Dispersed camping near Orick, California offers access to old-growth redwoods at elevations ranging from sea level to 3,000 feet. The Smith River watershed north of Orick contains multiple primitive camping areas with crystal-clear waters popular for swimming and fishing during summer months. Winter camping brings significant rainfall with temperatures averaging 40-55°F from November through March.
What to do
Creek exploration and swimming: Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping features accessible water recreation with several sites situated directly alongside clear, flowing water. "The creek is absolutely clear, a bit chilly but stunning," notes one camper who visited in late August. Sites are best for smaller vehicles as the access can be challenging.
Stargazing opportunities: Sand Camp provides excellent dark sky viewing away from city lights. A camper noted: "The sky was dark and clear, perfect for stargazing." The camp features a gravel parking lot with a short path to tent sites along the Smith River.
Hiking to backcountry sites: 44 Backcountry Camp requires a hike-in approach but rewards with established amenities. "This campsite has picnic tables and bear lockers. It is located up the hill from the sign announcing it along the trail, look carefully if like me you've night hiked to get here," notes a visitor who advises planning water supplies carefully.
River access for fishing: Middle Fork Smith River sites include direct water access via trails. "There is a trail that leads straight down to the river! Plenty of room for swimming and fishing," reports a visitor who spent three nights at the location. The area allows camping within a short drive of Jedediah Redwoods.
What campers like
Remote solitude: Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp provides isolation despite rougher access roads. "This secluded camp is well worth the effort to find... I came here to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul," explains a repeat visitor. The camp features three sites with picnic tables and fire rings plus one vault toilet.
River sounds for sleeping: Patrick Creek campsites sit close enough to flowing water that the sound creates natural white noise. "The creek behind us was beautiful and the sounds just put you right to sleep," writes one visitor who found multiple options along the access road.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Lacks Creek BLM areas offer chances to see larger mammals. A visitor reported: "Saw wild horses driving up!" The area requires significant driving on gravel roads, approximately 40 minutes from Highway 299.
Forest bathing: Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp provides immersion in old-growth environments. "Dispersed camping along the river banks after walking through the Tall Trees hike. Easy overnighter," shares a camper who enjoyed combining hiking with camping.
What you should know
Permit requirements vary significantly: Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp requires advance planning. "If you want to camp here, you MUST get a free permit on the website listed. If you do not, you will find yourself at a locked gate you cannot enter. If you get your permit, you will be sent a gate code," explains a camper who completed the process.
Site surface conditions: Several creek-side camping areas feature rocky terrain. At Redwood Creek, "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."
Water crossings needed: Access to some sites involves creek fording. "Next, you WILL cross a creek! The rocks are PAINFUL! Bring your sandals!" advises a Redwood Creek camper who learned this lesson firsthand.
Cell service reliability: BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek has connectivity challenges. "I had no service for miles with Verizon. Not just spotty service, literally nothing until I drove back down 15 minutes and camped on a road turnout," reports a visitor who found AT&T worked better than Verizon in this area.
Tips for camping with families
Creek swimming access: Middle Fork Smith River offers family-friendly water recreation. "Plenty of room for swimming and fishing. Would definitely stay here again. It's about a 15 min. drive to the Jedediah Redwoods," notes a family who combined river time with redwood forest exploration.
Picnic facilities: Groves Prairie camp provides designated eating areas. "There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. There is one vault toilet that was stocked with 'the papers'," reports a camper who found the facilities well-maintained.
Wildlife education opportunities: Watch for local fauna at various campsites. At Lacks Creek, one camper had an unexpected educational moment: "Also saw wild horses driving up!" Wildlife sightings provide natural learning experiences for children.
Site spacing considerations: Lacks Creek BLM offers room between campers. "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," reports a visitor who successfully navigated the area during wet weather with a small camper.
Tips from RVers
Road condition alerts: Multiple forest service roads require careful navigation. At Lacks Creek, a visitor warned: "Tried to camp here with a 20ft travel trailer and I turned around before I even made it to the gravel road. Road is narrow and steep with low hanging trees."
Vehicle size limitations: Smaller vehicles fare better at most dispersed sites. At Patrick Creek, a camper advised: "Many spots along the road. Easy with our jeep, but I wouldn't recommend for larger trailers."
Smaller trailer success stories: Some campers report positive experiences with modest rigs. "We even pulled up our rear drop camper and had no issues at all," notes a Lacks Creek BLM visitor who successfully navigated the forest road.
Alternative roadside options: Highway 199 offers emergency pull-off camping. "Sand Camp had no parking lot camp, and it was getting late so we stayed in a pull out on the highway. There are a few to pick from, but make sure you're not on one with a sharp turn because that can be dangerous being in the blind spot of on coming cars."
