Tent Camping near Orleans, CA

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Tent campsites in the vicinity of Orleans, California range from established campgrounds to remote dispersed areas on BLM land. Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp offers free tent sites with basic amenities including picnic tables and fire rings, while backcountry options like Flint Ridge in Redwood National and State Parks provide more primitive tent camping experiences. The Six Rivers National Forest region provides multiple tent-only camping options within driving distance of Orleans.

    Most primitive tent sites require self-sufficiency as amenities are minimal. Lacks Creek BLM area features tent campsites with toilets but campers report significant tick populations, particularly in warmer months. Groves Prairie includes vault toilets that are occasionally stocked with supplies, but no potable water is available. Several tent campgrounds in the region have fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many dispersed tent sites, as forest service roads can be rough with potholes and washboarding. A visitor commented that the road to Groves Prairie is "a bit overgrown and there's a lot of potholes," making access challenging.

    Areas farther from main roads offer deeper seclusion for tent campers. The secluded nature of many tent sites near Orleans provides excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Tent campers at Groves Prairie might spot local wildlife, with one reviewer noting, "We did have a few deer walking through our campsite through the middle of the night." Primitive tent sites in the area typically have nearby creeks, though water treatment is necessary. Cell service is extremely limited or non-existent at most backcountry tent camping locations, with one camper reporting "no service for miles with Verizon" at Lacks Creek. Tent campers should be prepared for complete disconnection from communication networks while enjoying the natural surroundings.

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    Best Tent Campgrounds near Orleans (45)

      1. E-ne-nuck Campground

      3.0(1)8mi from OrleansTents

      2. Wooley Creek Trailhead

      Be the first to review8mi from OrleansTents

      3. Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp

      4.5(2)24mi from OrleansTents

      "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 picnic table and a campfire pit to designate the camp spot, which was nice. The table at the spot was a little bit eroded, but nothing we couldn’t handle."

      4. Hotelling Campground

      Be the first to review14mi from OrleansTents

      5. Flint Ridge Backcountry Site - Redwood National and State Park

      4.1(8)32mi from OrleansTents

      "We chose Flint Ridge for our permit because of its accessibility to the road and main attractions through the park."

      "When you arrive on the ONE WAY coastal drive you pull into parking on the left which is a half moon gravel area facing the ocean."

      6. BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek

      2.7(3)25mi from OrleansTents

      7. Red Bank Campground

      Be the first to review16mi from OrleansTents

      8. Sugar Pine Camp & Cabin

      5.0(1)26mi from Orleans1 siteTents, Cabins

      "This property offers gorgeous mountain views, comfortable beds, and close access to outdoor activities. Check them out and leave them some love!"

      from $20 - $70 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Elam Backcountry Camp — Redwood National Park

      4.0(1)25mi from OrleansTents

      "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)."

      10. TOWLA: Trinity Outdoor Wilderness Life & Adventure

      Be the first to review17mi from Orleans10 sitesTents

      from $12 - $21 / night

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    Tent Camping Reviews near Orleans, CA

    840 Reviews of 45 Orleans Campgrounds


    • J
      Aug. 22, 2018

      Emerald Forest Cabins & RV

      Tent camping: Very dark with uneven ground

      We stayed here one night last year. We’d hoped to stay at Patrick’s Point State Park, but it was full. The woman who set us up with a tent site here was super friendly and helpful. She offered advice for where to eat in the area and points of interest.

      My daughters and I checked out the Bay Area and hiked the Trinidad Head. It was a beautiful afternoon. We had dinner at the Trinidad Bay Eatery and Gallery which was nice with a friendly server and good American fare.

      After we returned we looked at the little arcade area in the cabins area. It reminded me in a nostalgic way of the arcade area in the 80’s movie Starfighter. Very fun.

      Although it wasn’t quite dark yet when we headed back to our site, it was VERY dark in the back area with the tent sites fue to heavy tree cover. Finding our spot was difficult in the dark. The path is winding and doesn’t exactly match the campground map and the ground was very uneven. I was glad we have four wheel drive.

      The campsite was also very uneven and had a steep drop off to a creek bed on the side. Luckily we’d planned to car camp and only had to fold down the sleeping area in our vehicle. I can’t imagine trying to set up a tent on that site in the pitch blackness. I’m not sure that the site had any amenities like a picnic table or water or a fire ring. I couldn’t see anything!

      Overall I’d stay here again, but I’d get there way before dark and set up camp first before adventuring in the area. I love the Trinidad/Eureka area. There’s lots to do and see. I gave the three stars because the tent site area ground is so uneven and so unlit.

    • Christy C.
      Jun. 29, 2016

      Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

      Camping in the Redwoods

      This campground was primitive and very "natural" in setting. The sites had a bear box for food storage and there were Elk grazing near our loop. We picked blackberries and watched bluejays landing nearby. There was a restroom with pay showers and a ranger station at the entrance. Not a lot here but plenty to do up the road on the Newton B Drury Pkwy we visited the ancient Redwoods that were amazing. Also, can drive to Fern Valley if you rig isn't too big. That is where a scene from Jurassic park was filmed.

    • Rosie H.
      May. 30, 2021

      East Fork Campground

      Clean bathrooms

      The spot I was in was small and nestled in a grove of aspen trees. The bear locker was well maintained and the fire ring was double walled. There were flush toilets with working lights and the tent pad was level.

      Its a short drive to some great hikes, but the campground itself was too busy and too close to the highway to use as a good starting point.

    • Lauren L.
      Oct. 18, 2017

      Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground

      Giant redwoods in the autumn

      I visited here for one night in October and it was very quiet. Only 10 other campsites being used. The campground is quite large, however a few loops were closed for post season construction. Beautiful sites and awesome to set up my tent right next to giant Redwoods!

      The campground runs along the Smith river, which is beautiful in its own right!

      All sites standard with bear box, fire ring and picnic table. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Quarter operated showers. $8/bundle of wood. $35/night. Cash or check only!!

      Dont miss the Boy Scout Trail just a few minutes down the road and the Stout Memorial Grove across the river.

    • Connie H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 13, 2025

      Trail Creek Campground

      Quiet Campground In the Klamath National Forest

      This is our second time camping in this campground. It’s out of the way and pretty remote, but quiet and peaceful. There are no hookups, but there is drinking water provided as well as vault toilets (which were pretty darn clean), and a bear proof trash can. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Generator use is allowed from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Last year in July when we visited there were maybe 3 other people here. This time in October (late in the season), we were the only ones here. The fee is $10.00 a night, or $5.00 with the pass/senior discount. There is ZERO cell service with T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon. We did have Starlink with us and we were able to get signal, but it was spotty due to all the tree coverage. Trail Creek runs through the back of the campground and is beautiful!

    • Chanel C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Dec. 17, 2019

      Agate Campground — Sue-meg State Park

      10/10 Would stay again!

      [ PROS]

      • Super lush and foresty campground right by the Pacific Ocean. There is so much to see all around the campgrounds. You can go for a hike and the Rim Trail which perimeters the park, you can go down to the beach and hunt for agates, explore tidepools, look at birds and other wildlife, and go to the visitor center.

      • Each site came with a picnic table, bear box, fire ring, and two parking spots.

      • Sites were surprisingly large! We stayed at Site#99 and it was super spacious. It even had a hidden area that was under large trees that was perfect for setting up tents.

      • I love how the sites were also very private. Each site seemed to be carved out of the brush so you’re just enclosed in trees and bushes. Everything was so green!

      • The restrooms were really clean. Site#99 was a little far from the showers, but we had nice toilets right by us.

      • VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS! My gosh. We stated at Agate Campground (1 of 3 campgrounds at this park) and it was really close to the beach access. We did the Rim Trail hike and it was unbelievable.

      [CONS]

      • NONE! Perfect campground:)

      Overall, I would come back here in a heartbeat! I know we came during off season so the campground wasn’t as full, but i’d imagine when this place is fully booked it would still be very tranquil and peaceful. Each site was like a little oasis removed from everyone else.

    • Toni  K.The Dyrt Pro User
      May. 24, 2021

      Mill Creek Campground — Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

      Small spots in the state park

      Nice site offers showers, clean bathrooms, bear boxes, fire rings and benches. As well as trash cans and recycling. Some spots looked big and some/most were pretty small. The spots are pretty close together but, that’s okay. I feel it was kinda expensive for the size of the spots and how close they were together but, you are in a state park. The trees were very beautiful and you’re right in the middle of the red woods. The camp host was very sweet and offered a wood for purchase ($10).

      I don’t recommend getting spot 27. Very weird set up the bench was in the center of the spot and the fire was really close to the vegetation it kinda scared me. It looked to be all the odd 20s were set up kinda funky.

    • 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.

    • Dan G.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jun. 4, 2023

      Tannery Gulch Campground

      3.5 Stars

      Nice well shaded campground, some sites enjoy lake views although Trinity Lake is very low at this point. Site 67 is a nice size, lots of space between adjacent sites. Two tent flats, table and fire ring. Some sites have bear boxes, 67 does not. Close but not too close to the bathroom. Camp host was friendly. Easy walk/ drive to the lake. I would check site map and reviews if possible, some sites looked very small and unappealing while others were very spacious.(67) No firewood for sale on site. Overall campground was nice and site 67 in particular was very good. 3.5 Stars.


    Guide to Orleans

    Tent campsites near Orleans, California range from primitive backcountry sites to established dispersed camping areas across several land management jurisdictions. Dispersed camping opportunities exist within Six Rivers National Forest and adjacent Klamath National Forest, with elevations varying from 500 to 3,000 feet. Summer temperatures often reach the 90s, while winter brings substantial rainfall and occasional snow at higher elevations.

    What to do

    Backcountry hiking access: Flint Ridge Backcountry Site serves as an excellent base for exploring Redwood National Park's trail system. "I have been along camping the Nor Cal coast at least twice a year, my entire life. Flint Ridge is a little farther north than I normally go, but I'm so glad I stumbled across this campground a few years back," notes camper Emily H.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many tent sites offer chances to observe native wildlife in their natural habitat. At Elam Backcountry Camp, campers should prepare for encounters as one visitor explained, "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."

    Mountain biking trails: The network of forest service roads and designated trails provides extensive mountain biking options. At Lacks Creek area, one camper mentioned, "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."

    What campers like

    Celestial viewing conditions: Dark skies make tent camping ideal for stargazers. At Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp, one visitor specifically came "to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul."

    Budget-friendly options: Most dispersed camping areas near Orleans offer free accommodation. Groves Prairie features "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."

    Privacy between sites: BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek provides isolation for those seeking solitude. A camper described it as "Pretty far drive off a dirt road. The camp spot does have fire rings. However, there are a lot of ticks. Be careful if you have any animals."

    What you should know

    Access challenges: Many tent sites require preparation for difficult roads. For Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp, a visitor noted, "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'."

    Seasonal pest conditions: Ticks are prevalent in warmer months at several locations. At Lacks Creek, one camper reported, "BLM land with good signs and maps. The Lacks Creek campground (left turn at the 3-way) is just a gravel parking area. No creek water in early June but lots of ticks. Very hot too. We left after 30 minutes and 6 ticks."

    Vegetation management: Some sites experience significant plant growth. At Flint Ridge Backcountry Site, a camper observed, "Unfortunately the campsites no longer offer an ocean view as the vegetation has grown so much as of July 2023...Be warned there is tons of poison ivy even in the campground."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular tent campsite near Orleans, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Orleans, CA is E-ne-nuck Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

    What is the best site to find tent camping near Orleans, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Orleans, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.