Redwood National Park's Elam Backcountry Camp sits along the Orick Horse Trail, making it the first established campsite hikers reach from the Orick Horse Trail Trailhead. It's free, hike-in only. The site includes picnic tables and bear lockers, and a bear canister is required for campers without locker access. Because Elam functions as a main thoroughfare and doubles as the primary horse camp, foot and equestrian traffic passes through regularly, which makes it a more practical waypoint than a destination for those seeking lower-traffic overnight stops. Hikers continuing south toward 44 Backcountry Camp or looking for tent camping near Redwood National Park will find Elam most useful as a lunch stop or first-night base before pushing deeper into the backcountry.
Description
A backcountry permit is required for overnight camping: https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm To prepare for any trip to this location, download the detailed Elam backcountry guide and map: https://www.nps.gov/places/elambackcountrycamp.htm
• 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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsElam Backcountry Camp is located in California near Orick
Coordinates
41.26362864 N
124.02676375 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Elam Backcountry Camp — Redwood National Park needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 27 min from Grants Pass, OR
- 2 hrs 54 min from Medford, OR
- 3 hrs 17 min from Redding, CA
