Camping in Redwood: 4 Campgrounds, 332 Sites at $18 a Night

By Victoria Boissonade · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Redwood

Redwood National and State Parks has four official campgrounds with 332 sites in all, and every site can be reserved through reservecalifornia.com. From May through October, sites fill quickly. Two of the four campgrounds are open year-round; the other two follow a shorter forest season.

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 ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can You Camp Inside Redwood?

Yes. Four campgrounds cover the complex from north to south. Outside these designated sites, dispersed camping is prohibited in almost the entire park. A few backcountry areas allow camping with a permit, accessible only on foot from the trails. Every stay must therefore be at an official site or covered by a valid backcountry permit.

Campgrounds in the Park

Jedediah Smith Campground

The northernmost campground in the complex, Jedediah Smith sits at the park's northern end, near Crescent City. Its 86 sites line the Smith River, surrounded by towering coastal redwoods. Tents and RVs are allowed up to 25 feet. The campground has showers, restrooms, running water, a dump station, firewood for sale, bear-proof lockers, and cell service. It's open year-round and is usually the first campground to fill up in spring, so book as early as possible.

Mill Creek Campground

With 145 sites, Mill Creek is the park's largest campground. It sits in a dense forest in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, south of Crescent City. The main season runs from mid-May to early October. RVs are allowed up to 28 feet, the most generous limit of the four campgrounds. Amenities include showers, restrooms, running water, a dump station, firewood, and bear-proof lockers. It's a good alternative when Jedediah Smith is full.

Elk Prairie Campground

Located in the Prairie Creek area, this 75-site campground overlooks an open meadow. Roosevelt elk are often seen here late in the day. Reservations are essential from May through October. RVs are allowed up to 27 feet. Amenities include showers, restrooms, running water, firewood, and bear-proof lockers. It's a great fit for families who want to combine old-growth forest with wildlife viewing.

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

The park's most unusual campground has 26 sites right on the beach, between ocher cliffs and the Pacific. Morning fog is almost guaranteed, and winds can be strong. The campground is open year-round, but road access may be limited in winter depending on road conditions. RVs are allowed up to 24 feet; anything longer can't make it through the narrow section. Amenities include showers, restrooms, running water, firewood, bear-proof lockers, cell service, and an internet connection, a rarity in the park.

RV vs. Tent Camping: Which Site Should You Choose?

All four campgrounds accept RVs, each with a different length limit: 28 feet at Mill Creek, 27 feet at Elk Prairie, 25 feet at Jedediah Smith, and 24 feet at Gold Bluffs Beach. No electrical hookups are available in the park, so RV campers need to be fully self-contained. Dump stations at Jedediah Smith and Mill Creek let you handle wastewater on-site. For large rigs that won't fit into Gold Bluffs Beach, Jedediah Smith and Mill Creek offer the easiest access. Our RV Camping Guide explains the access restrictions road by road, including routes that aren't recommended for large rigs.

Camping Nearby: Private Campgrounds Outside the Park

If 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 can't make it through the entrance to Gold Bluffs Beach. For lodging with solid walls, including cabins, motels, and lodges, see Lodging in Redwood.

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 Should You Reserve a Campsite in Redwood?

Reservations are made through reservecalifornia.com. From May through October, sites at the most popular campgrounds go quickly as soon as the reservation window opens, so turn on availability alerts on the website. Outside that period, occupancy drops, but reservations are still required at all four campgrounds. Some campgrounds reduce services during the off-season, so check the NPS website for real-time status before you leave. To choose the best time to visit, see the Redwood seasons guide.

Rates: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost in Redwood?

The rate is the same at all four campgrounds: $18 per night per site, with no electrical hookups. The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at national parks, but it doesn't cover camping fees. Entrance to Redwood is free anyway. For entrance fees and annual passes, see our National Park Fees & Passes page.

Camping Safety and Best Practices

Black Bears

Black bears frequent Redwood's campgrounds. The rule is strict, with no exceptions: store all food, drinks, cosmetics, and scented items in the bear-proof lockers provided at every site, or in an approved bear-resistant container. Don't leave anything in your car overnight because bears know how to open car doors. If you encounter one, speak loudly, don't run, and back away slowly.

Mountain Lions

Mountain lions live in the park, especially around Prairie Creek. On trails near the campgrounds, keep children within sight, especially at dawn and dusk.

Cold and Dampness

Even in midsummer, nights along the Northern California coast regularly drop below 50°F. Bring a sleeping bag rated for cool temperatures and waterproof clothing. Morning fog is a given in summer; from October through April, expect significant rainfall. Redwood weather breaks down conditions week by week.

Which Campground Is Right for You?

A quick summary to help you decide:

• For families: Elk Prairie (Roosevelt elk sightings, on-site showers, spacious sites, reservations essential from May through October).
• For beach lovers and a wilder setting: Gold Bluffs Beach (Pacific views, open year-round, RVs up to 24 feet, internet connection available).
• For RV campers with a large rig: Mill Creek (the park's highest limit at 28 feet, a dump station, and 145 sites).
• For river and forest, open year-round: Jedediah Smith (the northernmost campground, a dump station, and cell service).
• For solitude: Mill Creek in the off-season, or backcountry camping with a permit.

To plan a complete camping trip, see our complete Redwood guide.

Frequently Asked Questions