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. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of backcountry permits available may be reduced in order to follow health guidelines and best practices.
Trailhead: Marked trailhead is on short access road off Howland Hill Road
Mileage to campground: 3.3
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. Inquire at any visitor center for trail recommendations and current conditions. 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: Tall Trees Trailhead (additional permit required for access road, summer only), Redwood Creek Trailhead (summer only) or Orick Horse Trailhead.
Mileage to campground: 7 miles from the Tall Trees Trailhead, 3 miles from the Redwood Creek Trailhead or 6 miles from the Orick Horse Trailhead. Several loop options for horses on theOrick 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.
Trailhead: Tall Trees Trailhead (additional permit required for access road, summer only), Redwood Creek Trailhead (summer only) or Orick Horse Trailhead.
Mileage to campground: 3 miles from the Tall Trees Trailhead, 7 miles from the Redwood Creek Trailhead or 12 miles to camp from the Orick Horse Trailhead.
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 useLeave No Traceethics by digging a suitable cathole and packing out all used toilet paper.
Trailheads: Tall Trees Trailhead (additional permit required for access road, summer only), Redwood Creek Trailhead (summer only), or Orick Horse Trailhead.
Mileage: 2 miles to area allowed to camp on the Tall Trees and Redwood Creek Trailhead and 6.5 miles on the Orick Horse Trailhead.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to strenuous.
Description: Located along a stretch of Redwood Creek, the gravel bars offer the only area in the parks where dispersed camping is permitted. Dispersed camping is allowed anywhere on the gravel bars between the first seasonal bridge (1.5 miles from trailhead) and no closer than ¼-mile (½-km) of the Tall Trees Grove. Free backcountry camping permit required.
Winter Camping (December-May): Redwood Creek runs high and fast during the winter with unexpected flows and rising water. Gravel bars are rarely available for camping. Foot bridges across the creek are removed in September and are not installed for the summer until late May. Before planning your trip, check current conditions.