Freebackcountry permitsare required for overnight use of all seven of our backcountry camp areas. 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.
The park's permit operations have moved online, permits are not being issued in-person at the visitor centers.
Trailhead: Marked trailhead is on short access road off Howland Hill Road
Mileage to Campground: 3.3 miles
Difficulty Level: Strenuous, gradual 1,800 foot rise in elevation
Description: Fire pits, bear proof lockers, toilet, picnic tables, horse trough, and corral. Pack in water. Climb through old-growth forest to open prairies fringed by fir and pine trees. Free backcountry camping permit required.
Trailhead: Marked north access is on east side of Hwy 101 at mile marker 15.6. Marked south access is opposite of Wilson Creek parking area.
Mileage to campground: From north access, 3.4. From south access, 3.5.
Difficulty Level: Moderate, some steep grades and switchbacks.
Description: Picnic tables, bear-proof food lockers, fire pits, and toilet. Bring your own water. No ocean views because of the growing trees. Free backcountry camping permit required
Trailhead: Marked west access is on the Coastal Drive. Marked east access is across from the Old Douglas Memorial Bridge site at junction of Alder Camp and Klamath Beach Road.
Mileage to Campground: From west access, 0.25 miles. From east access, 4.5 miles.
GOLD BLUFFS BEACH Hike and Bike site (1 site available accommodating up to 2 separate groups/permits, 8 backcountry campers maximum per night) CLICK HERE for DETAILS and maps.
One "Hike/Bike" site located behind sites #19 and #20 at theGold Bluffs Beach Campgroundhas been designated as a backcountry campsite. Abackcountry permitis required, available online)
Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Trailhead: Hikers: There are several different access points for this camp, the shortest being about 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 (via Ossagon Trail -> Coastal Trail - Gold Bluffs Beach Section -> Davison Road) or Davison Road.
Mileage to Campground:Hikers: Depending on which access you choose, one-way mileage is a minimum of 4.5 miles via Miners Ridge Trail. Bicyclists: About 6 miles, one way, via Ossagon Trail -> Coastal Trail - Gold Bluffs Beach Section -> Davison Road; or, 5.3 miles via Davison Road from Elk Meadow.
Difficulty Level:Moderate hike, some steep grades with switchbacks.
Description:One site within this developed campground has been redesignated for use by backcountry users only. Up to 2 groups and 8 campers allowed. Picnic table, food locker, firepit, and barbecue grill available, as are water, restroom, and solar shower facilities (quarter operated) shared by all campground campers. Free backcountry camping permit required.
Parking:Overnight parking for trail access is available only in the designated parking area across Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center. Overnight parking is not allowed on the Newton B. Drury Scenic parkway, just in the designated backcountry parking area (printed parking permit required).
Fee: $5 per person/per night camping fee required, payable on arrival at campground.
Trailhead: Due to high-water levels on Redwood Creek during the winter season the only parking/starting location is the Orick Horse Trailhead. Seasonal footbridges on Redwood Creek have been removed for the winter season.
Mileage to Campground: 7.5-mile-one-way hike from the Orick Horse Trailhead. Tall Trees is not accessible from this camp due to the high-water levels on Redwood Creek. Several longer loop options for horses are available on the Orick Horse Trails.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to strenuous
Description: Located in the Redwood Creek area, walk through old-growth redwoods to camp. Picnic tables, bear proof lockers, fire pits, toilet, non-potable water (treat from creek), and a corral. No more than 12 stock animals are permitted. Free backcountry camping permit required.
Winter Safety: The seasonal footbridges on Redwood Creek have been removed for the winter season. Do not attempt to cross Redwood Creek on foot. Crossing the creek can be hazardous due to the swift current, deep water, and slippery rocks. Plan ahead for your trip to the park - do not plan on crossing the creek, know your route, know the weather forecast for Orick, CA, and be prepared.
Trailhead: Due to high-water levels on Redwood Creek during the winter season the only parking/starting location is the Orick Horse Trailhead. Seasonal footbridges on Redwood Creek have been removed for the winter season.
Mileage to Campground:13-mile-one-way hike from the Orick Horse Trailhead. Tall Trees is not accessible from this camp due to the high-water levels on Redwood Creek.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to strenuous
Description: Located in the Redwood Creek area, walk through old-growth redwoods to camp. Picnic tables, bear proof lockers, fire pits. Treat water from nearby creek. Free backcountry camping permit required.
NO toilets available. Campers must use Leave No Trace ethics by digging a suitable cathole and packing out all used toilet paper.
Winter Safety: The seasonal footbridges on Redwood Creek have been removed for the winter season. Do not attempt to cross Redwood Creek on foot. Crossing the creek can be hazardous due to the swift current, deep water, and slippery rocks. Plan ahead for your trip to the park - do not plan on crossing the creek, know your route, know the weather forecast for Orick, CA, and be prepared.
Trailheads: Due to high-water levels on Redwood Creek during the winter season the only parking/starting locations are Tall Trees Trailhead (additional permit required for access road) or Orick Horse Trailhead. Seasonal footbridges on Redwood Creek have been removed for the winter season.
Mileage:2.5 miles to the gravel bar from Tall Trees Trailhead (you must camp at least ¼ mile away from the grove) and 7.5 miles to the gravel bar from Orick Horse Trailhead.
Difficulty Level:Moderate to strenuous.
Description:Located along a stretch of Redwood Creek, the gravel bar offers the only area in the park where dispersed camping is permitted. Dispersed camping is allowed anywhere on the gravel bars no closer than ¼-mile (½-km) of the Tall Trees Grove and 1.5 miles from the Redwood Creek Trailhead (not accessible in winter due to high creek levels).
Hanging food or having your own bear cannister is required. All food and smelly items need to be properly stored at all times. Treat water from nearby creek. Campers are required to follow Leave No Trace Principles when in the park. Free backcountry camping permit required.
Winter Safety: The seasonal footbridges on Redwood Creek have been removed for the winter season. Do not attempt to cross Redwood Creek on foot. Crossing the creek can be hazardous due to the swift current, deep water, and slippery rocks.
When starting from the Tall Trees Trailhead in the winter there is a high probablity that you will only be able to find available gravel bar at the base of the Emerald Ridge Trail which you can access off of the Tall Trees Trail.
Plan ahead for your trip to the park - do not plan on crossing the creek, know your route, know the weather forecast for Orick, CA, and be prepared.
When setting up camp on the gravel bar place your tent at least 200 feet away from the creek to ensure that you are a safe distance from the water. Check the current flow of Redwood Creek, anything over 400 cubic feet per second is far too dangerous to cross.
