Where to Stay Near Redwood: Hotels and Lodges
The first thing to know before booking is that Redwood National and State Parks has no lodge, hotel, or lodging concession within its boundaries. That's a major difference from Yellowstone National Park or Grand Canyon National Park. All lodging is in the surrounding gateway towns, just a few minutes from the entrances.
The short answer: stay in Crescent City to visit the northern part of the park, including Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, or stay in Eureka if you're coming up from San Francisco and focusing on the south, including Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Orick. Allow at least two nights to cover both halves of the park, which stretches about 62 miles from north to south.
Park lodges and gateway towns (0)
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Inside the Park or Nearby?
There's no real choice to make at Redwood: there's nothing inside the park. You won't have to choose between total immersion and the comforts of town. The complete guide to lodging at Redwood also covers campgrounds and RV options; this page focuses on hotels and lodges in the gateway towns.
Hotels Near Redwood: The Gateway Towns
Five areas deserve your attention. Your choice mainly depends on which part of the park you want to prioritize and how much comfort you're looking for.
Crescent City (North)
This is the main gateway town for the northern part of the park, about 15 minutes from Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, home to the oldest redwoods. Crescent City has about a dozen properties, including national chains such as Best Western and Holiday Inn Express, along with a few independent motels. Most are practical budget or midrange options.
One property stands out: Curly Redwood Lodge, built in 1957 from the wood of a single felled redwood. The tree was 600 years old and about 18 feet in diameter, and it provided more than 57,000 board feet of lumber for the building. The motel has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2012. The rooms are simple and clean. This is a 1950s motel, not a boutique hotel, but the building's history makes it an unusual stop.
Crescent City works well as a logistical base, with supermarkets, gas stations, and several restaurants. A tsunami hit the city hard in 1964, and it was rebuilt with little attention to architecture, but it's perfectly functional.
Klamath (Central North)
Klamath is more of a hamlet than a town. Lodging is limited to a few motels along US-101, some with views of the Klamath River. If you want to stay close to Prairie Creek without going as far south as Eureka, it's a reasonable option for one night.
Trinidad
About 31 miles north of Eureka, Trinidad is a fishing village perched on a cliff, with remarkable views of the Pacific Ocean. Its hotel selection is limited, with a few bed-and-breakfasts and rental cottages, but the quality is good. It's the area's most picturesque option, especially for couples or travelers who want a coastal setting between days in the forest. Plan on an additional 30 to 40 minutes of driving to reach the northern part of the park.
Eureka and Arcata (South)
Eureka is the largest city near the park, about 50 miles south of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. It's the region's only truly urban option, with chain hotels, a range of restaurants, and Victorian museums. If you're arriving from San Francisco on US-101, Eureka is a natural first stop.
The area's upscale address is Carter House Inns, four renovated Victorian buildings in downtown Eureka, with a well-regarded fine-dining restaurant. It's a good choice if you want comfort and a polished meal after a day in the forest.
Arcata, just north of Eureka, about 6 miles away, is a college town home to Cal Poly Humboldt, with a younger, livelier feel. Lodging is often a little cheaper than in Eureka. It's a good base for budget travelers focusing on the southern part of the park.
How Many Nights Should You Plan for Redwood?
To see the highlights, plan on two nights: one in Crescent City in the north and one in Eureka or Trinidad in the south. This setup lets you hike in Jedediah Smith on the first day and in Prairie Creek, including Gold Bluffs Beach, on the second without rushing.
Three nights will be more comfortable if you want to hike through several redwood valleys or explore the coast. The Redwood day-by-day itinerary lays out detailed plans based on how much time you have.
For a 24-hour visit, choose one area. Jedediah Smith is the obvious choice for trees, since the largest and densest groves are concentrated there. Prairie Creek is better if you want to combine forest and beach.
When to Book and How Much It Costs
Peak season runs from June through August. Prices rise, and Crescent City properties fill up several weeks in advance for July and August weekends. Waiting until the last minute often means settling for the few rooms left at higher rates.
September and October are the most appealing window: fewer people, lower prices, and generally decent weather. Rain returns in October, but the forests take on a misty atmosphere that July photos don't capture.
From November through May, prices are noticeably lower and properties rarely fill up. The coast stays cool and damp, with temperatures between 45°F and 59°F and 59 to 79 inches of rain across the region from October through April. Some park visitor centers reduce their hours in the off-season, but roads and trails remain open year-round. The guide to the best times to visit Redwood explains the tradeoffs season by season.
Our Recommendations for Every Traveler
Forest immersion, midrange budget: Crescent City, 15 minutes from Jedediah Smith. Book three weeks ahead in summer.
Comfort and fine dining: Carter House Inns in Eureka. Pair it with a day on the Trinidad coast.
Local atmosphere, budget stay: Arcata, near Cal Poly Humboldt. Convenient if you're driving up from San Francisco.
Couples, ocean views: a bed-and-breakfast in Trinidad. A remote feel, with the forest 40 minutes away.
Families: Crescent City remains the most practical base, with supermarkets, waterfront playgrounds, fast food, and family restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Redwood?
Redwood National and State Parks is in the far north of California, about 323 miles, or 6 to 7 hours by car, north of San Francisco on US-101, almost on the Oregon border.
Are there hotels or lodges inside Redwood?
No. Redwood has no hotel lodging within its boundaries. All lodging is concentrated in nearby gateway towns: Crescent City to the north, plus Klamath, Trinidad, and Eureka to the south.
What's the best town to stay in near Redwood?
Crescent City is the best base for the northern part of the park, with quick access to Jedediah Smith and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. Eureka works better if you're coming from the south or want more services. Trinidad is the most picturesque choice, but its lodging options are limited.