Best Dispersed Camping near Orick, CA

The northern California coastal region surrounding Orick features primarily dispersed camping options managed by various federal agencies. Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp in Redwood National Park provides primitive creek-side camping requiring permits and hiking access, while BLM lands at Lacks Creek offer more accessible dispersed sites with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. The 44 Backcountry Camp within Redwood National Park provides a more structured backcountry experience with bear lockers and designated sites. Most camping areas lie within 30-45 minutes of Orick, situated among towering redwoods or along scenic waterways.

Road conditions and permit requirements vary significantly between sites near Orick. Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp requires free permits and includes a gate code for access, with campers needing to hike in and cross creek beds. As one visitor noted, "You MUST get a free permit on the website listed or you will find yourself at a locked gate you cannot enter." Lacks Creek BLM sites involve navigating gravel forest roads that can be challenging for larger vehicles. According to a camper, "Road is narrow and steep with low hanging trees. Tow and RV here at your own risk." Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with AT&T reported as more reliable than Verizon in some areas. Most sites lack potable water, requiring visitors to bring their own supplies.

Campers consistently mention the solitude and natural beauty as highlights of the Orick area. Lacks Creek BLM receives praise for its views and accessibility: "Wildly peaceful...the second campsite you can drive to is on the left and you have an insane view of the trees. The sunset was absolutely incredible." Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting deer, bald eagles, and even wild horses. Seasonal considerations include tick activity in warmer months, with one visitor reporting, "We left after 30 minutes and 6 ticks" at Lacks Creek in June. Stargazing opportunities are exceptional due to minimal light pollution, with one camper at Sand Camp noting "The sky was dark and clear, perfect for stargazing."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Orick, California (14)

    1. Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp

    4 Reviews
    Orick, CA
    3 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!"

    2. 44 Backcountry Camp — Redwood National Park

    1 Review
    Orick, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 464-6101

    "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."

    3. Lacks Creek BLM

    20 Reviews
    Hoopa, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 825-2300

    "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."

    "The whole BLM management area is well developed and has signs to guide you. There are spots all along pine ridge road. Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings."

    4. Aikens Creek Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Orleans, CA
    22 miles

    "But it still has camp sites and a little further in there is dispersed very close to the river. It was secluded and great."

    6. Sand Camp - Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Hiouchi, CA
    32 miles
    Website

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

    "Super epic and remote. River is beautiful. Bathrooms."

    7. Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Gasquet, CA
    42 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."

    8. Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp

    2 Reviews
    Willow Creek, CA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 629-2118

    "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 a beautiful little creek right next to the campsite."

    9. middle fork smith river

    2 Reviews
    Gasquet, CA
    40 miles

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

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Orick, CA

42 Reviews of 14 Orick Campgrounds


  • matt R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2023

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Awesome spot.

    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.

  • 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2025

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Great Spot

    Not much more to say that others haven’t. Clean, with a beautiful view. The whole BLM management area is well developed and has signs to guide you. There are spots all along pine ridge road. Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings.

  • 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.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Lacks creek blm

    Clean great view the gps was wrong it took me past the turn off and sent me to private property with a locked gate so at the top of the hill look for a clearly marked sign on the left turn up the hill when you get to the intersection take the road to the right and go up the hill I went past the first site and got on top there are three sites in a row and a bathroom at the end

  • Greg B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp

    Secluded & beautiful Meadow

    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.

  • Kalah H.
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Amazing place to stay for free with hikes close by

    I loved staying at lacks creek! I had good cell service with att and it was beautiful, quiet and serene. Hikes right by the campsites. Fire pit. No water at all though. Bring your own water. And no bathroom unless you drive like 3 miles down the other way and some of the roads weren't open due to landslides. I drove my honda civic all the way up there. There was a few points I thought I wouldn't make it but sure enough my good ol honda pushed through. Lol Anyways! Highly recommend! Just bring water! Lol

  • Toni  K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2021

    BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek

    Free BLM land

    Pretty far drive off a dirt road. The camp spot does have fire rings. There’s a nice running/bike path right in the camp ground. However, there are a lot of ticks. Be careful if you have any animals. 

    Also saw wild horses driving up!

    Drive east on Highway 299 for 17.8 miles from Highway 101. Turn left at the Redwood Valley turn off(Bair Road) and travel 3.9 miles. Make a right turn at the sign that reads"Hoopa- 22 miles", and travel 5.9 miles up this windy gravel road. The entrance is a left turn.


Guide to Orick

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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Orick, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Orick, CA is Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Orick, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Orick, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.