Elam Backcountry Camp

Elam backcountry camp is shared by people and pack-animals.

Quick Facts

Location:

East of Orick, CA

Significance:

Backcountry Camp

Designation:

National Park

Amenities

6 listed

Animal-Safe Food Storage, Fire Pit, Grill, Hitching Post/Corral, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Water - Non-Potable

Elam Backcountry Camp

Backcountry camp in Redwood National and State Parks.

Hikers and equestrians can camp at Elam backcountry camp, which has access to nearby Redwood Creek.

A backcountry permit is required for overnight camping. To prepare for any trip to this location, download the detailed Elam backcountry guide and map. 

Access

• When parking at trailhead, secure items of value and keep them out of sight; better yet, leave them at home!
• Lock vehicle doors, roll up windows, and engage anti-theft devices.
• Hikers/backpackers only: 7.5 miles to camp from Orick Horse Trailhead.
• Hikers/backpackers only: 3 miles to camp from Redwood Creek Trailhead. Note: Frequent vehicle break-ins at trailhead parking area.
• Hikers/backpackers only: 6.5 miles to camp from Tall Trees Trailhead.
• Pets (with the exception of service animals) and bicycles are not permitted on trails or in camp.
• Redwood Creek may be impossible to cross during the rainy season and/or during high flow stages; two bridges over Redwood Creek are only in place seasonally, usually June–September.

Designated Sites

• Three (3) campsites available; maximum of eight (8) people per site.
• Camp only in designated sites.

Traveling with Horses & Pack Animals

• Pack animals—horses, mules, ponies, burros, goats, and llamas—must be fed pelletized or certified weed free feed.
• Animals may not graze park vegetation and must be hobbled or tied to a hitching post when unattended.
• Maximum of twelve (12) pack animals allowed for overnight use.
• Corral, trough, and (seasonal) non-potable water available in camp.

Disposal of Garbage and Human Waste

• Pit toilets for human waste only—do not dispose of garbage in toilets.
• Pack out all trash/garbage when leaving camp.

Food and Garbage Storage

• Store food, garbage, cooking gear, and all odorous items in food storage lockers.
• When cooking and/or eating, do not let wildlife access food and/or garbage.

Never Feed Wildlife (that includes birds, too!)

• It’s illegal, and dangerous to you, other humans, and the fed animal.
• Keep a clean camp, store food and other smelly items responsibly, and properly dispose of all garbage—even crumbs!

Water

No treated water source available—pack in drinking water or filter/purify water from Redwood Creek tributaries.

Fires and Firewood

• Campfires are restricted to designated fire rings, only.
• Up to 50 pounds of dead and downed wood (including driftwood) per day per campsite may be collected within 1/4-mile of camp for campfire use only.
• Do not leave fires unattended or smoldering.

Leave No Trace

Understand the importance of Leave No Trace practices in the redwoods.