TRAVEL

5 amazing places to stay in Redwood National and State Parks

Campgrounds and cabins in the land of giants

Mill Creek Campground
Mill Creek Campground, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. Photo by Ray Krebs, Flickr Creative Commons

Campgrounds and cabins in the land of giants

There really isn’t anything quite like camping among the tall trees, and Redwood National and State Parks offer great experiences for those wanting to rough it. Demand for the campsites is high between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so it is always a good idea to make a reservation in advance at reservecalifornia.com.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground
The only campground within this spectacular park features 86 family campsites, but only some with space for trailers or motor homes (RVs). Location is everything here along the jade-hued Smith River and within an old-growth redwood grove. A bridge provides seasonal access to Stout Grove.

Mill Creek Campground
Just south of Crescent City in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, this is a great base camp for exploring the park’s amazing old-growth groves and rugged remote coast. Most of this campground’s 145 sites can accommodate trailers and motor homes. Mill Creek Campground is close to Damnation Creek Trail and Trestle Loop Trail.

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
If you prefer to sleep to the sound of rolling surf, try this spot in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This smaller campground—with 26 sites for tents or shorter RVs—offers amazing Pacific Ocean views and trail access to old-growth redwoods and Fern Canyon. You’ll also probably get a close look at the resident Roosevelt elks.

Elk Prairie Campground
Grazing Roosevelt elks and black-tailed deer are among the highlights at this place in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, featuring 75 tent or RV sites, as well as sites for people who hike or ride bicycles into the park.

Redwood Creek
This backcountry spot is one of the few in Redwood National Park where you can camp outside of a designated site. As there are no amenities, this site is best for experienced campers who can hike several miles and be self-sufficient for several days. The reward is some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable, including the nearby Tall Trees Grove. You’ll need a permit to hike in the area, as well as a camping permit, both of which can be obtained online.

CABINS

Eight no-frills, wheelchair-accessible cabins are available for reservations in Redwood National and State Parks. Four are in Elk Prairie Campground and four are in Jedediah Smith Campground.

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About the author

Garrison Frost is the League's former Director of Communications.

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