Best Dispersed Camping near Essex, CA

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

I talked to the host at the Clam Beach Campground. They told me that the State had shut down all the camping north of their campground because of “rowdiness.” I drove the frontage road from Clam Beach exit to the Crannell exit on 101 north. Everywhere one could pull off to the side and camp there were multiple signs saying no camping. I think this particular dispersed camping location should be taken off the Dyrt site.

Don’t be confused when you arrive and head up the hill where you’ll find camping spots. Even has an area with picnic tables under the trees.

A great spot overall and a nice drive up. We were there when it rained all day one of our days and it didn’t affect the roads much.

We even pulled up our rear drop camper and had no issues at all.

Great spot. The site is very secluded and well maintained. Note the gps coordinates take you to the right of the sign at the top of the hill after you turn off the main road. I would recommend going straight. Just follow it to the end. There is three fire pits and a bathroom. That is okay. But it will do. Note there is no trash can on site and the closest gas station is probably an hour from the camp site. After you drive down the dirt roads. They are a little road but any vehicle could make it.

Beautiful area, cool drive in. But the map on here is misleading… Follow Pine Ridge Road all the way till you hit dispersed sites with picnic tables and fire pits on the right.

(41.0051476, -123.7848194)

The location it’s not what it says on this map. It’s about a mile heading to eureka. It’s okay it’s small camp site it’s right next 101 it’s bit noisy

This secluded camp is well worth the effort to find.  I've been 3 times and finally decided to add it to The Dyrt.  Upon this return, I tried to find it online (Six Rivers's official site) but found no info.  There are two ways to this camp, the longer from Willow Creek, or the shorter from Hawkins Bar.  Both ways are via forest service roads that are "fair".  There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring.  There is one vault toilet that was stocked with 'the papers'.  There is NO trash service or cans and NO POTABLE WATER.  There is a tiny creek running nearby if needed.  There is MAYBE one (1) bar of Verizon service, but it is extremely unreliable.  I came here to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul.

When you get to the area where apple maps says park and walk, just take the pine ridge or whatever trail a couple more miles up. you will pass a single designated camp site( was occupied when I came up). and a ways on past it you will find the Lacks campground! nice little campground and my only complaint is people! Please pack your trash out. the fire pits arent garbage containers. Fruit boxes to soup and beer cans were in almost every fire ring. That’s just irresponsible and is the kind of crap that leads to more and more of these places being closed?

Awesome pull outs on easy terrain. Lots of hiking and mountain bike trails too. Quiet, well maintained spots. Mosquitoes are bad this time of year so prepare well!

Can easily drive a van or pick up. I saw one large trailer here, but there are only 1-2 spots, as corners are too tight as you get higher.

It was great very peaceful. Only saw one person in the whole time I realize I’m probably going in the off-season thing I went in the middle of November.

Clean, level, spacious campground sites, close together trees so you can hang a hammock, hilltop view, pristine feel. Deep grateful breath. Gaia happy here.

Other than the long bumpy dirt road this site was great! Easy to find and great views. Had pretty good cell service with AT&T. Very quiet

We didn’t end up going because it is NOT RV friendly. You have to hike in with your tent

https://www.nps.gov/places/redwoodcreekdispersedcamping.htm