Backcountry: Designated Campsites

Learn More about Camping at these Sites

Our backcountry sites are listed from north to south. Each of them provide different experiences and have very different pros and cons. More detailed information for each site is provided and linked below. Free backcountry permits are required for overnight use of all of the park's backcountry camp areas.

Backcountry Campsites North of the Klamath River

The backcountry sites north of the Klamath River provide a range of experiences, from forested trails to open prairies. These sites require a hike in and vary in difficulty, with some allowing horses and bikes. Both Little Bald Hills Camp and DeMartin Camp offer essential amenities like bear-proof lockers, fire pits, and toilets, but water must be packed in.

Required Permits

A free backcountry camping permit is required for both locations.

Little Bald Hills Camp

A remote backcountry retreat for hikers, bikers, and equestrians.

• Location: Redwood National Park
• Trailhead: Access via a marked trailhead off Howland Hill Road
• Distance to Camp: 3.3 miles
• Difficulty: Strenuous – gradual 1,800-foot elevation gain

• More About the Site: View Details and Maps.

What to Expect

Nestled at the edge of open prairies and surrounded by fir and pine trees, Little Bald Hills Camp offers a quiet escape deep in the backcountry. Hike through towering old-growth redwoods before reaching this peaceful camp, where horses and bikes are welcome.

Campsite Details

• Campsites: 5
• Amenities: Fire pits, bear-proof lockers, picnic tables, toilet, horse trough, and corral
• Water: Pack in your own
• Permit: Free backcountry camping permit required.

DeMartin Camp

A secluded forest escape along the California coast.

• Location: Redwood National Park
• Trailhead:
  • North Access: East side of Hwy 101 at mile marker 15.6
  • South Access: Across from the Wilson Creek parking area
• Distance to Camp: 3.4 miles from the north access; 3.5 miles from the south access
• Difficulty: Moderate – some steep grades and switchbacks

• More About the Site: View Details and Maps.

What to Expect

Tucked within the lush coastal forest, DeMartin Camp provides a quiet backcountry retreat for hikers looking to immerse themselves in nature. Though tree growth now limits ocean views, the camp offers a peaceful setting surrounded by towering redwoods and diverse plant life.

Campsite Details

• Campsites: 10
• Amenities: Picnic tables, bear-proof food lockers, fire pits, and a toilet
• Water: Bring your own
• Permit: Free backcountry camping permit required.

Backcountry Campsites South of the Klamath River

The backcountry camps south of the Klamath River provide a range of options, from forested trails to coastal sites and creekside dispersed camping. Some locations allow horses and bikes, while others are only accessible by foot. Certain sites are easier to reach, while others require longer and more strenuous hikes. Seasonal conditions, such as high water levels, may affect access to some campsites.

Required Permits

A free backcountry camping permit is required for all backcountry camping locations.

Flint Ridge Camp

A quiet forest retreat near the Klamath River.

• Location: Redwood National Park
• Trailhead:
  • West Access: Marked trailhead on Coastal Drive (0.25 miles to camp, easy hike)
  • East Access: Across from the Old Douglas Memorial Bridge site at the junction of Alder Camp and Klamath Beach Road (4.5 miles to camp, strenuous 800-foot climb)
• More About the Site: View Details and Maps.

What to Expect

Tucked within the coastal forest, Flint Ridge Camp offers a peaceful backcountry experience near the Klamath River. The shorter west access makes it an easy getaway, while the longer east route provides a challenging hike through lush woodlands.

Campsite Details

• Campsites: 8
• Amenities: Picnic tables, fire pits, bear-proof food lockers, and a toilet
• Water: Bring your own
• Permit: Free backcountry camping permit required.

Gold Bluffs Beach - Hike and Bike Camp

A unique backcountry site within a developed campground near the Pacific Ocean.

• Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Trailhead:
  • Hikers: Multiple access points, with the shortest route 4.5 miles from Elk Prairie via Miners Ridge Trail.
  • Bicyclists: Access is only from:
    • Mile marker 132.9 on Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway → Ossagon Trail → Coastal Trail (Gold Bluffs Beach Section) → Davison Road (6 miles one way).
    • Davison Road from Elk Meadow (5.3 miles one way).
• More About the Site: View Details and Maps.

What to Expect

• One designated Hike/Bike backcountry site located behind campsites #19 and #20 at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground.
• Accommodates up to 2 groups, with a maximum of 8 backcountry campers per night.
• Moderate hike with some steep grades and switchbacks.
• Backcountry users share water, restrooms, and quarter-operated solar showers with campground guests.

Campsite Details

• Campsites: 1 (designated for backcountry use)
• Amenities: Picnic table, fire pit, barbecue grill, bear-proof food locker, shared restroom, and shower facilities
• Water: Available on-site
• Permit: Free backcountry camping permit required (available online).
• Fee: $5 per person, per night (payable upon arrival)
• Parking:
  • Overnight parking is only allowed in the designated lot across from Prairie Creek Visitor Center.
  • No overnight parking along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway—campers must park in the designated backcountry parking area with a printed parking permit.

Elam Camp

A remote backcountry camp in the Redwood Creek area, accessible by foot and horseback.

• Location: Redwood National Park
• Trailhead:
  • Winter Access: Due to high water levels, the only parking and starting location is the Orick Horse Trailhead.
  • Seasonal Footbridges Removed: Redwood Creek footbridges are removed for the winter season, making Tall Trees inaccessible from this camp.
• More About the Site: View Details and Maps.

What to Expect

• A 7.5-mile, one-way hike from Orick Horse Trailhead through towering old-growth redwoods.
• Several longer loop options for horses are available on the Orick Horse Trails.
• Moderate to strenuous hike, with backcountry conditions requiring preparation.

Campsite Details

• Campsites: 3
• Horses: Allowed (maximum 12 stock animals permitted)
• Amenities: Picnic tables, bear-proof food lockers, fire pits, toilet, non-potable water (must treat from the creek), and a corral
• Water: Non-potable—must be treated from Redwood Creek
• Permit: Free backcountry camping permit required.

Winter Safety Advisory

• Do not attempt to cross Redwood Creek on foot. The current is swift, the water is deep, and rocks are slippery.
• Plan ahead—do not rely on crossing the creek when planning your route.
• Check the weather forecast for Orick, CA, before your trip.

44 Camp

A remote backcountry camp deep in the Redwood Creek area.

• Location: Redwood National Park
• Trailhead:
  • Winter Access: Due to high water levels, the only parking and starting location is the Orick Horse Trailhead.
  • Seasonal Footbridges Removed: Redwood Creek footbridges are removed for the winter season, making Tall Trees inaccessible from this camp.
• More About the Site: View Details and Maps.

What to Expect

• A 13-mile, one-way hike from Orick Horse Trailhead through stunning old-growth redwoods.
• Moderate to strenuous hike, requiring backcountry preparedness.

Campsite Details

• Campsites: 4
• Amenities: Picnic tables, bear-proof food lockers, fire pits
• Water: Non-potable—must be treated from the nearby creek
• Toilets: None available—campers must follow Leave No Trace ethics by digging a suitable cathole and packing out all used toilet paper
• Permit: Free backcountry camping permit required.

Winter Safety Advisory

• Do not attempt to cross Redwood Creek on foot. The current is swift, the water is deep, and rocks are slippery.
• Plan ahead—do not rely on crossing the creek when planning your route.
• Check the weather forecast for Orick, CA, before your trip.

Redwood Creek Gravel Bar

The only dispersed camping area in Redwood National Park.

• Location: Redwood National Park
• Trailheads:
  • Seasonal Closure: No camping from October 15 to April 1 due to unsafe winter conditions.
  • When footbridges are in place: Permit holders can start or end at Tall Trees Trailhead or Redwood Creek Trailhead.
  • When footbridges are removed: The only start/end location is the Orick Horse Trailhead.
• More About the Site: View Details and Maps.

What to Expect

• Dispersed camping is allowed only on the gravel bars along Redwood Creek.
• Camping Restrictions:
  • Must camp at least ¼ mile away from Tall Trees Grove.
  • Must camp at least 1.5 miles from the Redwood Creek Trailhead.
  • Camping is prohibited from October 15 to April 1 due to hazardous conditions.
• Moderate to strenuous hike, depending on trailhead choice.

Campsite Details

• Camping Type: Dispersed (no designated sites)
• Max Capacity: 50 campers per night
• Food Storage:
  • Hanging food or using a bear canister is required.
  • All food and scented items must be properly stored at all times.
• Water: Non-potable—must be treated from Redwood Creek
• Toilets: None available—campers must follow Leave No Trace ethics
• Permit: Free backcountry camping permit required.

Mileage to Camp

• Tall Trees Trailhead: 2.5 miles (must camp at least ¼ mile from the grove)
• Redwood Creek Trailhead: 1.5 miles
• Orick Horse Trailhead: 6.5 miles