Dispersed camping opportunities near Redway, California range from secluded beach locations to forested settings at elevations between sea level and 4,000 feet. Road conditions accessing these areas vary significantly by season, with winter rains frequently making dirt access roads impassable. Most dispersed camping areas require visitors to pack out all trash and supply their own drinking water.
What to do
Beach exploration and hiking: Usal Beach Campground offers direct beach access with adjacent forest camping. "The area has plenty of campsites and fires are allowed. You can choose to shelter in the wooded areas or setup right on the beach. Beware of the deep sand," notes Chris N.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife encounters at tent campsites near Redway. At Baxter Environmental Camp, campers can explore numerous hiking trails within Humboldt Redwoods State Park. "We did a west coast camping road trip around September. Once we hit red wood national park, all site were booked. But we ended up at the state campground and it was great," shares Mayra D.
River activities: Camping along the Mattole River at A.W. Way County Park provides water recreation during summer months. "This is a very family friendly lazy river camping area. Camp sites are flat. Deer and skunks frequent the area. River is usually low on water in the summer months," explains JoJo H.
What campers like
Remote locations: Many tent campsites in the Redway area offer significant isolation. At Camp Mattole, campers appreciate the separation from urban areas. "I love the remoteness of this place, it is California's lost coast. Not for the faint of heart as you have to haul your own water in," writes Ann N.
Off-road adventures: Reaching some tent camping areas requires navigating challenging roads. Connor M. reports about Usal Beach: "The road was a bit rougher than expected (took us roughly 45 min from the paved road to camp). People made it down in mini vans but I personally wouldn't try it."
Community atmosphere: Some campsites foster connections between visitors. At Camp Mattole, "The other people camping were really fabulous. Super laid back. A lot of younger hikers and older hippy types all hanging out together and often sharing meals amongst other campers. A true community of people."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many camping areas near Redway require higher-clearance vehicles. For Usal Beach, Robert S. advises, "The trail can be a little rough if it's been raining. Had to pull someone out last trip, which made the adventure even better! I recommend 4x4 during the wet seasons and some recovery gear just in case."
Seasonal considerations: Fall offers reduced crowds at many tent campsites. John L. notes about Usal Beach: "I've heard that this place can get crowded during the summer months I'm glad we waited until fall. Definitely off the beaten path."
Security concerns: At some campgrounds, overnight security measures are recommended. Susan H. reports from Williams Grove Group Camp: "We were there as a group with Cubscouts and Boy Scouts and on the 2nd night had about $500 worth of food and gear stolen while we were sleeping. Definitely lock up or put away your gear at night."
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Nadelos Campground accommodates larger family gatherings. Spencer J. shares, "Stayed here on a school trip with a group of over 50 people and we had plenty of room. Campsite had access to a few different foot paths which we didn't explore too far down but certainly seemed nice."
Wildlife preparation: Families should prepare for wildlife encounters. At Nadelos Campground, "We visited in the spring and it was pretty buggy, but not unmanageably so. I think a bear visited us in the night but it was not an issue."
River camping with kids: A.W. Way County Park offers family-friendly river camping with flat sites. The park is "dog-friendly" with "spacious" sites located directly on the Mattole River according to multiple reviewers.
Tips from RVers
Dispersed RV options: Horse Mountain Campground offers primitive camping accessible to some RVs. Stephanie S. notes, "We stayed here 6/28 during a windstorm! We had to cut a tree out of the way of the road to access. It's an old abandoned camp that is now free to use because it is no longer maintained."
Free alternatives: For RVers seeking no-cost options near Redway, Horse Mountain provides free camping. "It's a good alternative to the nearby Tolkan if you are looking for something more remote and of course, totally free and borderline 'dispersed'."
Site selection: Finding level spots can be challenging in dispersed areas. At Horse Mountain, "There were many good sites available when we were there as there was only 1 other person there."
