Waking up to fog drifting through thousand-year-old trees, with nothing but the sound of Steller's jays and creek water – that's camping Redwood National and State Parks for you. I remember my first morning there, unzipping the tent to a wall of red trunks glowing in dawn light. But let's get real: without proper planning, your redwood camping trip could turn into a damp, crowded mess. Having spent over 30 nights in these parks, I'll give you the unfiltered truth about campsites, reservations, gear fails, and secret spots most blogs won't mention.
Choosing Your Basecamp: Campgrounds Compared
Not all redwoods camping spots are equal. The parks manage four campgrounds, each with distinct vibes. Here's the raw breakdown:
| Campsite | Location | Sites | Fee (2024) | Reservations | Real Talk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jedediah Smith | North (near Crescent City) | 86 sites | $35/night | 6 months ahead via ReserveCalifornia | Most iconic old-growth access. Sites 1-20 flood in heavy rain |
| Mill Creek | Central (Del Norte Coast) | 145 sites | $35/night | 6 months ahead via ReserveCalifornia | Best showers. Noisiest with highway proximity |
| Elk Prairie | Prairie Creek (Orick area) | 75 sites | $35/night | First-come during off-season only | Elk sightings guaranteed. Tiny bear boxes |
| Gold Bluffs Beach | Coastal Prairie Creek | 26 sites | $35/night | First-come only - arrive by 9AM | Oceanfront magic. Road requires high-clearance after rain |
Last August at Elk Prairie, I watched fog swallow entire trees whole while elk grazed 20 feet from my picnic table. Worth the $35? Absolutely. But book early – I reserved my spot five months ahead. Weekend slots disappear faster than marshmallows at a bear picnic.
Redwoods National Park Camping Reservations: Navigating the Chaos
Getting a camping spot here feels like winning the lottery during summer. The reservation window opens at 8AM PST exactly six months before your desired date on ReserveCalifornia.com. Pro tip: Have accounts pre-logged in on two devices. When I tried booking for July last year, all Jedediah sites vanished in 90 seconds flat.
When First-Come Works Better
For Gold Bluffs Beach and off-season Elk Prairie:
- Arrive Sunday-Thursday for better odds
- Target rainy season openings (most bail when forecast shows clouds)
- Have backup plans: Crescent City KOA or private Forest Service sites
Warning: Don't trust the "usually has space" claims. Last October, I drove to Gold Bluffs at 7AM midweek – already full. Ranger tip: Check at 11AM when early departures happen.
Gear That Actually Works in Redwood Conditions
Forget fancy ultralight gear. Coastal redwood camping demands moisture combat. My gear failures and wins:
Essential Redwoods Camping Gear
- Rainfly with 5000mm+ rating: Morning fog soaks everything
- Wool base layers: Cotton kills here even in summer
- Bear canisters: Required July-Sept at backcountry sites
- Waterproof boots + extra socks: Trails stay muddy year-round
- Quality headlamp: Canopy blocks moonlight completely
My biggest mistake? Using a Coleman tent in 2022. Condensation pooled inside like a swimming pool. Switched to a Nemo tent with extra vents and never looked back.
Getting There: Routes and Realities
Google Maps lies about drive times. Highway 101 is your main artery, but expect:
- Construction delays near Orick (add 45 minutes)
- No gas for 50+ miles between Trinidad and Crescent City
- Sudden coastal fog reducing visibility to 100 feet
| Starting Point | Best Route | Drive Time (Realistic) | Parking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | 101 North entire way | 6-7 hours | Trailheads fill by 10AM |
| Portland | I-5 to Grants Pass > 199 West | 5 hours | Jedediah lots smallest |
| Medford | 199 West direct | 2.5 hours | Easiest access to northern sites |
Beyond the Tent: Must-Do Experiences
Camping redwood forests isn't just sleeping – it's about immersion. Don't miss:
Secret Old-Growth Access Points
- Stout Grove (Jedediah): Arrive at sunset for golden hour photos without crowds
- Trillium Falls Trail: Fewer people than Lady Bird Johnson Grove
- Tall Trees Grove: Permit required but worth the hassle
Pro tip: Skip Fern Canyon between 10AM-4PM. I went at 7:30AM last June and had the canyon to myself. By 9:30AM? Disneyland crowds.
Redwoods Camping Challenges Solved
Nobody talks about the gritty realities until you're in them:
"Will I actually see bears?"
Probably not. In 30+ nights, I've seen two black bears – both from my car. Rangers report fewer encounters than Yosemite. But still use bear boxes religiously.
"How bad are the mosquitoes?"
July-August near Mill Creek? Brutal. Pack DEET or permethrin-treated clothes. Elk Prairie has fewer bugs but more banana slugs.
"Can I charge devices?"
Only at Mill Creek's coin-op showers. Solar chargers struggle under canopy. I bring three Anker power banks for a weekend.
Redwoods National Park Camping FAQs
Is dispersed camping allowed in the redwoods?
Only in designated backcountry zones with permits. Random roadside camping gets $280 fines. Rangers patrol constantly.
What months are best for redwoods camping?
September-October: Fewer crowds, drier trails. May-June: Lush but muddy. July-August: Busiest but warmest.
Are campfires permitted during redwoods camping?
Only in established fire rings with wood purchased locally. Complete bans happen July-October when fire risk peaks.
Can I bring my dog camping in Redwood National Park?
Dogs allowed only in campgrounds and paved areas. No trails except Klamath Overlook. I learned this after getting turned back at Fern Canyon.
Is there cell service?
Spotty Verizon near Orick. Zero service in campgrounds. Download offline maps before arriving.
Final Reality Check
Redwoods camping tests your preparation skills. I've seen people show up with Walmart tents in November rains – they lasted one night. But when you nail it? Waking beneath trees older than Christianity, with banana slugs as your only neighbors? That's worth every planning headache. Just don't skimp on the rain gear.