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Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
26 sites · RV, Tent
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is located next to the sand dunes, literally only a few hundred yards away from the beach.
Campfire allowed
Pets allowed
Showers
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic tables
No sewage hookups
No electric hookups
First come, first served
RV, Tent
Explore 492 campgrounds near Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Available campgrounds nearby
Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
More to explore nearby
97%
50 ratings · 17 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent
Windy but very beautiful!
J
Jeanné G.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2022
They started requiring reservations during peak season May 22 to Sep 6. Off-season is first come first served.
https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/697
Also there is a primitive campsite that is only accessable by hike or bike (no car access). There is good information here.
https://www.nps.gov/places/gbbbackcountrysites.htm
Carl D.
3 years on Hipcamp
June 2021
Just FYI it is not permitted to drive a camper trailer here, and it's an unpaved road. "Gold Bluffs Beach campground is cabover camper- or tent-only; no trailers of any kind are allowed on Davison Road." You can read more at https://www.visitredwoods.com/listing/gold-bluffs-beach-%26-campground/529/ and reserve at ReserveCalifornia.com.
There is another Gold Bluffs Beach campground that is backpacking only, hike or bike in. Backcountry permits required at https://www.nps.gov/places/gbbbackcountrysites.htm
Arden T.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2020
One of my absolute favorite places! What everyone says is true. Will always return here when given the chance.
Shana B.
2 reviews
July 2018
Tell me about the primitive hike in campsites. Are they right on the beach? Do they fill up? I cant figure out how to reserve them. How far is the hike? Coming from ND and have two young boys, so curious if it is a fairly easy hike to the primitive camping?
Thanks
Randi S.
6 years on Hipcamp
April 2018
This campsite was absolutely beautiful! Definitely worth the trip. As for the road to the campsite, not bad at all. A lot of people wrote here not to do it with a smaller car but we did with a Mitsubishi sedan, rental. There were also a lot of smaller cars at the campsite as well. There are a lot of pot holes but just avoid them and go slow. By far the best campsite iv ever stayed at.
Stephanie V.
7 years on Hipcamp
March 2018
Beautiful area to camp. I absolutely love it here. Fairly close to the ever popular spot "Fern Canyon," as well as some extremely beautiful old growth redwoods of Prairie creek. One of my favorites without a doubt.
Robert B.
7 years on Hipcamp
August 2017
Report from your Shirtless Host on Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
It is getting better as I go south down the coast line. To get to the park you have to drive aways west off Hwy 101 but it is a must! Roosevelt Elk were everywhere l saw at least 10 to 15 or more. This is not just another out standing Redwood park! Lots of camp sites l think the Ranger said about 100 of them ! You have the Elk Prairie or Gold Bluffs Beach camp grounds. Along with 75 miles of hiking trails
With Exhibits along with Guided Tours, Family Programs, Ed. Exhibits, 19 miles of Bike Trails and also Surfing. Remember no dogs on the trails!!
You got to see Fern Canyon it was used in the Jurassic park movie.
This park has a Dump Station
Shirtless Host Steve
Shirtless Host Steve J.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2017
Making you work for the views, you first travel down a pretty long (and pot hole filled), gravel road around the bluffs to then enter one of the best campgrounds on the coast! Pitching a tent right off the ocean you have instant beach access the second you wake up. You'll be sure to spot some elk on your way in and out of the grounds.
E
Emily G.
7 years on Hipcamp
January 2017
Loved this campsite. The drive in was dramatic - the sun was flickering through the redwood trees and casting pillars of light alongside the road. We drove slowly with the windows down, smelling the scent of the moist October forest with our jaws dropped wide open at the scenery and all-around perfectness of the Fall day. When we reached the grounds we had a few different choices of campsites and elected one at the far edge of camp to have some extra privacy. The sunsets could only be described as triumphant and there are just a few precious moments when the sun drops to the right level that you must turn around to face the bluffs - you will find them in their namesake state - as GOLD AS GOLD! Can't wait to return!
Shanley M.
8 years on Hipcamp
December 2016
Beautiful, unique campsite. Be ready for lots of wind and sand. You'll need major sand stakes, maybe even some short rebar stakes! Bring an extra tarp to use as a wind break.
Don't miss the hike up nearby Fern Canyon. One of the most magical places I've ever been.
Matthew K.
8 years on Hipcamp
August 2016
Gorgeous campground right on the beach and very close to Fern Canyon. Access to running water, bear boxes and toilets were very convenient. There are two options when staying here: backwoods camping (what we did) and car camping.
Elizabeth R.
8 years on Hipcamp
June 2016
such a great time! only stayed a night but we plan to go back for so much more! gorgeous elk and a gorgeous sunset! bathrooms were also super clean
Marley S.
2 reviews
May 2016
What a place! The drive to get to Gold Bluff beach is such an adventure! The road takes you up and down a 6-mile, single-lane dirt road that takes about 30 minutes, twisting and winding through towering redwoods. To our surprise, there were still quite a few camping spots available. (We visited mid-October.) Gold Bluff has clean restrooms, a couple solar heated showers, and big bear boxes right at each campsite. After backpacking the Tetons the week prior, we felt like we were living a life of luxury! Amazing sunset. And sunrise. And only a handful of people around for miles. Go there!
Piper V.
9 years on Hipcamp
January 2016
Hands down the most beautiful campground I've ever stayed in. Right on the ocean and easy access to some amazing redwood hikes. Beautiful bluffs and really no better place to enjoy a good sunset.
Katy H.
9 years on Hipcamp
October 2015
Camped here in April on a trip I took while camping along the whole PCH. Got there just in time for an incredible sunset over a fog soaked beach. I camped in a spot closest to the water and could walk right to water. Too cold for a swim though (or too chicken, maybe).
Site were well tended and there's a camp host. No reso's taken but it was mid-week for me, so I was fine getting in late.
It can get windy apparently, but most sites have barriers to put your tent behind. Though it wasn't a problem when I was there.
And there's elk. Just trapesin' around.
The road there snakes through a giant redwood forest. Fern Canyon is incredible and some of the oldest plant species in the world are here. An incredible walk through time.
Nicholas M.
9 years on Hipcamp
July 2015
One of my absolute favorite campsites. Not mentioned here are the wild elk roaming around the campsite and the amazing Fern Canyon that's just around the corner. Where Jurrasic Park was filmed, by the way!
Monica S.
10 years on Hipcamp
LocationGold Bluffs Beach Campground, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California, United States
Is anything missing?Suggest edits to improve this listing for fellow campers.
Campfire allowed
Pets allowed
Showers
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic tables
No sewage hookups
No electric hookups
Other campgrounds in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Your guide to camping in Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
Overview
Biking
Biking in a park filled with redwoods is a one-of-a-kind experience, and having the coastal strand as an option only adds to the magic. Our favorite bike ride here is the Ossaga Trail, a 19 mile loop taking riders through the redwoods, out to the coast and back – a true Prairie Creek Redwoods experience.
Hiking
All the hikes are great, but try taking Irvine trail to Fern Canyon to Gold’s Bluffs Beach, then return via Miner’s Ridge trail. The sights are magical.
Horseback riding
Right by to the park are some great guide-led horseback rides just waiting to be had. If there is anything that beats riding a horse under the impressive cover of a redwood forest...well, sign us up. We sure haven’t found anything to beat it yet, though!
Whitewater paddling
Open your eyes, wildlife watchers! Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a great place to sneak a peek of some furry friends. Some wildlife that can be seen in the park includes brown bats, red squirrels, mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, falcons, great blue herons, elk, deer and more.
- Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
First come, first servedRV, Tent