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Best Dispersed Camping near Crescent City, CA

36 Reviews

The coastal region surrounding Crescent City, California features predominantly dispersed camping options along rivers and creeks. Sand Camp offers tent and RV camping with basic pit toilets and access to the Smith River, while Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping provides creekside spots with high ratings from visitors. Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping, though technically in Oregon, remains a popular option within driving distance of Crescent City. Most sites are primitive with minimal facilities, situated on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, providing budget-friendly alternatives to developed campgrounds within Redwood National and State Parks.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring careful navigation on unpaved forest roads. As one camper noted, "Rough dirt road. Very bumpy. Got in fine with Tacoma. No amenities at all. Pack in pack out. Wouldn't take an RV on road." Cell service is virtually nonexistent at most locations, particularly at river bars and deep forest sites. Navigation challenges are common, with multiple reviewers reporting issues with map applications providing incorrect directions. Summer brings warmer temperatures ideal for swimming in the Smith and Chetco Rivers, though weekends and holidays can become crowded at popular water access points.

River access represents the primary draw for most campers in the area. The Smith River near Sand Camp provides clear, cool water for swimming, while Redwood Bar on the Chetco River features a large gravel bar where visitors can camp near deep swimming holes. One visitor described it as "Crystal clear river for swimming/floating in." Wildlife sightings include beavers and bald eagles at various waterside locations. Stargazing opportunities are excellent due to minimal light pollution, with one camper at Sand Camp noting "the sky was dark and clear, perfect for stargazing." Weekend noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly Redwood Bar, where reviewers mention occasional parties with loud music on Friday and Saturday nights.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Crescent City, California (19)

    1. Sand Camp - Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Hiouchi, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    "Sand camp is essentially a dispersed camping area. There is a large gravel parking lot and a pit toilet available."

    2. Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Gasquet, CA
    18 miles

    "Only thing is the people before us did not practice leave no trace and there were some paper towels in a bush and dog toys left behind."

    "It is a bit steep coming down but since we were the only ones we had plenty of room to back the camper where we wanted. The creek is absolutely clear, a bit chilly but stunning."

    3. Dispersed Camp Hwy 199

    1 Review
    Hiouchi, CA
    8 miles
    Website

    4. Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Brookings, OR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 618-2200

    "No, there’s no spaces and no hookups and no cell service for miles. It’s just a gravel bar on the river where you pull your camper wherever feels good and unhitch and camp."

    "Me and my girlfriend tent camped here and although the ground was rocky we managed to pitch the tent just fine. The road leading to the site is long, flat, relatively slim, and windy."

    5. middle fork smith river

    1 Review
    Gasquet, CA
    16 miles

    "There is a trail that leads straight down to the river! Plenty of room for swimming and fishing. Would definitely stay here again."

    6. free dispersed camping

    2 Reviews
    Smith River, OR
    14 miles

    7. Patrick Creek Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Gasquet, CA
    18 miles

    "Easy access, nice spots on the creek. Almost no traffic using the road. Restroom was very clean."

    8. Smith River Camp

    1 Review
    Gasquet, CA
    16 miles

    9. South Fork Chetco

    2 Reviews
    Brookings, OR
    27 miles

    "There's one pit toilet near a circle of 3-4 sites on the rivers. This is pretty wild camping, no amenities, but quiet camping."

    "It’s a little farther up than we anticipated going BUT so worth it...maybe a mile or so past the Redwood river access."

    10. Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp

    4 Reviews
    Orick, CA
    38 miles
    Website

    "Dispersed camping along the river banks after walking through the Tall Trees hike. Easy overnighter."

    "but be prepared, you will be camping next to a creek on top of rocks. if you have a sleeping pad, this is no problem. if not, be aware. Next, you WILL cross a creek! the rocks are PAINFUL!"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Crescent City, CA

4 Photos of 19 Crescent City Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Crescent City, CA

36 Reviews of 19 Crescent City Campgrounds

  • Ashley A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping

    Peaceful

    Very peaceful and secluded. Would definitely stay again! Only thing is the people before us did not practice leave no trace and there were some paper towels in a bush and dog toys left behind.

  • A
    Sep. 13, 2021

    Sand Camp - Dispersed

    No calling

    These coordinates lead us to private property, a driveway to a couple of houses. Maybe there was something a little further, but it was all blocked off. We had to turn around and camp elsewhere.

  • C
    Sep. 5, 2021

    Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping

    It is what it is….

    We live in Brookings and go up the Chetco to this river bar or to Nook or Miller Bar all summer long. No, there’s no spaces and no hookups and no cell service for miles. It’s just a gravel bar on the river where you pull your camper wherever feels good and unhitch and camp. You might have some USDA Forest Service employee drop off a pay envelope at your site but , there’s no place to leave it and they may or may not come back to get it. It sometimes gets crowded during holidays and weekends and the good places, not next to rapids and close enough to good swimming holes, become rare. So you might have to settle for something less than ideal. And, the porta potties might get full. There’s no one enforcing quiet hours or leash laws and no form of law enforcement anywhere nearby. There is a Forest Service LEO assigned to the area but in 18 years, I’ve never seen him on the bar. Despite all this, incidents involving injuries or violence or crime are exceptionally rare. It’s a great kayaking and swimming place and there’s nearby rocks for jumping off. Remember! It’s a river not a lake so kids ought to have life jackets. Please note….as the summer progresses, the water level drops, the temperature rises and the algae grows. As such, we prefer June camping.

  • Kelly-Shane F.
    Aug. 11, 2021

    Sand Camp - Dispersed

    Nice quiet area

    Sand camp is essentially a dispersed camping area. There is a large gravel parking lot and a pit toilet available. There is a path down to the Smith River where you can set up tents and tent camp if you want. 

    The toilet was a basic pit toilet, but it was fairly clean as far as those go. 

    We parked our VW Bus in the gravel lot for the night, it was very quiet. Though its next to a road, there is very little traffic at night as this area is fairly remote. The sky was dark and clear, perfect for stargazing. The few other people camping there were quiet and friendly.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping

    Redwood Camping

    I’m not sure why everyone is so pressed about the maps leading them elsewhere, the signs are there! There are actually 3 river access roads that will lead you to dispersed camping. The Nook, Miller and Redwood and they all have signs displayed. We were there for 3 nights and to be honest every night from Mon-Wed. was quite but busy. Everyone was respectful of the others space however it was just too busy of a site for how we like to camp. It is good for a sleep and the river was was nice but not really my flavor. We drove up farther to another site and enjoyed that much more.

  • Mandi W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2023

    Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping

    Don’t use Apple Maps to get there

    We tried to get to these coordinates with Apple Maps on an iPhone, and it took us somewhere completely different in the middle of nowhere with no cell signal or people for miles. The road it had us go down was very steep, couldn’t get back up and had to make camp there and hike for help the next morning. I gave a second star because on our hike we had to cross this river a few times and it is absolutely beautiful. Crystal clear, cool, perfect for swimming.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp

    Unable to access

    Access road is gated after a couple of miles, so unable to even get close.

  • N
    Dec. 7, 2024

    Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping

    Favorite site near the coast

    This camp site is amazing. 10/10. Nothing fancy like bathrooms, but a beautiful rocky terrain! Me and my girlfriend tent camped here and although the ground was rocky we managed to pitch the tent just fine. The road leading to the site is long, flat, relatively slim, and windy. A few cars were pulled off on our way to the side camping at pullouts. The site is right off the road but still felt secluded, we heard maybe 1 or 2 cars each night we stayed here. Easily accessible for most cars, my girls Nissan versa managed to climb the very slight incline with slight loss of traction out of the site and onto the road so. Overall great spot right next to the coast

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping

    Careful with maps

    Great spot by a river. Refreshing water not too cold, deep enough to float.

    Starlink internet is spotty here but you should be good if you park further away from the river.

    Be careful with maps! This listing has the wrong pin on the map. If you use coordinates and google maps it will get you to the right side. If you come across a road with a dead end sign, you’re on the wrong side of the river.

Guide to Crescent City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Crescent City, California, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Crescent City

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Explore the breathtaking Redwood National Park, where you can find dispersed camping options like 44 Backcountry Camp — Redwood National Park that provide a unique experience among towering trees.
  • Visit the picturesque Smith River, known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful surroundings, with easy access from Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp.
  • Discover the charm of the local wildlife and lush landscapes while camping at Elko Dispersed Camping, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Sand Camp

  • Sand Camp offers a peaceful environment with minimal traffic, making it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude while enjoying the outdoors.
  • The area features a clean pit toilet and a short walk to the Smith River, perfect for setting up tents and enjoying a night under the stars.
  • With its remote location, Sand Camp is a great choice for stargazing, providing a clear view of the night sky away from city lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Crescent City?

Dispersed camping sites around Crescent City are typically primitive with minimal to no amenities. Sand Camp - Dispersed offers a basic pit toilet and access to the Smith River, with a gravel parking lot and areas to set up tents near the water. South Fork Chetco provides a similar experience with just one pit toilet near a circle of 3-4 sites by the river. Most dispersed sites follow a strict pack-in, pack-out policy with no trash service, no potable water, no hookups, and no cell service. Be prepared for self-sufficient camping with your own water, toilet supplies, and waste disposal plans.

Do I need permits for dispersed camping in the Crescent City area?

Permit requirements vary by location around Crescent City. Most National Forest dispersed camping areas, like free dispersed camping sites, don't require specific permits but do have stay limits (typically 14 days within a 30-day period). Dispersed camping off $8 mountain Rd and similar spots follow standard Forest Service regulations. During fire season (typically summer through fall), you'll likely need a campfire permit if you plan to have an open flame. Always check with the local ranger district office before your trip, as requirements can change seasonally and some areas may implement temporary restrictions due to fire danger or resource protection.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Crescent City, CA?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Crescent City. Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping offers riverside camping along the Chetco River, with spots to pull in and camp on the gravel bar. High-clearance vehicles are recommended as access roads can be windy and narrow. Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping provides peaceful, secluded sites closer to Crescent City. When searching for dispersed camping, be cautious with online coordinates as some may lead to private property or gated roads. Most sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and it's wise to have backup options during peak seasons.

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