Tent camping at Redwood National Park offers immersive backcountry experiences among ancient forests with minimal facilities. Most backcountry sites require carrying bear canisters when lockers aren't available. The park receives over 100 inches of annual rainfall, creating dense undergrowth during summer months that can affect campsite privacy and trail accessibility.
What to do
**River swimming: Explore the clear waters at Smith River National Recreation Area where visitors report "beautiful Redwoods and very clean camping spots." The area features sandy beaches and swimming holes with cold, crystal-clear water.
**Junior Ranger program: At Penn Campground, families can participate in educational activities. A visitor mentioned, "Our 11 year old daughter got to participate in the Junior Ranger Program, learning about the geology of the area. The Ranger helped us identify some of the berries we'd seen along the path and which were edible."
**Agate hunting: Penn Campground provides access to Agate Beach where "you can collect Agate to take home (no other natural souvenirs are allowed)." This makes for an engaging activity between hiking adventures.
What campers like
**Natural site separation: Campers appreciate the vegetation that creates privacy between sites. At Penn Creek campground, "each site is tucked back in its own little green enclave, so even though the neighboring sites are close to you, you feel secluded."
**Free camping options: Flint Ridge Backcountry Site draws tent campers looking for no-cost options. One camper noted it's a "great camping spot for FREE!! Stellar views and super easy access. We parked right along the coast and easily walked all of our gear to camp."
**Wildlife viewing: Backcountry sites provide opportunities to observe unique forest creatures. At Flint Ridge, visitors should "be careful of ticks" and may encounter "banana slugs in the area that can end up on your stuff."
What you should know
**Vehicle security concerns: Several backcountry parking areas post warnings about break-ins. At Flint Ridge, "there was a sign saying security camera in use. There were signs warning us to not leave valuables in the car bc of thieves."
**Toilet conditions vary: Vault toilets at backcountry sites receive mixed reviews. At Sand Camp, "the toilet was a basic pit toilet, but it was fairly clean as far as those go," while another camper at Flint Ridge complained that "the pit toilet has been AWFUL the couple times I attempted to use it."
**Seasonal changes affect conditions: Vegetation grows rapidly during summer months. By July 2023, a camper noted that "the campsites no longer offer an ocean view as the vegetation has grown so much," and there is "tons of poison ivy even in the campground."
Tips for camping with families
**Pack flashlights for facilities: When using campground facilities at night, proper lighting is essential. At Penn Campground, "showers are coin operated and dark though so bring quarters and a flashlight!"
**Plan early for popular sites: Secure reservations well in advance for summer camping. One visitor advised, "Book early if you can" because "it's popular in the summer and there wasn't a site available 2 nights for our dates."
**Check site access distances: At Elam Backcountry Camp, hikers must trek in from the Orick Horse Trail Trailhead. This campground serves as "a main thoroughfare, so people will pass by your site," making it better as "a way point on the way to more secluded sites."
Tips from RVers
**Understand walk-in requirements: At Sand Camp, RV campers should note that "the sites are walk to (very short), and there are signs saying no camping in the parking lot, violators will be fined." One RVer explained, "We didn't want to chance sleeping in our van because it seemed like a place that would be patrolled."
**Remote location benefits: The remote setting provides exceptional dark sky viewing. One van camper at Sand Camp noted that "the sky was dark and clear, perfect for stargazing. The few other people camping there were quiet and friendly."
**Access road considerations: Some forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. When heading to tent camping areas, expect "very little traffic at night as this area is fairly remote," making for peaceful overnight stays.
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