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Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. - [Skip to global NPS navigation](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm#GlobalNav-toggle) - [Skip to this park navigation](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm#LocalNav-desktop-nav) - [Skip to the main content](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm#main) - [Skip to this park information section](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm#ParkFooter) - [Skip to the footer section](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm#GlobalFooter) [ National Park Service](https://www.nps.gov/) [Search](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm#GlobalFooterSearchInput) # Open Menu Close Menu ## Explore This Park ## Explore the National Park Service ## Exiting nps.gov Cancel [Redwood](https://www.nps.gov/redw/) National and State Parks California - [Info](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm) - [Alerts](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/conditions.htm) - [Maps](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/maps.htm) - [Calendar](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/calendar.htm) - [Fees](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/fees.htm) Loading alerts ## Alerts In Effect Dismiss [more information on current conditions...](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/conditions.htm) - Dismiss - [View all alerts](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/conditions.htm) #### Contact Us # Backcountry Camping and Permits | | |---| | **Remote Campsites & Important Info** Want to camp away from busy campgrounds and immerse yourself in nature? Redwood National and State Parks offer **seven designated backcountry campsites** along **200 miles of trails** for those seeking a more rugged, off-the-grid experience. Unlike developed campgrounds, these sites **do not have drive-up access**—you'll need to **hike, [bike](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/bikes.htm), [ride horseback](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/horses.htm),** or **[raft](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/redwoodcreekforrafters.htm)** to reach them. Backcountry camping allows you to stay deep within the park’s forests, meadows, and river valleys, offering a peaceful and adventurous way to experience the redwoods. Before heading out, be sure to check the park’s permit requirements and safety guidelines. **How to Camp in the Backcountry** **[Choose Your Campsite](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountry-campsites.htm)** – Each of the seven backcountry sites offers a different experience, from redwood forests to coastal views. **[Get a Free Permit](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountrypermits.htm)** – Required for all backcountry camping. Request online **up to 160 days in advance** and at least **24 hours before your trip**. **Plan Your Route** – Check maps and trail distances to ensure the campsite fits your hiking ability. **[Know the Risks](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/safety.htm)** – You’ll be in bear and mountain lion country with no cell service and limited access to help. Apply for a Backcountry Permit Permits can be requested online **up to 160 days in advance** and **no later than 24 hours before** your trip. **[Apply for a backcountry permit online.](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountrypermits.htm)** **Where Can You Camp?** Each backcountry campsite offers unique surroundings: **Redwood Forests** – Sleep among towering ancient trees. **Coastal Sites** – Camp near the ocean with the sound of waves at night. **Prairies & Oak Woodlands** – Open landscapes with great wildlife viewing. **Check the [Backcountry Trip Planner (PDF)](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/upload/BTP_7-20-2018-508.pdf) for details on each campsite, including distances, water availability, and difficulty level.** **Get Ready for Your Trip** **Follow this link to [Download maps and site descriptions.](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountry-campsites.htm)** **[Purchase topographic maps](https://shop.redwoodparksconservancy.org/)** from Redwood Parks Conservancy. **[Check current conditions](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)** for weather updates and trail closures. Respecting the Backcountry While specific regulations apply to those on **[bicycles](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/bikes.htm)** and **[horseback](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/horses.htm)**, all backcountry users should adhere to Redwood National & State Park regulations. All of us are encouraged to follow **[Leave No Trace](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/lnt.htm)**guidelines to minimize our impacts on the environment. Leave No Trace is rooted in scientific studies and common sense. | | Backcountry Camping Regulations Campsite Regulations Camping is limited to the designated campsites and to eight (8) persons per site. Camping outside designated campsites or more than eight (8) persons per site is prohibited. Group sites are limited to twenty (20) persons. All backcountry camping requires a permit and is done so by online reservation only. Backcountry camping without a permit is prohibited. Backcountry horse camping requires a permit and is only allowed at Little Bald Hills Camp and Elam Camp. Backcountry horse camping without a permit is prohibited. Saving a campsite for another party is prohibited. Campsite overnight stay limits are 5 consecutive nights and 15 nights in a calendar year. Camping in the same site over 5 consecutive nights and 15 nights in a calendar year is prohibited. Campers and all tents and other camping equipment must vacate at least 14 days between each multi-day (2-5 days) stay. Food Storage Regulations In all areas within the park, all food, lawfully taken fish, garbage and equipment used to store food (e.g., ice chests) must be stored in one of the following ways: Inside a vehicle with all doors, windows and trunk lids closed, OR Inside a camping unit that is constructed of solid non-pliable material, OR Suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet horizontally from a post, tree trunk or other object (Note: Climbing of trees is prohibited), OR Inside a building, OR Inside a commercially available portable bear-resistant food storage container that is specifically designed and constructed to prevent access by bears and other wildlife, OR In developed campgrounds, inside a food storage locker where provided. For purposes of this section, food is defined as items to be consumed, drinks, pet food, toiletries and soaps. Garbage is defined as food wastes, empty food containers, trash and recyclables. This restriction does not apply to food that is being transported, consumed or prepared for consumption Fire Regulations The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as authorized in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted: All fires are prohibited during periods of very high or extreme fire danger as posted according to the park’s Fire Management Plan. Campfires are permitted in park-provided grills or designated sites in all campgrounds, picnic areas and backcountry campsites. Holders of a valid backcountry camping permit for Redwood Creek may build a fire only on the gravel bars, per conditions of the permit. Moving a grill or fire ring from its original location is prohibited. Where grills are provided, all burning material must be fully contained within the grill. The burning of trash or food waste is prohibited within the park. Fires may be built on beach wave slopes, but not on vegetation Horse & Pack Animal Regulations The following animals are designated as pack animals for purposes of transporting equipment: Horses, ponies, mules, burros, goats, yaks, and llamas The use of horses or pack animals is allowed on the following trails, routes or areas: The Mill Creek and Rellim Ridge Horse Trails and the Little Bald Hills trail in Del Norte County. The established and marked Orick Horse trails on the west side of Redwood Creek and within the streambed of Redwood Creek up to the first footbridge/trail crossing of Redwood Creek. Crescent, Gold Bluff, Hidden (Humboldt County) and Freshwater Beaches. Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals: A horse or pack animal may not graze or otherwise eat park vegetation. A horse or pack animal must be picketed, properly tied to a hitching post or within a corral when unattended overnight. | |  | Last updated: January 22, 2026 ## Park footer ### Contact Info #### Mailing Address: 1111 Second Street Crescent City, CA 95531 #### Phone: 707 464-6101 #### [Contact Us](https://www.nps.gov/redw/contacts.htm) ### Tools - [FAQ](https://www.nps.gov/redw/faqs.htm) - [Site Index](https://www.nps.gov/redw/siteindex.htm) - [Español](https://www.nps.gov/redw/espanol/index.htm) ### Stay Connected Experience Your America. Download the NPS app to navigate the parks on the go. 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## **Remote Campsites & Important Info** Want to camp away from busy campgrounds and immerse yourself in nature? Redwood National and State Parks offer **seven designated backcountry campsites** along **200 miles of trails** for those seeking a more rugged, off-the-grid experience. Unlike developed campgrounds, these sites **do not have drive-up access**—you'll need to **hike, [bike](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/bikes.htm), [ride horseback](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/horses.htm),** or **[raft](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/redwoodcreekforrafters.htm)** to reach them. Backcountry camping allows you to stay deep within the park’s forests, meadows, and river valleys, offering a peaceful and adventurous way to experience the redwoods. Before heading out, be sure to check the park’s permit requirements and safety guidelines. ### **How to Camp in the Backcountry** 1. **[Choose Your Campsite](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountry-campsites.htm)** – Each of the seven backcountry sites offers a different experience, from redwood forests to coastal views. 2. **[Get a Free Permit](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountrypermits.htm)** – Required for all backcountry camping. Request online **up to 160 days in advance** and at least **24 hours before your trip**. 3. **Plan Your Route** – Check maps and trail distances to ensure the campsite fits your hiking ability. 4. **[Know the Risks](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/safety.htm)** – You’ll be in bear and mountain lion country with no cell service and limited access to help. ### Apply for a Backcountry Permit Permits can be requested online **up to 160 days in advance** and **no later than 24 hours before** your trip. **[Apply for a backcountry permit online.](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountrypermits.htm)** ### **Where Can You Camp?** Each backcountry campsite offers unique surroundings: - **Redwood Forests** – Sleep among towering ancient trees. - **Coastal Sites** – Camp near the ocean with the sound of waves at night. - **Prairies & Oak Woodlands** – Open landscapes with great wildlife viewing. **Check the [Backcountry Trip Planner (PDF)](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/upload/BTP_7-20-2018-508.pdf) for details on each campsite, including distances, water availability, and difficulty level.** ### **Get Ready for Your Trip** - **Follow this link to [Download maps and site descriptions.](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountry-campsites.htm)** - **[Purchase topographic maps](https://shop.redwoodparksconservancy.org/)** from Redwood Parks Conservancy. - **[Check current conditions](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)** for weather updates and trail closures. ## Respecting the Backcountry While specific regulations apply to those on **[bicycles](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/bikes.htm)** and **[horseback](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/horses.htm)**, all backcountry users should adhere to Redwood National & State Park regulations. All of us are encouraged to follow **[Leave No Trace](https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/lnt.htm)**guidelines to minimize our impacts on the environment. Leave No Trace is rooted in scientific studies and common sense.