Searching for a tent camping spot near Redwood National Park? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Redwood National Park with tent camping. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Redwood National Park, California's most popular destinations.
A backcountry permit is required for overnight camping: https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm
When parking at trailhead, secure items of value and keep them out of sight; better yet, leave them at home! Lock vehicle doors, roll up windows, and engage anti-theft devices.
West access: 1/4-mile to camp from Coastal Trail - Flint Ridge Section Trailhead (Coastal Drive); or East access: 41/2 miles to camp from Coastal Trail - Flint Ridge Section Trailhead (Alder Camp Road).
Bicycle access via Coastal Drive (see above), then walk bicycle 1/4-mile to camp; bicycle riding not allowed on Coastal Trail - Flint Ridge Section.
Pets (except service animals), horses, and/or pack animals are not allowed on trail or in camp.
Designated Sites Eight (8) campsites available; maximum of eight (8) people per site. Camp only in designated sites.
Disposal of Garbage and Human Waste Composting pit toilets for human waste only—do not dispose of garbage in toilets. Pack out all trash/garbage when leaving camp.
Food and Garbage Storage Store food, garbage, cooking gear, and all odorous items in food storage lockers. When cooking and/or eating, do not let wildlife access food and/or garbage.
Never Feed Wildlife (that includes birds, too!) It’s illegal, and dangerous to you, other humans, and the fed animal. Keep a clean camp, store food and other smelly items responsibly, and properly dispose of all garbage—even crumbs!
Water No treated water source or reliable natural water source available in close proximity to camp. You need to pack in drinking water.
Fires and Firewood Campfires are restricted to designated fire rings, only. Up to 50 pounds of dead and downed wood per day per campsite may be collected within 1/4-mile of camp for campfire use only. Do not leave fires unattended or smoldering.
Leave No Trace Understand the importance of Leave No Trace practices in the redwoods.
In general, dispersed camping is allowed outside of developed sites within the Six Rivers National Forest unless otherwise posted. Since potable water, toilets and other amenities are not available, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify natural water sources before drinking. Camp at least 200 feet from springs, water, meadows, trails, and at least 50 feet from roads. Camp at least a quarter-mile from designated campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, private property and state highways. Please remember: if you brought it in with you, then take it out when you leave (Pack It In/Pack It Out), this includes dismantling user-created site-modifications, such as fire rings.
A backcountry permit is required for overnight camping: https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm To prepare for any trip to this location, download the detailed Elam backcountry guide and map: https://www.nps.gov/places/elambackcountrycamp.htm
• When parking at trailhead, secure items of value and keep them out of sight; better yet, leave them at home! Lock vehicle doors, roll up windows, and engage anti-theft devices. • Hikers/backpackers only: 7.5 miles to camp from Orick Horse Trailhead. • Hikers/backpackers only: 3 miles to camp from Redwood Creek Trailhead. Note: Frequent vehicle break-ins at trailhead parking area. • Hikers/backpackers only: 6.5 miles to camp from Tall Trees Trailhead. • Pets (with the exception of service animals) and bicycles are not permitted on trails or in camp. • Redwood Creek may be impossible to cross during the rainy season and/or during high flow stages; two bridges over Redwood Creek are only in place seasonally, usually June–September.
Penn Creek Campground (sites 1-15)
$35 / night
ALERT: " Nickel Creek Camp CLOSED due to landslides and unsafe conditions." See Redwood National Park Alerts.
Nickel Creek Campground has 5 tent-only sites and no drinking water. The little campground is nestled among the bushes near the mouth of Nickel Creek, only a few hundred feet from the ocean. The campground features a lush coastal environment and the beauty of nearby Enderts Beach. While the ½-mile approach hike is steep in places, the camping experience can be rewarding. Campers enjoy secluded beach walks, tide pool explorations, and panoramic views of the Pacific.
Nickel Creek Campground has 5 first-come, first-served campsites. A free camping permit is obtained from the visitor center or at Redwood National Park Backcountry Camps. Visitors must pack out their garbage. Vault toilets are provided, but difficult to tolerate.
North Fork Campground is a quiet, semi-shaded, remote campground bordered by the North Fork of the Smith River. This is a perfect place to get away from it all and to stay before rafting the Wild North Fork. The campground is also popular with four-wheel-drive groups who enjoy driving the jeep trails and back roads of the area.The landscape surrounding the campground is dramatically steep and rocky. The vegetation is sparse due to the serpentine soil which stunts plant growth. The Biscuit Fire swept through the area in 2002, burning much of the vegetation in the surrounding area.Spring and early summer bring beautiful wildflowers to the area including the fragrant western azalea and beautiful blue brodiaeas. The campground is__within the North Fork Smith River__botanical area, which harbors many rare plants adapted to the serpentine soil.Access to the North Fork of the Smith River is mile west of the campground at the North Fork river access (also known as__Brown's Flat and Major Moore's). There are some nice pools but the water is very chilly and the shoreline is very cobbled except for__a small patch of sand at the upstream end. It is a good place to sit on a rock and soak your feet on a hot day.Click on the "Photos and Multimedia" link on the right sidebar to view a photo of the North Fork river access.
Ludlum Campground is located adjacent to Wheeler Creek and the Winchuck River, just minutes from ocean beaches, and 30 minutes from the redwoods of northern California. There are opportunities to hike; one option is the Chimney Camp Trail #1279, which is a pleasant hike along Wheeler Creek. Ludlum House Recreation Rental is also adjacent to the campground. Facilities 7 campsites with barrier-free picnic tables and fire pits Drinking water Vault toilets Garbage disposal
$10 / night
Our campsites are located on French Hill Road in the tiny city of Gasquet. Our campsite location is the Gateway to the Mountain Lakes. We are the road less traveled and you will enjoy a quiet, nature-filled camping experience. We are not too far from US 199 but far enough that there is no light pollution or noise to interfere with your star gazing. You will hear the sounds of nature on this property of over 100 acres.
Our campsites all have picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water available. You may purchase bundles of wood at an additional charge. A cold-water, an artesian shower, and outdoor toilets are available for the campground.
We are a small privately owned campsite, so plan on taking in the beauty and enjoying the wide open space. Kirk can advise you on the many sites to take in while visiting Del Norte County. He has lived at the top of the hill for over 20 years so take advantage of his love for this land and the knowledge he has acquired living here.
We are known for our mighty Redwood Forest, but there are plenty of beautiful sites to drink in while visiting.
Check out our blog on our website to learn more about the area.
$40 - $50 / night
Guide
Miller Bar is a river bar that allows DISPERSED camping for up to 14 days. It is about 20 minutes from the town of Brookings. If you take North Bank Chetco River Road all the way down past Loeb Park, it will turn into a gravel road, which is Forest Road 1376. Take the Forest Road down a ways, and you will see a river access sign for Miller Bar. The river access road is WINDING "SWITCHBACKS" WITH SOME STEEP HILLS, which is why only SMALL trailers are recommended. Since parking is directly on the river bed next to the water, camping during winter months with heavy rain is discouraged because of rising water levels and floods. There are vaulted toilets, and that's it, no running water. It is pretty much a "dead zone" for cell phone reception, although with some patience, I was able to find a few spots that I could get service (like 2 bars at the most). I got down there at night when it was dark and didn't see any signs that you had to pay $10 until the next morning when I was leaving. Since it is so secluded, no one even came out there except for locals that were fishing, and there were two other vehicles that were camping also. If you're looking for an "off the grid" peaceful spot to camp out where no one will bother you then this is a great place!
Scout
Our host was gracious, gave us our pick of spots. Beautiful place, well kept, clean bathrooms and showers. Little store nearby. Would be happy to stay again if ever in the area!
Traveler
Don’t be confused when you arrive and head up the hill where you’ll find camping spots. Even has an area with picnic tables under the trees.
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.
We even pulled up our rear drop camper and had no issues at all.
Traveler
We didn’t end up going because it is NOT RV friendly. You have to hike in with your tent
Guide
Okay girl we have a 33 ft Class A RV with a car and tow. There was only one site that could accommodate us and it was open. This place has access to the beach and seems to be a very salt of the earth type place..
Guide
We had never been to the ocean and had so much fun having our camper parked directly off the beach. It was so clean and beautiful. Planning on visiting again!
Guide
Well I had a lot higher hopes for this campground and was bummed that the noise of the 101 took over from the enjoyment of the park. We chose site 91 as we didn’t need water or electricity and it was tucked back into some trees. We absolutely loved that setting as there were no neighbors. No laundry, but here was a shop, firewood for purchase, propane, showers and playground for the kids. Like like there were some nice cabins and pull through spots but the noise was a huge downfall for us.
Guide
a little busy a lot of people but really quiet and peaceful !
Legend
We stopped here intending to stay the night on our way north but just couldn’t justify spending $30 for a literal parking spot (for RVs). I’m not even sure if there would have been room for our slides without going over into the next spot, and if we’d wanted the awning out there definitely wouldn’t have been room. There were no other RVs there and so I’m sure it would have been fine, but still.
The tent spots weren’t as bad, they were off the parking lot in a sandy area. You’re right off the highway too, so there’s a lot of noise. I could see this place being fine for an overnight spot, maybe for $10 or something, but to market it as a campground is just crazy.
There are pit toilets here and trash bins, host across the street. We thought about staying here just for the dog friendly beach access but the trail to the beach was narrow, overgrown, muddy, and overall unpleasant. About 10 miles north there is a lovely rest stop where you can stay for 8 hours for free if you just need a place to sleep (and there’s a free dump station there too!) We didn’t stay. Don’t recommend.
LegendWe like this little county campground- it’s FCFS only (it seems that early afternoon is the best time to snag a spot). We got the last spot when we arrived that we would fit in in our 26ft class C (there were some tent sites still available). There’s a loop that’s kind of tricky for RVs to navigate, though people will still do it, and other sites outside of the loop that are better suited for RVs. There are a couple of sites at either end of the loop that would work for RVs as well. There are also 2 sites with electric hookups that are $10 extra.
You self-register at the bathroom, $30/night. Kind of pricey for what you get, but it’s a cute and mellow little park and it’s got a pleasant vibe, very beautiful surroundings.
There are flush toilets and showers that we did not use. The road in to the campground is through some residential neighborhoods, but still relatively easy access from the main road. I wouldn’t recommend this campground for giant rigs.
Guidepretty basic good after a long night of driving
Ranger
Stayed in a cabin and it was beautiful. The front porch provided a fabulous view to the Chetco River.
If you fish and don't have a trailer or camper these cabins are perfect. Fire ring and table are provided as well.
Well worth the price.
GuideSuper happy with this cozy little campground. Good size spots, very clean, nicely maintained, nearby hiking in the redwoods, and a river right next to the campground. Recommended!!!
TravelerI 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
Guide
This is a great place to see an elk herd as they sometimes come grazing through the campground. The campsites were more spacious than other campgrounds we stayed at. The restrooms are ok, however take a light with you at night because the motion lights will turn off before you can finish your business. The showers are in need of an upgrade. Plus they are coin operated which was disappointing considering the condition. Very convenient beach access road is almost directly across from the campground entrance. Also, there are two areas to camp, the meadows with no shade and the woods with little sun. WiFi is free for 30 minutes each day or pay for longer periods and Verizon signal is weak Overall a nice place with friendly staff.
Guide
This was the perfect spot to spend a night. The creek behind us was beautiful and the sounds just put you right to sleep. Many spots along the road. Easy with our jeep, but I wouldn't recommend for larger trailers
GuideVery special to see Elk roaming the campgrounds. Nice large campsites, clean bathrooms, and great service.
Ranger
Overall the campground itself was nice. The restrooms are super clean and nice. Some sites are fairly secluded. It was very hot when we were there and although it is next to the river, you are actually above the river so you have to drive/hike to it. There were a lot of campers from Oregon there and all of them were there to party. The camp host was useless and didn’t want to interact with anyone.
Ranger
We loved this campground! It is about a mile off the highway so you don’t have any road noise. You are immersed in the redwoods with a creek flowing next to the campground. The staff is very friendly and they do a great job keeping everything clean.
RangerWe loved this campground! You are immersed in the redwoods and surrounded by a creek that runs along the campground. The restrooms were clean, staff very friendly and it was nice and quiet when we were there.
GuideWe stayed one night here during a trip down the Oregon coast. We have a 37' TT, it was a little tight trying to back in, our neighbor across from us was gracious enough to move his truck. The sites themselves are very spacious, with a picnic table and fire pit. The sites were surrounded by blackberry bushes which was cool.
We did not use the bathrooms, but the park and the outside of the facilities all looked clean, and they also had cabins available near the river, which was so peaceful!
Traveler
This campground must be the “first camp out” for so many Northern California kids, at least of my generation. It was the first time my family drove for HOURS (“are we there yet?” And then the result was spectacular. The river vibe, the rope swing, the ancient redwoods, the dappled sunlight, the bbq. And yes, there’s a store nearby in the middle of nowhere to pick up whatever you need.
It really is family-lovely. Your kids will make friends with the others. If you can plan an extended stay, do it!
Recently, I just drove around the grounds, on my way back to SF, just for fun, and I thought, wow, I’m ready to experience this place as a childless oldster. I want to bird my ass off. I want to go offseason. All of it!
Traveler
I’m probably giving this an extra star for nostalgia. I camped here decades before, before it became a more modern campsite, and it was formative. I’d suggest LATE summer, like August, or better yet, after Labor Day. It’s the warmest, nicest time. Or when the Elk are in mating season! LOL. Or spring, when the Lupin arrives. There are also INCREDIBLE day trips into California’s interior, Indian history, little known parks and trails everywhere. Bring all the yummy foods you want… you’re not going to be near a grocery store. Feel a side of California few know about.
Scout
This is an awesome campground with a single-lane road. I love visit it and join adventures in geometry dash lite. We managed to navigate it in an SUV with a teardrop trailer, but I wouldn't recommend towing anything longer. During our visit in May, the river flowed swiftly and cold, making it unsuitable for swimming or fishing. There is a well-maintained vault toilet on site, along with bear-proof recycling and trash receptacles. Limited to no service available for most of the journey. Remember, fire permits are mandatory.
GuideDispersed camping along the river banks after walking through the Tall Trees hike. Easy overnighter.
GuideBeautiful campground among trees. Campsites feel private despite being a large campground. They had a range talk when we were there that we wish we attended but didn’t line up with our timeline. Staff was friendly.
ScoutThe location it’s not what it says on this map. It’s about a mile heading to eureka. It’s okay it’s small camp site it’s right next 101 it’s bit noisy
Tent camping near Redwood National Park in California offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, surrounded by towering trees and stunning landscapes. With a variety of campgrounds available, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Redwood National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Redwood National Park is Flint Ridge Backcountry Site - Redwood National and State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Redwood National Park?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near Redwood National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.
