The best camping near Redwood National Park

Q: Is camping allowed in Redwood National Park?

Yes, camping is allowed in Redwood National Park . The park offers several campgrounds, including Jedediah Smith Campground, Mill Creek Campground, Elk Prairie Campground, and Gold Bluffs Beach Campground. These campgrounds can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers, but the availability of hookups and amenities may vary. Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season.

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Redwood National Park adventure.

Camp among the world’s tallest trees in this ancient expanse of California forest.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Redwood National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Redwood National Park

98%

(559)

Mystic Forest Campground

22 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Klamath, CA

Mystic Forest is a small, family-run campground between Klamath, CA, and Crescent City. We have 50 acres of beautiful forest sprinkled with redwood trees. We have restrooms, showers, laundry facility, a game room, a mini golf course, horseshoes, and a half-mile trail. We are pet-friendly. At the office you can find some grocery and redwoods souvenirs.

84%

(58)

Ramblin' Redwoods Campground

80 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Crescent City, CA

Experience the thrill of RV or tent camping under a canopy of soaring spruce, hemlock, Douglas fir, and Redwoods; the world’s tallest trees towering overhead. The 78-mile stretch of US-101 from Eureka to Crescent City, CA was dubbed “The Redwood Highway” for good reason. The Ramblin’ Redwoods Campground and RV Park is located minutes from Redwood National; State Parks, Redwood National Forest, Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park,Tolowa Dunes State Park and the wild and scenic Smith River. ** TENTS SITES ARE ALL DRY CAMPING ONLY! NO WATER OR ELECTRIC IS AT THE SITE** There is one water spigot to use near the bathhouse. IMPORTANT NOTICE! Currently our bathhouse is closed due to renovations! The approximate date of completion will be April 1st. So all of our tent sites are closed since there are no bathrooms or showers to use. Thank you for your understanding!

100%

(1)

Chinook RV Resort

39 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Klamath, CA

“Welcome to Chinook RV Resort” We would like to welcome you to Chinook RV Resort. We would like to invite you to come and stay with us as you travel along the famous Highway 101 through the Redwood Forest. There are warm lake-front fires in the evenings where we would like to meet you and welcome you to our park.

97%

(242)

Bayside Cabin

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Arcata, CA

Come stay in our cozy little cabin tucked in an alder forest. Only a few minutes drive from downtown Arcata, it’s like being in the middle of the woods, right in town. This is a quiet neighborhood and is bike-friendly for getting around town. Feel free to ask us for recommendations on places to eat, get a drink, or find an adventure in Arcata and surrounding areas. We are located less than 40 minutes from Redwood National and State Parks where you can find incredible hiking trails!

96%

(67)

Whispering Redwood Creek

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Mc Kinleyville, CA

Nestled within the towering grandeur of California's Redwood Forest, Whispering Redwood Creek offers a serene and enchanting camping experience. This unique site, located at 451 Tip Top Ridge Rd, McKinleyville, invites you to immerse yourself in the profound silence of the forest, where the majestic redwoods not only touch the sky but also absorb the sounds of the world, creating an atmosphere of deep tranquility. Adjacent to a gently percolating creek, the campsite is a harmonious blend of nature's calm and modern convenience. Designed for ease, it features a pull-through arrangement that welcomes all, from the casual weekend camper to the seasoned adventurer. The site is equipped with its own private bathroom, complete with a toilet and running water, ensuring comfort and privacy. As you settle in, you'll find a picnic table waiting, perfect for al fresco meals or evening conversations. The entire campsite is enveloped in a 100% shaded area, courtesy of the immense canopy overhead. This natural umbrella not only provides cool, refreshing shade but also creates a unique, dappled light ambiance that shifts and plays throughout the day. At Whispering Redwood Creek, you're invited to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the timeless rhythm of nature. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat to rejuvenate your spirit or a quiet base to explore the wonders of the Redwood Forest, this campsite promises an unforgettable stay, where the whispers of the ancient trees and the soft murmur of the creek become the soundtrack of your escape.

100%

(16)

Perch Riverview Glamping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Willow Creek, CA

12 acres on the beautiful Trinity River. A private road down to a swimming hole that dreams are made of with jumping rocks and a lagoon. A meadow filled with foxes and fruit trees. Star gazing every night. Coffee with a river view and mountains. The ranch is full of gorgeous manzanitas and hammocks. what dreams are made of

Booked 5 times

Camp Trinidad RV Resort

52 sites · Lodging, RVs12 acres · Trinidad, CA

Discover Camp Trinidad, formerly known as Sounds of the Sea RV Park, where the redwoods meet the sea. Nestled along California’s breathtaking North Coast, this enchanting RV Resort offers the perfect escape. Just moments from Sue-meg State Park, Camp Trinidad RV Resort spans 12 scenic acres, with 52 sites featuring full hookups and modern amenities, it’s the ideal haven for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike. Embrace the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and create unforgettable memories at Camp Trinidad.

96%

(247)

Camp Jade River

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Crescent City, CA

The rugged terrain of far northern California is one of the few mostly untouched places left to retreat to. Come dwarf yourself under the magnificent giant redwoods and be struck with awe by the mesmerizing jade colored Smith River. The property is a mere 20 minutes from some of the world's tallest trees. Come check out Stout Grove, a rarely crowded gem of the Redwood National and State Parks. The grove is a part of Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park which is the least developed and most impressive park of the four. From your campsite you will have a lovely view of a large bend of the Smith River. It boasts impressive runs of chinook and steelhead, and is host to many other native species. Keep an eye out for bear, mink, and otters! And secure any food or attractants at night. Our property gives you the chance to disconnect from daily life and recalibrate. Use our site as an extended getaway for some peace and quiet, or a launch point to the variety of local attractions.

87%

(63)

Sustainable Ecovillage

5 sites · Lodging160 acres · Gasquet, CA

The Smith River Complex Fire took our property on August 16th, 2023. Updates on our progress here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fucaTaOwf5c PLEASE NOTE, 4WD is required in order to access the sites. Please message me if you have any questions prior to booking. Sustainable Ecovillage is an off-grid project for sustainable living. If you are looking for a unique experience and up for rustic accommodations among goats, chickens, a permaculture food forest with a few off-grid perks, we welcome you to join us in our mountainous, wilderness paradise! Our 160-acre property is surrounded by about a million acres of National Forest. Our neighborhood is all made of trees, huckleberry bushes and animals. We love it here. It is very remote, peaceful, and functionally sustainable in its focus. The closest neighbor is a Buddhist Hermitage about a mile up the forestry road. Also, supposedly, Sasquatch live here! (it is the epicenter for documented sightings). Most visitors to the area are interested in spending time in the redwoods – we are about 30-45 minutes from the nearest entrance to Jedediah Smith Park, home of Stout Grove and other beautiful redwood hikes. Driving into Crescent City, about 45-60 minutes, winds you right through the "gentle giants" on your way to or from Redwood National Park. We are self-sufficient, and sustainable in a relatively primitive set-up, especially after the fire this year. It's mountainous and remote, and we have a community agreement about no smoking (of any kind) on our land.

98%

(226)

Ossia Village Farm

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Crescent City, CA

Wake up to bird songs and wildflowers, fall asleep to the distant sound of waves hitting Kellogg Beach. Ossia Village Farm is a 5-acre collaborative homestead on a retired hydrangea farm. Enjoy the on-site U-Pick veggie and flower gardens, bike to the beach or the Smith river, drive 10 minutes to the Redwoods, schedule a lesson with our resident surf instructor. Amenities include flushing toilets, drinking water, electric hot water kettle, camp kitchen (bring your own stove and dishes), charcoal grill, tub and shower. Please contact host for access to washer and dryer.

93%

(324)

Klamath’s best kept secret

20 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Klamath, CA

We have been a family owned RV Park/Campground for over 40 years. This is a very rustic, old-fashioned campground located at the end of a neighborhood next to the river. We are adjacent to tribal lands. We are not responsible for their culture or their practices. As mentioned this is also a RV Park so there will be RVs on site. It is an open field campground dispersed with trees. Neighbors will be present. The river access is right over the levee just a few minutes walk from your campsite. Fishing on the river is allowed but you need a license. We are near the woods and river so wildlife is present. Please make sure your food is put away nightly to discourage critters from coming into camp. The campground is just a short drive from a selection of hiking or biking trails. As well as other attractions like the Jet Boat Tours and Trees of Mystery. Located at the end of a glen cell service in this area can be spotty or non existent depending on the carrier. Wifi is available near main house but is limited to emails, messaging and mapping your next adventure. We welcome people of all seasons. Just ask that you are kind and respectful to each other. Well Behaved Pets Are Allowed. Children and Laughter are Always Welcome. We look forward to your visit. August and September there will be fisher persons in the campground. So be warned of early morning engine noise as they head out to the river for fishing. Electric cars that want to charge there is a $10 fee at time of service. Must make arrangements ahead of a time because 50 amp services are limited. Plus you need to bring your own adapters.

96%

(155)

13th St Tree House

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Eureka, CA

The property is located at the top of Coopers Gulch in Eureka, CA. Nestled above the forest floor, overlooking a creek, gives the feeling of being in your own private forest. There is a small deck and picnic table on the ground level to the side of the tree house. There is a small shower with a window underneath the tree house. Inside There is a queen bed on top of a set of stairs. There is a small couch that pulls out to make a small bed to sleep on as well.

The best camping near Redwood National Park guide

Overview

About

On the Northern California Coast, Redwood National Park preserves a massive expanse of coast redwood trees, the largest tree species on earth. The park operates in conjunction with three adjacent California State Parks (Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek), collectively forming the Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP), which functions as a single entity. Most area attractions focus on experiencing the giant redwoods in all their magnificence, with scenic driving routes such as the Avenue of the Giants, miles of hiking trails, and a hodgepodge of roadside attractions ranging from the Trees of Mystery canopy gondola to drive-through trees.

Redwood National Park RV Camping

Go RV camping among the world’s tallest trees to encounter lush waterfalls, wild rivers, and a rugged coastline at Redwood National Park. This park consolidates three pre-existing redwood state parks (Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek), each with its own RV camping options. In general, Redwood National Park RV sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and showers, but do not have hookups. Both Jedediah Smith Redwoods Campground and the Mill Creek Campground include RV campsites set in redwood groves and include dump station access. Meanwhile, Elk Prairie Campground’s RV sites sit beside a forest meadow, while the Gold Bluffs Beach Campground has coastal campsites. If you’re looking for RV parks with wide-open space, full hookups, free wifi, or other amenities, a number of private campsite options can be found near Redwood in Klamath, Trinidad, and along Highway 101.

Notable campgrounds

Great for beach lovers: Golds Bluff Beach Campground offers year-round camping with views out over the Pacific Ocean.
Great for families: Elk Prairie Campground has solid amenities, including hot showers, a visitor center, and ranger-led programs in the high season.
Great for anglers: Jedediah Smith Campground offers tent and RV sites right on the banks of the Smith River.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Gold Bluffs Beach and Elk Prairie Campground can be reserved all year long, while Jedediah Smith Campground is reservable from May through September. All other campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can book reservable sites up to six months in advance through the California State Parks online reservation system or over the phone.
There are seven backcountry camping areas in the park. You can request a backcountry permit up to four weeks in advance but no later than at 9am, two days before your camping date. Permits are only available online.

When to go

Although the Redwood Forest is beautiful year-round, and rarely gets anything more than a light dusting of snow in the wintertime, summer is by far the best time to visit, with pleasant temperatures and little to no rainfall. This is also the busiest time, so if you're looking for a bit of solitude, you'll have better luck in September or early October, when it's still warm enough to camp, but kids are already back in school for the season.

Know before you go

Cell phone coverage can be spotty in parts of the Redwood Forest, and it’s wise to download offline maps before you head out. Of the park-run campgrounds, Jedediah Smith generally has the best service.
While all four developed campgrounds in the Redwood National and State Parks have RV sites, none have hookups.
Mill Creek, Jedediah Smith, and Elk Prairie Campgrounds all have ADA accessible restrooms. Jedediah Smith and Elk Prairie also have ADA cabins.
Fire restrictions are commonly implemented during the summer season, when the risk of wildfires is high. Backcountry campgrounds are also sometimes closed when fire risk is high.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp anywhere in the redwoods?

No, you cannot camp anywhere in the redwoods. Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds within the redwood parks and forests. There are a variety of campgrounds available, including tent, RV, and glamping options. Some popular redwood camping destinations are in Redwood National and State Parks and Big Basin Redwoods State Park. To find the perfect campsite for your redwood adventure, explore the available options on Hipcamp.

Is camping allowed in Redwood National Park?

Yes, camping is allowed in Redwood National Park. The park offers several campgrounds, including Jedediah Smith Campground, Mill Creek Campground, Elk Prairie Campground, and Gold Bluffs Beach Campground. These campgrounds can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers, but the availability of hookups and amenities may vary. Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season.

Can you camp for free in the redwoods?

While free camping options within the redwood forests are limited, some areas in the surrounding region allow free dispersed camping. In general, it's important to check with the specific park or forest you plan to visit for their camping regulations. One option for free camping near the redwoods is the Six Rivers National Forest, which allows dispersed camping outside of designated campgrounds. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and check with the local ranger station for any current restrictions or regulations.

What is the best redwoods campground?

There are several excellent campgrounds within the Redwood National and State Parks, each offering a unique experience. One of the most popular and highly recommended campgrounds is Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground. This campground is nestled among old-growth redwoods along the banks of the Smith River, providing a serene experience. Amenities include restrooms, showers, fire rings, picnic tables, and a visitor center. Additionally, there are many hiking trails nearby, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the redwoods.

How do I reserve a campsite at Redwood National Park?

To reserve a campsite at Redwood National and State Parks, you need to visit the Recreation.gov website. Reservations for campgrounds within the park, such as Jedediah Smith Campground, Mill Creek Campground, and Elk Prairie Campground, can be made up to six months in advance. Keep in mind that these campgrounds are popular and fill up quickly, especially during peak season (May through September), so it's a good idea to make reservations as early as possible.

Alternatively, you can explore private campsites and RV parks near Redwood National and State Parks on Hipcamp.

How much does it cost to camp at Redwood National Park?

At Redwood National and State Parks, camping fees vary depending on the campground and the type of site you choose. The standard fees for developed campgrounds range from $20 to $35 per night for a tent or RV site, and the group sites can range from $60 to $100 per night. For more information on specific campgrounds and their fees, you can visit the Hipcamp Redwood National Park camping page.