Elam Backcountry Camp — Redwood National Park
Reviewed Apr. 17, 2021

Heavily trafficked way point into the park

I camped here in late March 2021 during a 2 night, 3 day hike of the Redwood National & State Park. This campground is the first one you come upon while hiking in from the Orick Horse Trail Trailhead. There are picnic tables and two bear lockers, (there's another by the horse coral). I stopped for lunch at this site on my first day. I think this is the primary campground used by most hikers, (and the gravel bar near by).

If I were to plan another trip I would only use this campsite as a way point on the way to more secluded sites. This is a main thoroughfare, so people will pass by your site. It's also the only horse camp. There was a sign that directed hikers to camp on the gravel bar instead of Elam. I think this is more likely in summer because of traffic as I only saw one horse rider on day hike.

This is wilderness, so appropriate caution must be taken, Bear canister is required is you do not have access to a site with a bear locker.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Elam Backcountry Camp — Redwood National Park by Sharon B., April 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Elam Backcountry Camp — Redwood National Park by Sharon B., April 17, 2021