How Many Days To Visit Redwood National Park
Theres a wide array of things to do in Redwood National Park, from hikes to scenic drives. While you could get a glimpse of the park in only one day, I highly recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in the park to see the highlights.
For a longer trip, consider combining your trip to Redwood with a scenic drive of the Lost Coast or a road trip to Oregon.
Read More:25 Best Things to Do in Redwood
Best Time To Visit Redwood National Park
Thanks to the nearby Pacific Ocean, Redwood National Park is open all year with temperatures staying between 50 and 60 degrees year-round.
The summer is dry but foggy and winter is rainy, reminiscent of pacific northwest weather.
In the summer, rain is rare typically only 2-5 days per month. Summer also brings low-hanging fog from the Pacific Ocean. This fog provides the redwoods with much-need moisture for growth.
The rest of the year averages around 17 rainy days per month.
Redwood National Park gets most of its visitors between May and September during the dry season. That said, crowds never reach insanely high numbers like in other parks like Yosemite and Zion.
But if you prefer complete solitude, visit during the winter months youll have many of the trails to yourself!
Backcountry Camping In Redwood National Park
Backpacking in Redwood National Park is an excellent way to get away from the hustle and bustle of developed areas and envelope yourself in the serenity of nature.
Several options for backcountry camping are available whether you prefer a night listening to the waves on the coast, wrapped in the shadows of Redwood giants, or in an open clearing with views of incredible starlit night skies.
200 miles of backpacking trails are available with seven designated backcountry areas. Permits are required for all overnight stays in the Redwoods backcountry.
Learn more about backcountry camping in Redwood National Park.
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Redwood National Park Camping Guide
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There are four developed campgrounds within the Redwoods National Park complex. One thing to know about the Redwoods is they are managed as national and state parks. Camping in Redwood National Park is actually camping in California State Parks.
They are all co-managed together but you will want to be aware that reservations are booked through the California State Parks reservation system versus the sites that normally handle National Park campgrounds.
Camping in the Redwood Forests is a dream come true. Being able to wake up and look up at old-growth redwood trees, walk out of your tent directly to hiking trails, and savor a beautiful part of Northern California.
The four developed campgrounds in the parks are are Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, Elk Prairie, and Gold Bluffs Beach.
There are no National Park Lodges within Redwoods NP. There are cabins located in Prairie Creek and Jedediah Smith campgrounds. These cabins are typically reserved months ahead of time.
Visiting Big Basin Redwoods
Imagine a time when the whole peninsula from San Francisco to San Jose shall become one great city then picture, at its very doorstep, this magnificent domain of redwood forests and running streams, the breathing place of millions of cramped and crowded denizens of the city. Carrie Stevens Walter, Sempervirens Club, 1901
Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods is Californias oldest state park. In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, its biggest attractionsliterallyare its ancient coast redwoods. Some of these giants are more than 50 feet around and as tall as the Statue of Liberty. At 1,000 to 1,800 years old, some may predate the Roman Empire. The park also offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, many babbling brooks, and a fascinating natural and cultural history. A new chapter in Big Basin’s story began on August 18, 2020, when the CZU Lightning Complex Fire swept through 97% of the park’s property. The fire destroyed all historic structures and radically changed the landscape. The park now looks very different from how generations of visitors experienced it, but it is steadily recovering. Most of the old-growth redwood trees survived, new plant life is vigorously growing, and many animals have returned to the area. The Reimagining Big Basin project is managing the multi-year process of rebuilding park facilities and infrastructure.
Big Basins coastal unit, Rancho del Oso, is accessible off Highway 1 in Davenport, about 20 miles north of Santa Cruz.
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Camping On The Redwood Coast
- Address:422 1st St.
Camp among the tallest trees in the world.REDWOODS: Camp among world’s tallest trees – Humboldt Redwoods State Park with Eel river access and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, a part of the Redwood National & State Park, where the Roosevelt elk roam, Richardson Grove, Van Duzen County Park & Grizzly Creek SP also offer redwoods & river access. RIVER: Van Duzen County Park, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Richardson Grove, Grizzly Creek Redwood State Park on the Eel River or Camp Kimtu on the Trinity River. BEACH: Gold Bluffs Beach, Clam Beach, Big Lagoon and Sue-Meg State Park have easy access to the ocean, hiking and beach combing. TOWNS OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY– Use this page to navigate around the county and choose your base of operations. Quick list of all campgrounds & RV parks click on the campground for availability and more information: FH = Full hook-ups S = Seasonal * No reservations – first come first served
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When Is The Best Time To Camp In Redwoods National And State Parks
The best time to camp in Redwood National and State Parks is June through September. You’ll find mild, but certainly not hot, temperatures and sunnier days. Daytime highs are in the high 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit.
When packing your camping gear remember this is a coastal climate, which means it can also be damp and cool at any time. Bring rain gear, tarps, and warm clothing. Dense fog in the summertime is a frequent occurrence.
Crowds peak in July and taper throughout August. Consider early summer or spring as an option to catch the rhododendron blooms.
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Nearby Parks For After Visiting Redwood National Park
Tucked away in Northern California, Redwood National Park is secluded from major cities. But theres plenty of additional opportunities to make a road trip out of your trip to the redwoods.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Located 4 hours from Redwood National Park, youll find Northern Californias other national park: Lassen Volcanic National Park.
A visit to Lassen is the perfect way to explore Californias volcanic activity on hiking trails and camping along the serene waters of Manzanita Lake.
Crater Lake National Park
A 4-hour drive north from Lassen Volcanic along the famed Volcanic Legacy Scenic Highway takes you to Crater Lake, easily one of the most impressive natural wonders in the Pacific Northwest.
Driving directly from Redwood, it takes about 5.5 hours to get to Crater Lake.
Crater Lake was formed when a volcano imploded over 7,000 years ago. The massive lake holds some of the bluest, purest, clear water in the world. The scenic Rim Drive at Crater Lake belongs at the top of your bucket list.
Learn more about the best things to do in Crater Lake, including the best hikes and the best camping spots near Crater Lake.
Avenue of the Giants
One of the most popular scenic drives through redwoods lies a few hours south of Redwood National Park in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The popular drive called Avenue of the Giants runs parallel to Highway 101.
At the beginning of your drive, stop to pick up a self-guided auto tour map from the information stand.
Lost Coast
Best Lodging In Redwood National Park
Not everyone likes to camp in a tent or an RV. For those that prefer a roof overhead and solid ground below, a stay at one of Redwoods cabin rentals just might be in order. Or, if you prefer more luxurious lodging, look just outside the parks borders in nearby towns like Crescent City, Eureka, Klamath, and more.
Here is the best lodging in Redwood National Park:
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The Ultimate Guide To Camping In Redwood National Park
The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always. No one has ever successfully painted or photographed a redwood tree. The feeling they produce is not transferable. From them comes silence and awe. Its not only their unbelievable stature, nor the color which seems to shift and vary under your eyes, no, they are not like any trees we know, they are ambassadors from another time. John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America
Camping in Redwood National Park is an almost religious experience that should be near the top of every outdoor lovers bucket list.
The towering trees create a primordial cathedral overhead that seemingly stretches forever into the heavens. Not only are these giants among the tallest trees on earth, but many are well over 500 years old with the oldest nearing 2,000 years old. Although a drive down the Avenue of Giants gives you a taste of this verdant northern Californian landscape, nothing beats an overnight stay in a Redwoods campground.
Heres what you need to know to plan the best Redwood National Park camping trip.
Best Campgrounds In Redwood National And State Parks Ca
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Home to the tallest trees in the world, this incredible stretch of Northern California Coast is an outstanding area for camping. Campgrounds in the parks are strategically placed in beautiful locations, and campers can pitch their tents or set up their RVs in pure redwood forests, at the base of centuries-old trees.
Spending a night under the towering redwoods, descendants of the same type of trees that lived during the reign of the dinosaurs, has a very primeval feel.
The jointly managed parks, which include Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park stretch out along the coast and are home to four organized campgrounds, as well as backcountry sites.
Northeast of Jedediah Smith, along Highway 199, are a few quiet campgrounds in the Six Rivers National Forest. Alternatively, in the community of Klamath, conveniently located midway between but outside the parks, is a privately run RV park.
Campsites in the park are a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. All sites have picnic tables, fire pits, and bear lockers for storing food. Sites are reservable for up to 30 days, except in the summer when the limit is 15 days.
For complete details and ideas on where to go, see our list of the best campgrounds in Redwood National and State Parks.
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Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
Set in the dunes and grasses behind the beach, at the base of a huge, pine-covered cliff, this oceanfront campground is completely different from all the others in the parks. Redwoods don’t grow here, but if you are looking for a pleasant beachfront location to pitch your tent, this is one of the best places to camp along this stretch of coast. Beautiful views extend out in both directions.
One of the main highlights in this area is the Fern Canyon Trail, at the bottom of the James Irvine Trail. A short, level trail leads along a riverbed, through a narrow and lush canyon with fern-covered walls. Many people exploring the park make the trip out here just to hike through the canyon. Note that as of 2022 a permit is required to access this area. They are available free of charge online but must be secured in advance.
This campground is not overly convenient for exploring the parks, and getting here requires a bumpy drive down a dirt road with steep, twisty sections. It is centrally located within the park system, but the drive to get here is time consuming.
Most sites are fully exposed, with essentially no trees or shade. This is the perfect spot for sun lovers when the weather is nice, but it can be tricky in windy conditions. Campers should secure their tents.
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground has only 26 sites and is suitable for tents or small RVs up to 24 feet. Trailers are prohibited. Facilities include flush toilets and showers, but no hookups or dump station.
Getting To Redwood National Park From San Francisco
If youre flying into San Francisco or Oakland, I highly recommend making a long road trip out of your journey to the Redwoods. Drive the scenic stretch of Highway 1 up to the park instead.
This scenic route will take you roughly 9 hours without stops its a long day of driving, but so worth it!
Alternatively, you can take the interior Highway 101 the entire way instead. This route saves you a few hours but isnt nearly as scenic.
Read More: 20 Best Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway
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Elk Prairie Campground Cabins
Four basic cabin rentals are available at Elk Prairie Campground. These are the perfect way to stay in Redwood National Park if you prefer a roof over your head at night. Although the cabins do have electricity, including heat, none of them have kitchens or bathrooms.
Learn more about the cabins at Elk Prairie Campground.
Wildlife In Redwood National Park
Theres plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife in Redwood National and State Parks! Thanks to the parks location along the Pacific Ocean, there are unparalleled opportunities to see marine life.
Plus, the park is home to the impressive Roosevelt Elk, some of the largest mammals in the deer family.
Heres some of the best wildlife you can see in Redwood:
- Roosevelt Elk live in herds in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The best times to spot the elk are during mating season in the fall and calving season in May and June. Newton B. Drury Scenic Drive, Gold Bluffs Beach, and Ball Hills Road are all great places to spot elk. Just remember to give them plenty of distance and watch from a safe distance.
- Whale Watching is a popular activity in the park from November to December and March to April. Some of the best viewpoints for whale watching include Klamath River Overlook, Crescent Beach Overlook, High Bluff Overlook, and Gold Bluffs Beach.
- Tidepools provide unique opportunities to spot small marine life, like sea anemones and starfish. One of the best places to search for tidepools is at Enderts Beach, a short walk down the Coastal Trail from Crescent Beach Overlook.
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Best Things To Do In Redwood National Park
Camping is just one of many activities to do in Redwood National Park that make it such a great destination for visitors of all ages.
- Scenic Drives Taking a scenic drive is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the Redwoods. Most scenic loops are relatively short and can be completed in under an hour, making them perfect for overnight campers and day visitors alike.
- Hiking Few activities allow you to see the Redwoods in their full glory like taking a hike. Redwoods hiking trails range from a mile or less on a paved path to a dozen miles in the woods. Backpacking is another option. There are even dog-friendly trails available in the neighboring state parks!
- Bicycling Tens of miles of challenging bicycling trails make the Redwoods an ideal destination for bike exploration!
- Horseback Riding Select Redwoods trails are open to horses and other pack animals. Serious adventurers might even consider horse camping!
- Paddling Smith River is a fantastic place for paddling. Choose from Ranger-led programs, local tours, or bring your own kayak!
- Wildlife Viewing A trip to Redwood National Park isnt complete without viewing wildlife! Roosevelt elk, the largest member of the deer family, are an all but certain sight while lucky visitors might even see gray whales off the coast. For those exploring Redwoods beaches, tidepooling and birding are also a must!
Learn more about the best things to do in Redwood National Park.
Campgrounds And Cabins In The Land Of Giants
Campgrounds and cabins in the land of giants
There really isnt anything quite like camping among the tall trees, and Redwood National and State Parks offer great experiences for those wanting to rough it. Demand for the campsites is high between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so it is always a good idea to make a reservation in advance at reservecalifornia.com.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground The only campground within this spectacular park features 86 family campsites, but only some with space for trailers or motor homes . Location is everything here along the jade-hued Smith River and within an old-growth redwood grove. A bridge provides seasonal access to Stout Grove.
Mill Creek CampgroundJust south of Crescent City in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, this is a great base camp for exploring the parks amazing old-growth groves and rugged remote coast. Most of this campgrounds 145 sites can accommodate trailers and motor homes. Mill Creek Campground is close to Damnation Creek Trail and Trestle Loop Trail.
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground If you prefer to sleep to the sound of rolling surf, try this spot in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This smaller campgroundwith 26 sites for tents or shorter RVsoffers amazing Pacific Ocean views and trail access to old-growth redwoods and Fern Canyon. Youll also probably get a close look at the resident Roosevelt elks.
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Getting To Redwood National Park From Oregon
If you choose to fly into Portland, you can catch scenic parts of the Oregon Coast on your way down to Redwood National Park. Head south on I-5 from Portland, cutting over to the Pacific Coast Highway in Albany, Oregon.
This route adds about 2 hours to your trip.
If youre flying into Medford, consider looping in a side trip to Crater Lake before or after your trip to Redwood National and State Parks.