camping-in-the-redwoods

Camping in the Redwoods

Camping in the redwoods is an experience everyone should have at least once in their life! Whether you’re spending a day or several days, camping in the redwoods on California’s northern coast is a must-do bucket list activity for all ages!

Humboldt County is home to the redwoods where the chance to explore the coastal redwoods is unlike any other. In the southern part of the county, you can drive the Avenue of the Giants and explore Humboldt Redwoods State Park which is always a favorite with visitors. As you head north along Highway 101, you’ll have your choice of hiking trails and attractions, as well as peaceful drives at Redwood National Park and more state parks along the way!

In this guide, we’re going to cover the various redwoods camping options for both RVers, as well as those looking for tent camping, cabins, and other unique overnight camping experiences in this majestic forest!

Redwoods Camping

By the way, if you’re not familiar with Redwood National Park, you may not know that the National Park was combined with 3 State Parks (Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwood) to help protect and save the trees. 

They are now collectively referred to as Redwood National & State Parks.

Let’s get started.

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Redwood National Park Camping Spots

There are 2 ways to spend the night camping in Redwood National Park. You can camp at one of the four developed campgrounds or get a free permit and hike to a backcountry campsite. 

In general, campgrounds cannot accommodate large RVs or trailers, and the use of hammocks is strictly prohibited. The California State Parks manages these parks with seasonal and volunteer positions. Reservations must be made through www.ReserveCalifornia.com and it’s recommended you plan in advance to make sure you get the site you want. 

Camping Fees: 

Standard camping is $35 per night

California State Pass Holders
California State Parks Disabled Discount Pass is $3.50 
California State Parks Distinguished Veterans Pass is FREE

Redwoods National Park doesn’t have any entrance fees, so there’s no need to pay anything at the gate.

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Jedediah Smith Campground

On the banks of the Smith River, you’ll enjoy seasonal campfire programs, hiking, swimming, fishing, and more during your trip to the Redwoods. This campground is open all year and offers 86 sites for RVs or tent camping. 

  • Sites do not include any hook-ups. 
  • Max vehicle size is 25ft RV or 21ft trailer
  • View the Jedediah Smith Campground Map
  • Location: 10 miles east of Crescent City
  • Amenities: Visitor center, beach, bike trails, picnic area, dump station, and hot showers. 

Mill Creek Campground

Pull off along HWY 101 for a redwoods camping adventure in the trees! Mill Creek Campground offers access to coastal redwoods, hiking trails, and some ranger-guided programs. 

The campground is open May-September (check dates online) and offers 145 sites for tent or RV camping. 

  • Sites do not include any hook-ups. 
  • Max vehicle size is 28ft RV or 24ft trailer
  • View the Mill Creek Campground Map
  • Location: 7 miles south of Crescent City
  • Amenities: Campfire center, beach access, family campsites, dump station, ADA restrooms, and hot showers. 

Elk Prairie Campground

Looking for ancient redwoods? You’ll find it at Elk Prairie Campground along with over 70 miles of hiking and biking trails for outdoor adventures to enjoy all year long. 

This campground is open 365 days a year and includes 75 tent and/or RV sites for visitors to choose from.

  • Sites do not include any hook-ups. 
  • Max vehicle size is 27ft RV or 24ft trailer.
  • View the Elk Prairie Campground Map
  • Location: 6 miles north of Orick
  • Amenities: Visitor center, Campfire center, picnic tables, food lockers, fishing, and hot showers. 

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

Enjoy the natural rugged Pacific Coastline on your road trip at the Gold Bluff’s Beach Campground. The name says a lot, but you’ll also enjoy access to a secluded beach, trails, and Fern Canyon during your stay!

The campground is technically open all year and offers just 26 sites for campers to enjoy in tents or RVs. 

  • Sites do not include any hook-ups. 
  • Max vehicle size is 24ft RV and trailers are not allowed.
  • View the Gold Bluffs Beach Campground Map
  • Location: 10 miles north of Orick
  • Amenities: Picnic tables, fire pits, barbeque grills, food lockers, campfire center, potable water, restrooms, and wind shelters.
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Backcountry Camping in the Redwoods

Campground camping not your type of redwood adventure? No problem! 

Backcountry camping is available in the redwoods for visitors who prefer a less-developed camping experience, closer to the wild. Enjoy being tucked away on more than 200 miles of backcountry trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. 

But first, you’ll need a permit.

You can get a Free backcountry permit from the National Park Website! But make sure to check in with park staff as they will provide you with the information you need to know about backcountry camping in the redwoods. Make sure to arrive no later than 30 minutes before the visitor center closing times to talk to staff and get set for your hike. 

Permits cannot be issued more than 24 hours in advance so plan accordingly! Reservations over the phone are not accepted. Permits are limited and will be issued on a first-come first-served basis.

Now that you’ve got your permit, you’re free to choose where you’d like to explore and set up camp. 

Tent Camping in the Redwoods

There are seven designated backcountry campsites to choose from. Two campsites are north of the Klamath River and the other five are south of it. 

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Redwoods Camping North of the Klamath River…

Little Bald Hills Camp Sites

This camping spot offers 5 sites and is suitable for those hiking, biking, and riding horseback. The campsites offer fire pits, pit toilets, non-potable water spigots, and bear lockers. There is also a horse trough and coral. 

Marked Little Bald Hills Trailhead off Howland Hill Rd. 

3.3 miles to the campground. 

Difficult hike with almost 2K ft rise in elevation. 
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND MAPS 

DeMartin Camp Sites

This camping spot has 10 sites. The campsite offers fire pits, picnic tables, and bear lockers. There is an onsite toilet, but water will need to be brought in. No animals or bikes allowed. 

2 Marked trailheads. North access at mile marker 15.7 off HWY 101. South access across from Wilson Creek parking lot (U.S. 101 milepost 12.8). 

3.4 miles to the campground from the North and 2.5 from the South.

Moderate hike with switchbacks and some steep inclines. 

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND MAPS

Redwoods Camping South of the Klamath River…

Flint Ridge Camp Sites

Flat Ridge Camp offers 8 sites with fire pits, picnic tables, and bear lockers. Animals are not allowed. Bikes are okay. Water is not available, but there is also pit toilet. 

2 Marked trailheads. West access along Coastal Drive. East access is at Alder Camp & Klamath Beach Rd.

From west access, 0.25 miles. From east access, 4.5 miles.

Easy from the west. Difficult from the east.  
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND MAPS 

camping-in-the-redwoods

Gold Bluffs Beach Camp Site

Open to hikers and bikers, this camp only offers one site for up to 8 people. The site is located behind the Gold Bluffs Beach Campground sites 19 and 20. Sites offer picnic tables, a firepit, and a barbeque grill. Potable water is available. Solar showers and restrooms also available onsite. 

Multiple trailheads. Inquire at the visitor center to find the best option based on weather. 

Depending on which trailhead you take the minimum distance is 4.5 miles.

Moderate hike with switchbacks and some steep inclines.

Requires $5 per night camping fee is payable onsite. Self-pay station available. 
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND MAPS. 

Elam Camp Sites

Bring your horse camping in the redwoods and enjoy over 20 miles of horse-friendly trails! Elam Camp offers 3 sites. You can walk throughout the old-growth redwoods on your way to camp. The sites include picnic tables, food storage lockers, and fire rings. There is a shared pit toilet onsite with a corral and horse trough.

No bikes or pets allowed. 

2 Marked Trailheads. Orick Rodeo Grounds or Redwood Creek (available only in summer months)

Depending 7.5 miles from the Orick Rodeo Grounds. 3 miles from Redwood Creek.

Moderate hike. 
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND MAPS

44 Camp Site

The name is a bit misleading, but 44 Camp Site offers just 4 sites for backcountry camping in the redwoods. The individual sites have picnic tables and fire pits. Bear proof lockers are also available for your use. Corral, trough, and (seasonal) non-potable water are available at camp. 

There are no toilets on site. Drinking water will need to be brought in. Bikes and pets not allowed.

2 Marked Trailheads. Tall Trees Trailhead or Redwood Creek 

3 miles from Tall Trees Trailhead. 8 miles from Redwood Creek Trailhead;

Moderate to strenuous hike. 

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND MAPS

Redwood Creek Site

Open year-round, Redwood creek offers the only areas where dispersed camping is allowed. Sites are not marked, so just grab a spot anywhere on the gravel between the first seasonal bridge and the Tall Tree Grove. Max of 50 people per night.

You must use bear-proof food containers or the ‘hang method’. Water is not available and will need to be brought in. 

Check current conditions before planning to camp, especially during the winter. 

Orick Horse Trailhead (7.5 miles to camp)

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND MAPS

Cabin Camping in the Redwoods

If you’re interested in camping in the redwoods but would prefer a cozy cabin for your stay, there are also many options! 

Inside the National and State Park, there are only 8 available cabins- which offer basic accommodations. They’re located inside Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park & Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and tend to book out months in advance.

At both locations, cabins cost $100 per night during the summer and $80 per night during the winter.

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Redwoods National & State Park Rental Cabins

Forget packing the tent or bringing an RV, Elk Prairie Campground and Jedediah Smith Redwoods Campground each have 4 rental cabins that are ADA accessible and include electricity, heaters, and lighting. 

There are no kitchen or bathroom facilities, so plan to use the public restrooms and cook outdoors on the barbeque or fire pit. 

Each cabin accommodates 6 people on 2 sets of twin over full bunk beds. There is also space outside to set up a small tent if necessary. Bedding and linens are not supplied, plan to bring your own. 

No smoking. No pets.

These cabins offer camping in Redwood National Park, but additional cabin options can be found in the surrounding areas as well.

Cabin Camping at Redwoods  

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Redcrest Resort

Redcrest Resort is the perfect spot for camping! Avenue of the Giants is right here, and the campground offers 13 cabin rental options and a vacation house. From 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom cabins to a vacation home with a fully equipped kitchen, flat screen TV, and linens- they have something for everyone. 

  • Each cabin offers a barbeque grill, a front porch, and a picnic table. 
  • Cabin rates range from $100.00 in the winter and up to $315.00 in the summer.
  • They also offer full hook-up RV sites for $50 per night.

View their website for more:  https://www.redcrestresort.com/rv_park.html

Emerald Forest Cabins 

Emerald Forest Cabins & RV Park sits among the redwoods near HWY 101. Know best for offering pristine grounds, access to nearby beaches, Trinidad Harbor, a variety of great restaurants, and local attractions, Emerald Forest is a place to slow down and reconnect!

Enjoy a beautifully furnished cabin during your stay and camp among the stars in style. Choose a 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom cabin with a cozy front porch or a deck facing the creek. 

Cabins can accommodate 2-10 people with linens provided. They feature running water, kitchens, private bathrooms, outdoor grills and picnic tables, as well as TVs with cable and internet! Stay warm by the propane fireplace or venture out in town to find things to see and do like the locals. 

  • Prices range between $109 -$189 depending on size and season. 
  • They also offer tent and RV camping. 
  • Tents are $32 -$38 per night depending on season.
  • RVs are $37 – $52 per night depending on season and hook-up types.

Visit their website for more: https://www.emeraldforestcabins.com/

Sylvan Harbor RV Park & Cabins 

Enjoy Sylvan Harbor RV Park & Cabins as your home base while exploring the redwoods! Surrounded by natural beauty, small towns, beaches, and several State Parks- Sylvan Harbor can provide a wonderful cabin camping in the redwoods experience for the whole family!

  • Fully equipped cabins with small kitchens, queen beds, hot showers, and cable TV appear to groups both big and small. Relax on the deck or fire up the gas barbeque grill for dinner. 
  • 1- & 2-bedroom cabin pricing ranges from $120 -$130 per night or $660-$720 for weekly stays. 
  • 70 RV sites are also located on the property with full hookups. Rates are $35 per night, $210 per week, or $495 per month (plus tax).

Learn more at their website: http://www.sylvanharbor.com/rvpark.htm

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RV Camping in the Redwoods

Ancient Redwoods RV Park

The Ancient Redwoods RV Park is a hidden gem offering redwoods camping. Avenue of the Giants literally runs right past the park!

The park has been family-owned and operated since 2008 and sits in the middle of the oldest and tallest living trees in the world! The road is dark, the trees are tall, and the park has full hook-ups! What more could you ask for? 

They have 49 paved spaces. Each site has enough space for big rigs, as well as those needing extra room for slides and each one offers 30/50-amp service! This park is open from April 1st to October 19th.

Pricing was reasonable ($51-57 per night or $310 per week)! There’s an on-site store as well as a free attraction you can walk to- The Immortal Tree- a 1,000-year-old redwood that has survived fire, flood, and a logger’s axe.

Easy in and out parking lot. This place is a gem!

Visit their website here: https://ancientredwoods.net/

Kamp Klamath RV Park & Campground

Kamp Klamath RV Park & Campground has both back-in and pull-through RV sites with full hookups. They also have tent sites that are perfect for those rustic redwood adventures. Some tent sites even have water and electricity. Cabins coming soon!

Pets are welcome and some sites have special accommodations for those wanting to set up tents with their RVs. Picnic tables and fire rings are available at all sites. RV sites start at $48 and tent sites at $35.

Surrounded by forest and close to the waters of the Klamath, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind stay.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Humboldt Redwoods State Park has over 250 developed campsites at 3 campgrounds: Albee Creek, Burlington, and Hidden Springs Campgrounds. The park also has specific horse, environmental, and group camps. 

While there are no electrical hook-ups, on-site sewer, or a dump station- the park does offer picnic tables, fire rings as well as flush toilets and pay-per-use showers nearby. Each site can accommodate 8 people. 

RVs and trailers under 24ft can be accommodated, although not every site can hold the full length. You can find specific campsite information, as well as the number of vehicles that can be parked online at Reserve America by calling (800) 444-PARK

Reservations cannot be made on-site and are site-specific. You can book up to 6 months in advance or as little as 48 hours ahead of arrival. 

Learn more at: https://exploreredwoods.savetheredwoods.org/activities/redwood-retreats-for-all

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Redwoods Camping Campground List

There are just too many to name them all! Camping in the redwoods opens the doors to so many possibilities. From tent camping to cabins, to RVs, you can choose a privately owned park or stick to the National & State Parks.

Whatever you decide, make sure to put some planning into your trip. These campgrounds book out early.

Enjoy this list of camping options in the California redwoods. And be sure to check if they offer any discount camping options like Passport America or are part of the Escapees Discount Parks program.

Campground NameLocationRVsTentsW/E/S
Elk Prairie CampgroundOrickXX
Gold Bluff Beach CampgroundOrickXX
Sylvan Harbor RV PArkTrinidadXW/E/S
Patrick’s Point State ParkTrinidadXX
Big Lagoon County ParkTrinidadXX
Emerald Forest Cabins & RVTrinidadXXW/E/S
Camp KimtuWillow CreekX
East Fork CampgroundWillow CreekXX
Aikens Creek WestOrleansXX
Pearch Creek CampgroundOrleansXX
Clam Beach County ParkMcKinleyvilleXX
Widow White Creek RV Park McKinleyvilleXW/E/S
Redwood Acres FairgroundsEurekaXW/E/S
Samoa County County CampgroundEurekaXX
Redwood Coast Cabin & RV ResortEurekaXXW/E/S
Shoreline RV ParkEurekaXW/E
Humboldt County FairgroundsFerndaleXXW/E
Riverwalk RV ParkFortunaXXW/E
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State ParkCarlottaXX
Redcrest ResortAve GiantsXXW/E/S
Ancient Redwoods RV Park Ave GiantsXW/E/S
Humboldt Redwoods State ParkAve GiantsXXW
Richardson Grove State ParkGarbervilleXX
Redwoods Camping | Campground Chart

Camping in the redwoods is an experience you’ll never forget. The towering trees, coastal playground, and backcountry adventures are abundant! So, make sure to keep this guide on you the next time you plan to camp in the redwoods.

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