Highway access → arrival
Arrival: Orick Horse Trailhead parking at the Rodeo Grounds, 1000 Drydens Road; continue on foot under the NPS backcountry permit.
Approach: From US-101 at Orick Elementary School, take Drydens Road east for one mile and turn left at the wooden fence into the Horse Camp / Rodeo Grounds parking. The operator identifies day-use parking here.
NPS requires this trailhead while seasonal footbridges are removed. Camping closes October 15–April 1; verify the permit and current conditions before starting. Do not drive to a campsite or ford Redwood Creek. Check overnight parking requirements with the operator.
Official directions & access ↗A dispersed permit-only backcountry experience on designated Redwood Creek gravel bars during the park's allowed season. It is an area reached on foot, not a campground with a vehicle entrance.
Access details
- Parking
- Select an official trailhead and itinerary through the park permit system; the map point is representative and must not be used as a vehicle destination.
- Viewpoint
- The experience follows the broad gravel-bed Redwood Creek corridor beneath forested slopes.
- Trail
- Access and legal camping locations depend on the current backcountry permit and seasonal rules.
- Public water access
- Creek proximity does not establish safe swimming conditions.
- Water conditions
- NPS prohibits gravel-bar camping from April 1 through October 14. A permit is required; there are no toilets, and collected water must be treated.
Plan from the official source
Redwood National and State Parks is the manager or primary source for this entry. Check its current page for changing hours, fees, reservations, road restrictions, and closures.
Open NPS Redwood backcountry campsites ↗