Redwood by RV: Campgrounds, Rules, and Practical Tips

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

Here's the good news: Redwood National and State Parks doesn't charge an entrance fee. Four official campgrounds accommodate RVs along a roughly 62-mile corridor of redwoods on California's northern coast. The number one restriction to remember before you set out is Davison Road, which leads to Gold Bluffs Beach and legendary Fern Canyon. It's closed to vehicles longer than 24 feet or wider than 8 feet. A large Class A motorhome and Fern Canyon don't mix. Everything else is manageable.

For an overview of the park, check out our complete Redwood guide before planning your route.

Can you drive and camp in an RV at Redwood?

Yes, without hesitation. US-101, which runs through the complex from north to south, is perfectly suitable for RVs, including larger models. The park is a hybrid entity: the federal Redwood National Park is co-managed with three California state parks, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. You can enter from the north via Crescent City or from the south via Eureka, about a two-hour drive away.

The park is open year-round, including its roads and dirt roads. Some campgrounds close or operate with reduced services from October through May, but no seasonal closure blocks the main access route. Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in Prairie Creek, a scenic road through old-growth forest, is generally suitable for standard-size RVs. Temperatures stay cool year-round, ranging from 45 to 64°F, with often foggy summers and rainy winters. Bring waterproof clothing whatever the season.

RV restrictions and regulated roads

The critical point is Davison Road. This unpaved road has a strict limit of 24 feet in length and 8 feet in width. A short camper van can make it through, but a Class A or a vehicle with a trailer cannot. Check your vehicle's dimensions before reserving Gold Bluffs Beach.

Other points to keep in mind:

• Enderts Beach Road in Del Norte: not recommended for long vehicles.
• Visitor center and trail parking lots: maximum length is often posted on signs. Arrive early in summer.
• Trailers: allowed in the main campgrounds, but check the combined length of your vehicle and trailer before booking.
• Road conditions: winter rains can damage secondary roads. Check real-time alerts on the NPS website before setting out, especially from October through April.

The park's official campgrounds

Elk Prairie Campground (Prairie Creek)

This is the complex's busiest campground, well located in the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. It accepts RVs up to about 34 feet. Some sites offer electrical hookups through California's state park system. Restrooms have pay showers. Reservations through ReserveCalifornia are essential starting in June.

Jedediah Smith Campground

Near Crescent City in the park's northern section, this campground follows the Smith River. RV limit: about 36 feet. Dense trees make maneuvering difficult at some sites. A few hookups are available, and restrooms have showers. This is our favorite base for large vehicles. There's room to spread out, and the river is worth getting up early for.

Mill Creek Campground

In Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Mill Creek is quieter and often less crowded than Elk Prairie. RV limit: about 34 feet. There are no electrical hookups, but restrooms have showers. It's a good starting point for coastal hikes. Reservations are available through ReserveCalifornia.

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

The only campground with a direct view of the Pacific. Sites face the ocean, backed by a wooded bluff. The setting is striking. Remember, though, that you have to take Davison Road to get there. The strict limit is 24 feet in length and 8 feet in width, with no exceptions. There are no hookups. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov.

Dispersed camping and areas around Redwood (boondocking)

Boondocking isn't allowed inside the park itself. The Six Rivers National Forest, which borders the complex to the east, does allow free dispersed camping in certain areas, at least 984 feet from roads and water sources. Conditions vary by area, so check the national forest's website before settling in.

For nights outside the park, Crescent City to the north and Eureka to the south offer overnight parking options, including Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome sites in the area.

Dump stations, water, and services

The Jedediah Smith and Elk Prairie campgrounds have dump stations. You can use them for a few dollars if you're not staying there. Outside the park, Crescent City is the main RV service hub to the north, with gas stations offering dump stations, potable water, and supermarkets. Eureka, about two hours south, offers a wider range of services, including dealers and repair shops.

One practical tip: cell service is very limited in the park. Download maps and campground information for offline use before you arrive. If your water tank is empty, visitor centers that are open for the season provide drinking water.

Which campground should you choose?

Views and atmosphere: Gold Bluffs Beach, if your vehicle meets the Davison Road restriction. The combination of redwood forest and Pacific beach is rare.

Easy access for large vehicles: Jedediah Smith, with the Smith River just steps away for mornings of fishing or kayaking.

Central base for hiking: Elk Prairie, near Prairie Creek Visitor Center. If Davison Road is off-limits to your vehicle, you can still reach Fern Canyon on foot from the campground via Butler Creek Trail.

Quiet and off-season travel: Mill Creek is less crowded and ideal for weekday stays outside the busy season.

For tent sites and alternative lodging within the park, see our Redwood camping guide and our park lodging options.

Renting an RV to visit Redwood

The nearest RV rental hubs are Eureka and San Francisco, a five- to six-hour drive south. Major companies such as Cruise America and El Monte, along with peer-to-peer platforms such as RVshare and Outdoorsy, serve both cities.

For Redwood, we recommend a compact model: a camper van or a Class B under 23 feet. The reasons are simple. Sites in dense forest can be narrow. Davison Road is closed to larger vehicles. Secondary roads are also more enjoyable in an agile vehicle. A vehicle under 23 feet gives you access to every option in the park.

Pets, budget, and reservations: what to know

Pets: Dogs are allowed in campgrounds when kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They're prohibited on most trails. Check the rules for each campground before setting out with your pet.

Budget: The park is free to enter. Expect to pay $35 to $45 per night for an RV site in the state park campgrounds, depending on the season and amenities. Sites without hookups cost less. For more information on entrance fees and national park passes, see our Fees & Passes page.

Reservations: In summer, from June through August, campgrounds fill up weeks in advance. Check ReserveCalifornia and Recreation.gov as soon as reservations open, usually six months ahead. In the off-season, walk-in sites are still available, especially at Mill Creek.

To choose your travel dates based on weather and campground openings, our When to Go page breaks down the seasons month by month.

In summary: our Redwood RV plan

First, check your vehicle's dimensions. Under 24 feet, all options are open; over that, Gold Bluffs Beach and Davison Road are out. Reserve six months ahead through ReserveCalifornia or Recreation.gov if you're planning a summer trip. Choose Elk Prairie or Jedediah Smith for easy access, or Gold Bluffs Beach if your vehicle fits the limit. Bring a serious rain jacket, too. Redwood is beautiful in the fog, but fog here is really just a fine mist that doesn't let up.

Frequently asked questions