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 Reservation
- 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.
Redwood National Park
Camp among the world’s tallest trees in this ancient expanse of California forest.
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.
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.
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
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
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.