Swimming and floating enthusiasts will find direct access to the Chetco River at this dispersed camping area, where the gravel bar provides multiple entry points to deep pools and swimming holes. Located within Siskiyou National Forest, Redwood Bar operates as a pay-per-night dispersed site where campers select their own spots along the river's edge.
The eight-mile access road from Brookings leads to a large gravel bar that accommodates both tent campers and big rigs, though the final approach requires navigating rocky terrain. Jules S. notes arriving "on a Saturday afternoon and got a spot right on the water" despite weekend crowds. Cell service disappears entirely once campers turn onto the forest road, though Starlink internet functions reliably for those positioned away from dense tree cover.
The river offers "crystal clear river for swimming/floating in," according to Jules S., with water levels and temperatures varying significantly by season. Early summer provides the best conditions before algae growth increases later in the season. Fire rings dot the gravel bar, and portable toilets serve the area. The site attracts diverse groups, from families to weekend party crowds, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Access requires careful navigation using GPS coordinates rather than standard mapping apps, which often misdirect drivers past the correct river access point. The paved road transitions to gravel for the final descent to the camping area. Payment operates on an honor system with Forest Service envelopes occasionally distributed to campsites. Nearby alternatives include Nook Bar Campground and Miller Bar Campground along the same river system. This site works best for campers comfortable with minimal facilities who prioritize river access over solitude.
Description
This dispersed campsite for tents or small trailers, is located on the Recreation portion of the Wild and Scenic Chetco River. Enjoy summer fun in the crystal clear waters of this outstanding river. There are a few shaded spots that can be found along the tree line. Picnicking, sunbathing, swimming, floating and other forms of non-motorized water sports are possible. Facilities Camp where you want No drinking water Vault toilet Garbage disposal from May 15 through September 15
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingRedwood Bar Dispersed Camping is located in Oregon
Directions
From Brookings, Oregon, turn off US Highway 101 onto the North Bank Chetco River Road (County Road 784). This becomes Forest Road 1376. Redwood Bar is approximately 6 miles from the Forest boundary on Forest Road 1376, just past the Little Redwood Campground.
Coordinates
42.155352648489824 N
124.14496337285095 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 27 min from Grants Pass, OR
- 2 hrs 54 min from Medford, OR
- 4 hrs 37 min from Eugene, OR





























