Camping in the Redwoods
Camping in the redwoods is an experience everyone should have at least once in their life! If you’re lucky it’ll either last several days or you’re do it several times! Either way, camping in the redwoods on California’s northern coast is a must do bucket list activity for all ages!
Humboldt County is home of the Redwoods!
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 our favorite. And as you head north along HWY 101, you’ll have your choice of hiking trails, attractions, as well as peaceful drives at Redwood National Park and more state parks along the way! (Check out our Redwoods Road Trip Post for ideas!)
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 experience in this majestic forest!
Table of contents
Redwoods Camping
Oh and by the way, if you’re not familiar with Redwood National Park, as I was not… I’ve learned 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.
Redwood National Park Camping Spots
There are 2 ways to spend the night in Camping in Redwood National Park, at one of the four developed campgrounds or by getting a free permit and hiking to a backcountry campsite.
In general, campgrounds cannot accommodate large RVs or trailers and the use of hammocks are strictly prohibited.
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.
Redwoods Camping Fees:
Standard camping is $35 per night
California State Pass Holders
California State Parks Disabled Discount Pass is $17.50 per night
California State Parks Distinguished Veterans Pass is FREE
Federal “America the Beautiful” Pass Holders
Annual America the Beautiful Pass is $35.00 per night
Senior America the Beautiful Pass is $17.50 per night
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, picnic tables, fire pits, barbeque grills, 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 costal redwoods, hiking trails, and some ranger guided programs.
The campground is open May-September (check dates online) and offers 145 sites for tent of 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, picnic tables, fire pits, barbeque grills, 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 include 75 tent an/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, fire pits, barbeque grills, dump station, 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, solar showers, dump station, restrooms and wind shelters…
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 Thomas H. Kuchel and Hiouchi Visitor Centers! Park staff will provide you with information you need to know about backcountry camping in the redwoods so please make sure to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the visitor center closing times to get your permit.
You will have to come to the center in person and the 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 setup camp.
Tent Camping in the Redwoods
There are seven designated backcountry campsites to choose from. 2 campsites are North of the Klamath River and the other 5 are South of it.
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 camp sites offer fire pits, picnic tables, non-potable water spigot, and bear lockers. There is also horse trough and coral.
Marked 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 15.6 off HWY 101. South access across from Wilson Creek parking lot.
3.4 miles to the campground from the North and 3.5 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 composting 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
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. Site offers picnic table, firepit and barbeque grill. Potable water is available. Solar shower and restroom also available onsite.
Multiple trail heads. Inquire at visitor center to find best options based on weather.
Depending on which trailhead you take the min. 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 though out 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 6 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.
Composting pit toilets available 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 DETILS AND MAPS
Redwood Creek Site
Open year-round, Redwood creek offers the only areas where disperse 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.
Marked trailheads are off of Bald Hills Road.
8-mile hike into 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 to choose from!
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.
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 includes electricity, heaters and lighting.
There are no kitchen or bathroom facilities, so plan to use the public restrooms and to 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 setup 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 surround areas as well as along the Avenue of the Giants<—- Check out our trip!
Redwoods Cabins We’ve Discovered:
Redcrest Resort
Redcrest Resort is the perfect spot for camping! Avenue of the Giants is right here and campground offers 13 cabin rental options. From 1-bedroom and 2-bedrrom cabins to a vacation home with a fully equipped kitchen, flat screen TV, and lines- they have something for everyone.
Each cabin offers a barbeque grill, front porch and a picnic table.
Cabins rates range from $100.00-265.00
They also offer full hook-up RV sites for $45 per night and tent sites for $35 per person.
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, and Trinidad Harbor and 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 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 $99 -$179 depending on size and season.
They also offer tent RV camping.
Tents are $29 -$35 per night depending on season
RVs are $34 – $48 per night depending on season and hook up types.
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- Slyvan 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 range from $120 -$130 per night or $660-$720 for weekly stays.
70 RV sites are also located on property with full hook-ups. Rates are $36 per night, $215 per week or $420 per month (plus tax).
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! We stayed here during our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip on our way to find fun things to do in Seattle! It was perfect!
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 had enough space for big rigs, as well as those needing extra room for slides and each one offers 30/50-amp service!
Pricing was reasonable ($41-$51 per night or $275 for a week) and they accept Good Sam! There’s also s store on-site 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!
Richardson Grove State Park
Richardson Grove State Park has over 150 family campsite three campgrounds: Huckleberry, Oak Flat and the Dawn Redwood Group Campground. The Dawn Redwood Group Campground can accommodate 9-40 people per night.
Oak Flat Campground is only open during the summer months.
The maximum RV length is 30ft for motorhomes and 24ft for trailers.
Richardson Grove has 169 family sites in three campgrounds. Huckleberry has one site for hikers and bicyclists. Oak Flat Campground is open only during summer. The Dawn Redwood Group Campground can accommodate from 9 to 40 people. For more camping details, information and reservations, call (800) 444-7275
Site include picnic tables and fire rings.
Amenities available onsite include a campfire center, hiking trails, picnic areas, ranger station, restrooms, showers, firewood sales, Junior Ranger activities, and guided nature walks.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Humboldt Redwoods State Park have 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. Each site can accommodate 8 people.
RVs and trailers under 24ft can be accommodated, although not every site is able to 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 of as little as 48 hours ahead of arrival.
Redwoods Camping Campground List
There’s 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 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.
| Campground Name | Location | RVs | Tents | W/E/S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk Prairie Campground | Orick | X | X | – |
| Gold Bluff Beach Campground | Orick | X | X | – |
| Sylvan Harbor RV PArk | Trinidad | X | W/E/S | |
| Patrick’s Point State Park | Trinidad | X | X | – |
| Big Lagoon County Park | Trinidad | X | X | – |
| Emerald Forest Cabins & RV | Trinidad | X | X | W/E/S |
| Camp Kimtu | Willow Creek | X | – | |
| East Fork Campground | Willow Creek | X | X | – |
| Aikens Creek West | Orleans | X | X | – |
| Pearch Creek Campground | Orleans | X | X | – |
| Clam Beach County Park | McKinleyville | X | X | – |
| Widow White Creek RV Park | McKinleyville | X | W/E/S | |
| Redwood Acres Fairgrounds | Eureka | X | W/E/S | |
| Samoa County County Campground | Eureka | X | X | – |
| Redwood Coast Cabin & RV Resort | Eureka | X | X | W/E/S |
| Shoreline RV Park | Eureka | X | W/E | |
| Humboldt County Fairgrounds | Ferndale | X | X | W/E |
| Riverwalk RV Park | Fortuna | X | X | W/E |
| Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park | Carlotta | X | X | – |
| Redcrest Resort | Ave Giants | X | X | W/E/S |
| Ancient Redwoods RV Park | Ave Giants | X | W/E/S | |
| Humboldt Redwoods State Park | Ave Giants | X | X | W |
| Richardson Grove State Park | Garberville | X | X | – |
| Benbow KOA | Garberville | X | X | Richardson Grove State Park |
Skip back to your favorites:
- Redwood National Park Camping Spots
- Backcountry Camping in the Redwoods
- Cabin Camping in the Redwoods
- Redwoods Camping Campground List
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