Camping in Redwood: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations, and Fees
Yes, you can camp inside Redwood National and State Parks, and it's probably the most striking way to experience the park. You'll sleep beneath 2,000-year-old trees with the Pacific Ocean close enough to hear. The complex has four official campgrounds, with about 330 sites in all. Online reservations are essential from June through September. Outside the peak season, some sites remain available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Campgrounds in the park (4)
- Campground Elk Prairie Campground - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park see NPS · 75 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Jedediah Smith Campground - Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park see NPS · 86 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Mill Creek Campground - Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park see NPS · 145 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Gold Bluffs Beach Campground - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park see NPS · 26 sites Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Can You Camp Inside Redwood?
Yes. Four park-operated campgrounds cover the complex's roughly 37 miles from north to south. Outside these official sites, dispersed camping is prohibited in almost the entire park. Only a few backcountry areas allow camping with a permit. Every stay must therefore take place at a designated site or with a valid backcountry permit.
Campgrounds in the Park
Jedediah Smith Campground
At the northern end of the complex, near Crescent City, Jedediah Smith offers 86 sites along the Smith River, surrounded by giant redwoods. It's the park's most sought-after campground. Tents and RVs are welcome, up to about 30 feet long. Pay showers and restrooms are available on-site. The campground is open year-round, but reservations become essential in spring.
Mill Creek Campground
A little farther south and less crowded, Mill Creek offers 145 sites in a dense forest setting. It's a good alternative when Jedediah Smith is full. It's generally open from May through September. Tents and RVs are welcome, with access to showers and restrooms.
Elk Prairie Campground
In the heart of the Prairie Creek area, this 75-site campground overlooks an open meadow where Roosevelt elk regularly pass through at dusk. When we visited in October, I counted about ten of them less than 165 feet from the tents. Elk Prairie is open year-round, with pay showers. It's ideal for families.
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
The most unusual of the four has 26 sites directly on the beach, between ocher cliffs and the Pacific. Morning fog is almost guaranteed, the winds can blow hard, and the setting feels thoroughly wild. One restriction matters here. RVs longer than 24 feet can't reach the site because of a narrow, unpaved section of road.
RV vs. Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?
The first three campgrounds accommodate RVs within each site's length limits. Gold Bluffs Beach is for small vehicles and tents only. One thing they all have in common is that the park has no electrical hookups. RV campers need to be fully self-contained or use a private campground with full services. Our RV Camping Guide explains the access restrictions on each road, including sections that aren't recommended for large rigs.
Camping Nearby: Private Campgrounds Outside the Park
When the park is full or you need hookups, several private campgrounds are clustered around Crescent City and Klamath. The Crescent City KOA is the best-known option, with full-hookup sites, cabins, and family amenities. These campgrounds also accommodate large RVs that couldn't make it through the entrance to Gold Bluffs Beach. For lodging with walls, including cabins, motels, and lodges, see Redwood lodging.
Dispersed Camping and Backcountry Camping
A few designated areas allow backcountry camping with a permit, accessible only on foot from the trails. These sites let you sleep alone in the forest, far from other campers. You can get a permit from the park's visitor centers. For backcountry sites, required gear, and food-storage rules, see the Redwood hiking guide.
How and When to Reserve a Campsite in Redwood
Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, with a booking window opening six months before your stay. In July and August, sites can sell out within minutes when the window opens, so set availability alerts on the website. From October through May, some sites remain available without advance reservations. Some campgrounds close or reduce capacity during the off-season. Check the NPS website for real-time status before you leave. To choose the best time to go, see the Redwood seasons guide.
Fees: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost in Redwood?
Sites at the park's campgrounds cost around $35 per night, without hookups. The fee may vary slightly by campground and season. The America the Beautiful pass ($80 per year) covers entrance fees at national parks, but it doesn't cover camping fees. Admission to Redwood is free anyway. For entrance fees and annual passes, see our Fees and Passes page.
Camping Safety and Best Practices
Black Bears
Black bears visit Redwood campgrounds. The rule is strict, with no exceptions. Store all food, drinks, cosmetics, and scented items in the bear-proof lockers at each site or in an approved certified bear-resistant container. Don't leave anything in your car overnight. Bears know how to open car doors. If you encounter one on the way to your campsite, speak loudly, don't run, and slowly move away.
Cougars
Cougars live in the park, especially around Prairie Creek. On trails near the campgrounds, keep children within sight, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Cold and Dampness
Even in midsummer, nights on the Northern California coast regularly drop below 50°F. Bring a sleeping bag suited to cool temperatures, rated for at least 45°F, along with waterproof clothing. Morning fog is a given in summer. From October through April, expect significant rainfall. Redwood weather covers conditions week by week.
Which Campground Is Right for You?
Here's a quick overview to help you decide:
- For families: Elk Prairie, with Roosevelt elk sightings, comfortable restrooms, spacious sites, and year-round operation.
- For beach lovers and a wild setting: Gold Bluffs Beach, with ocean views and a coastal atmosphere. Tents or small vans only.
- For self-contained RV campers: Jedediah Smith or Mill Creek, with easy access, spacious sites, and on-site services.
- For solitude: Mill Creek in the off-season, or the backcountry with a permit.
For a complete camping-focused trip, see our complete Redwood guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp inside Redwood?
Yes. Redwood National and State Parks has four official campgrounds inside the complex: Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, Elk Prairie, and Gold Bluffs Beach, for a total of about 330 sites.
Which campground should you choose in Redwood?
The right Redwood campground depends on your gear and priorities. Choose Elk Prairie for wildlife and families, Gold Bluffs Beach for a wild coastal setting, and Jedediah Smith for the river and easy RV access.
When should you reserve a campground in Redwood?
For July and August, sites go quickly as soon as the six-month booking window opens on Recreation.gov. Outside the peak season, from September through June, some sites remain available without reservations.
How do you camp in Redwood?
Reserve through Recreation.gov, choose one of the four campgrounds based on your area, and follow the bear-proof food-storage rules without exception.
How much does a campsite in Redwood cost?
Expect to pay about $35 per night for a standard site without electrical hookups.
Can you encounter bears while camping in Redwood?
Yes. Black bears regularly visit the campgrounds. Always use the provided bear-proof lockers, and don't leave food or cosmetics in your vehicle overnight.