Elam Backcountry Camp in Redwood National Park provides limited facilities for horse camping, requiring permits and proper preparation. This backpacking-oriented site features picnic tables and bear lockers but lacks dedicated horse corrals, making it suitable primarily for experienced equestrians comfortable with wilderness camping conditions. The campground serves as a waypoint for riders exploring the park, with most visitors noting it becomes a main thoroughfare during peak season.
The Orick Horse Trail Trailhead connects riders to Elam Camp along a system of wilderness trails through Redwood National Park's dense forests. Horses are permitted on specific trails, but riders must pack in all necessary supplies including feed and water for their animals. The gravel bar near Elam Camp offers additional camping options for equestrians when the main site experiences heavy traffic. This trail system experiences seasonal variation in usage, with more hikers than horse riders during certain periods. Proper wilderness etiquette is essential, including securing food in provided bear lockers or carrying bear canisters in areas without storage facilities.
"This campground is conveniently located right on the 101 Hwy, close by to the ocean and right down the road from tons of Redwood Nat’l Park trails."
"We used this as a checkpoint in 2021 when traveling from Oregon to Southern California via HWY-101. The park is clean, and we had a great time walking around and resting between the legs of our trip."
from $40 - $70 / night
"This campground is the first one you come upon while hiking in from the Orick Horse Trail Trailhead. There are picnic tables and two bear lockers, (there's another by the horse coral)."
"Camped here for one night mid September, slept in a car, great view and found the 3 spacious camping spots with a picnic table, fire pit (with a grill rack), and an unsmelly bathroom a short walk away."
"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."
"There is even access to them from the parking lot. Was here over a weekend, and it was pretty back with ATV and Side by side riders and rigs."
"For a boat ramp camping site near town, this place is special. Remote from town but water 360 degrees. You can hear the ocean while looking at the towns across the water."
"follow titlow hill road until you get to a fork in the road with 3 roads and a take a left. follow it up past the cell tower and drive until you reach 2 pullouts close together where the bottom one has"
"Located in the city limits mere minutes from just about anything you may need and very centrally located for many sea shore and forest park locations. "
from $38 - $100 / night
"Because of recent rains and some soggy areas I had to overnight campers close to me. 30 amp and 50 amp power and water at each side."
"Close to Ferndale, which is Must See. Access from Fernbridge of of 101 as the other roads are very twisty for all but the smallest RVs. Camp host was great! Short drive into Eureka."
from $20 - $45 / night
GuideThis site was great for touring the Redwood Forest and Crescent City area. Camp hosts are friendly and easy to work with. There's a handful of tiny homes scattered about. Many are long term live-ins. Nice dog park. Friendly neighbors.
Scoutthe directions in the review were accurate and easy to follow. the road gets pretty steep, though 90% is paved and only turns to gravel at the end. no water source that we could find for filtering, so pack in as much as you need 💕🏔️
GuideThis was a pretty nice spot. Only about 3 campsites with tables and fire pits, but a few others along the road. The view was nice and the sunsets were amazing! It was very quiet at night, no noise from the road. There are some trail heads close to the campsites, but some are very overgrown. The only downside was lots of mosquitoes, even out after dark. The road was also very rocky, but manageable. Be careful to go slow and avoid sharp rocks, because I ended up with a flat tire on the way out. Cell service isn't bad, but the nearest town is about 1 hr away. Weather was warm and dry, with some light mist at night. We did see a black bear on our way down the road, but not much other wildlife besides birds.
ScoutCampground mainly got rvs
ScoutMy boyfriend and brother and I spent the evening restoring an old campsite we found. we put lots of love into this place.
amazing view of the ocean and sunset was crazy beautiful!!
follow titlow hill road until you get to a fork in the road with 3 roads and a take a left. follow it up past the cell tower and drive until you reach 2 pullouts close together where the bottom one has a camp fire, park at the top pullout. look for the trail to the right and pretty much bushwash your way to the best campsite ever.
RangerThis place first off is 45min to an hour from 101. Secondly it rained all night and my RTT is soaked. Once I took the rain fly down it was bad. Needless to say trying to get to a dry place to allow my tent to dry. I will say I absolutely love Offroad and this is a forest service road that goes up the mountain. Great place if it’s not raining and you don’t plan on sleeping in your RTT in the rain. I’ve never left a bad review but If I could give this 0 stars I would.
GuideI don’t know what it is with the state of California and charging people a lot of money and not allowing showers. I tried to take a shower and it wants quarters and the office is closed so I can’t get quarters. Who walks around with bags of quarters anymore? I don’t think people have a right to charge this much money for such an inconvenience.
ScoutRoad is one lane, gravel, windy for the last part of the trek up witj some deeper ruts (we did fine going slow in a stock Honda Accord). Plenty of mountain bike, hiking trails with difficulty levels and map! There's a first camping spot with the easy loop hiking trail that is just by itself and a little further down the road is 3 or 4 other camping spots near the bathroom and additional trails. Absolutely will be coming back!!!
TravelerIt is $45 per night. The area is full of cows. It has a nice rural feel. People waved as they passed me walking my dog.
Redwood National Park offers equestrian trails that wind through ancient forests, with multiple designated horse campgrounds near Orick, California. The park borders the Pacific Ocean at an elevation of 100-2,500 feet, creating microclimates that affect trail conditions year-round. Horse camping areas require specific preparations beyond standard backpacking gear, particularly regarding feed storage and waste management.
Trail riding through old-growth forests: Orick Horse Trail Trailhead provides access to Elam Backcountry Camp, which serves as a starting point for deeper exploration. "This campground is the first one you come upon while hiking in from the Orick Horse Trail Trailhead. There are picnic tables and two bear lockers, (there's another by the horse coral)," notes Sharon B.
Beach riding opportunities: From Elk Country RV Resort & Campground, riders can access nearby coastal trails. "It's a 2 min drive (or mile walk) to a beautiful and secluded beach. Also a short and beautiful 20minute drive to the Lady Bird Trail in Redwood National Park (a great 1.5 mile loop through a redwood grove)," reports Erin A.
Off-trail adventures: For riders seeking more remote experiences, the areas around Lacks Creek BLM offer alternative routes. "The whole BLM management area is well developed and has signs to guide you. There are spots all along pine ridge road," explains Derrick H.
Wildlife viewing: At horse-friendly camping areas near Orick, wildlife encounters are common. "Rosevelt Elk roam through the campground. They were obviously used to people. We stayed on the 'meadow' side where the elk roam through your campsite," shares Nicole B. from Elk Country RV Resort.
Variety of terrain: The diversity of landscapes surrounding equestrian campgrounds provides multiple riding experiences. "We went on some nice walks around the pond and watched the otter swim in the water. Conveniently located near several nice beaches as well," according to Naomi H., describing the areas accessible from Lacks Creek BLM.
Secluded camping options: For those who prefer privacy, "If I were to plan another trip I would only use this campsite as a way point on the way to more secluded sites. This is a main thoroughfare, so people will pass by your site," advises Sharon B. about planning trips beyond Elam Backcountry Camp.
Required permits: Horse camping near Orick requires advance planning. "This is wilderness, so appropriate caution must be taken. Bear canister is required if you do not have access to a site with a bear locker," explains a reviewer of Elam Backcountry Camp.
Campsite availability: During peak season, main equestrian campsites fill quickly. "There was a sign that directed hikers to camp on the gravel bar instead of Elam. I think this is more likely in summer because of traffic," notes Sharon B.
Road conditions: Access to some horse-friendly sites can be challenging. "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," warns Jules S. from Humboldt County Fairgrounds, another option in the broader region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Orick, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Orick, CA is Elk Country RV Resort & Campground with a 4-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Orick, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Orick, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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