Best Equestrian Camping near Crescent City, CA
Elam Backcountry Camp in Redwood National Park provides primitive horse camping with no electric hookups, no shower facilities, and no toilets. The camp features picnic tables and bear lockers for food storage. This free equestrian site requires camping permits and is accessible only by hiking in, not by vehicle. The site serves both as a destination for overnight horse packers and a waypoint for hikers traversing deeper into the park. The campground sees regular use from horse riders on day trips, though hikers frequently pass through this main thoroughfare area.
Trail access directly connects riders to the Orick Horse Trail Trailhead, making Elam a strategic starting point for exploring Redwood National Park's backcountry. While the camp lacks dedicated horse corrals, a nearby area serves as a gathering spot for horses. Bear canisters are required for overnight stays when camping away from the provided bear lockers. The site experiences moderate to heavy traffic during summer months, with rangers directing hikers to camp on the nearby gravel bar rather than at Elam itself during peak periods. Most visitors find the location practical for accessing wilderness trails rather than as a destination for multiple nights, as it sits along a primary route into more secluded park areas.