost in AM
Images:	Campsite from ridge trail Old Cabin site Madulce Creek Upper Campsite

Madulce Camp Survey - 02-20-2016 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	02-20-2016
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Light flow in the creek behind the old Madulce Cabin.  Enough for camping but not nearly enough for late February during an El Niño year.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 10-04-2015 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	10-04-2015
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Very little water at Madulce but there was some.
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 06-20-2015 - by Condor

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	06-20-2015
Surveyor Name:	Condor
Camp Description:	The camp is in good condition.  SB canyon trall into camp is overgrown and very difficult approahing the camp. The the members of my group are strong and expllerienced hikers and took about 3 hours to locate and travel the last 2-3 miles. We left some cairns on the way out so godly that will help.  Also saw lots of bear sign on the way in so be prepared!
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:	Spring is not flowing. Found 1 pool clear enough to treat and filtered 10 liters
Weather Conditions:
Images:	spring is wet but no flow. Recommend cleaner pools downstream possibly killed by bear as there was a lot of sign nearby 3 rattlesnakes were spotted on our overnight trip bear tracks in the mud. looks like a mother and cub

Madulce Camp Survey - 05-22-2015 - by Condor Trail

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	05-22-2015
Surveyor Name:	Condor Trail
Camp Description:	Not very much water and the water that was there was not too appealing.  Things are starting to dry up.
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 05-13-2015 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	05-13-2015
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Madulce Camp Survey - 04-25-2015 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	04-25-2015
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	• Water in Pine Creek at Madulce Station. • Snow on top of Madulce Peak from recent storm. • Most of the crossings along SB Canyon had water.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Madulce Camp Survey - 10-25-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	10-25-2014
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	A scouting mission to Madulce Camp revealed that it is BONE DRY down there.  Even the spring box that was installed about 4 months ago was dry.  All plumbing appears to be in place, just no water.
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Madulce Camp Survey - 06-27-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Madulce Camp
Date:	06-27-2014
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	The LPFA lead a work project down to Madulce Camp in the middle of summer.  We fixed the old spring box, see photos below: https://www.facebook.com/LosPadresForestAssociation/posts/341381952653402 When we left the spring was flowing at about 1 gallon per minute.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:	Spring box fixed and working nicely.

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