Gold Bluffs Beach Backcountry Site

Camp on the sand and grass along Gold Bluffs Beach

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

North west of Orick, CA

Significance:

Backcountry Campsite

Designation:

State Park

Amenities

12 listed

Bicycle - Rack, Fire Pit, Grill, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Locker/Storage, Picnic Table, Restroom, Showers, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Drinking/Potable

Gold Bluffs Beach campground

Front and backcountry campground at Redwood National and State Parks.

A five-mile hike, or a much longer bike-ride is needed to use this backcountry hike / bike site. People arriving by vehicle may not use this site.

A camping fee of $5 per person, per night is required. A self-pay station is located nearby. Hikers need a backcountry permit for overnight camping at this site .

To prepare for any trip to this location, download the detailed Gold Bluffs Beach Campground Hike / Bike Site guide and map (PDF).

Access
• All overnight vehicles must park at the designated area located next to the Prairie Creek Ranger Office (across Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center).
• Backcountry hikers/bikers, who have a vehicle, must display a parking permit that will be issued with the backcountry permit.
• 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.
• Thru-hikers only: - 11.5 miles to camp from Flint Ridge on the Coastal Trail. The Coastal Trail may be inaccessible at high tide from Carruthers Cove to Ossagon Creek.
• Thru mountain bicyclist: - 6.1 miles to camp from Ossagon Trailhead (mile marker 132.9 on Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway.
• Hikers: - 4.5 miles from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center to camp on the Miners Ridge Trail and 7 miles on the James Irvine Trail.
• Bicyclist: - 19 mile loop with overnight: From the Prairie Creek Visitor Center to camp is 7 miles by way of Streelow Creek Trail and 12 miles by way of Ossagon Trail.

Designated Site
• The hiker/biker site is in Gold Bluffs Beach Campground ONLY. Look for the access trail between campsites 19 and 20. Look for the hiker/biker sign. Maximum of 8 people per night allowed.

Disposal of Garbage and Human Waste
• Restrooms with showers (quarter operated and solar powered/cold).
• Animal proof trash cans and recycle bins available.

Food and Garbage Storage
• Store food, garbage, cooking gear, and all odorous items in food storage lockers.
• Keep a clean camp, store food and other smelly items responsibly, and properly dispose of all garbage-even crumbs!
• Do not feed wildlife (including birds) or allow them access to food. It’s illegal, dangerous to you, other humans, and the fed animal.

Water
• Potable water is available in the campground.

Fires & firewood
• Use of portable camp stoves in lieu of campfires is strongly recommended.
• Campfires are restricted to designated fire rings only.
• Collecting of firewood is not permitted. However, you may purchase firewood from the Camp Host if available.
• Do not leave fires unattended or smoldering.

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