Redwood National Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Redwood National Park offers exceptional RV camping across four state park campgrounds with 300+ sites, featuring the world's tallest trees, pristine Pacific coastline, and diverse outdoor adventures. Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, Elk Prairie, and Gold Bluffs Beach campgrounds provide primitive camping under towering redwoods, while strategic locations like Crescent City RV rentals and Sacramento RV rentals offer prime access to this 130,000-acre wonderland that preserves 45% of California's remaining old-growth redwoods along 40 miles of rugged coastline.
What Makes Redwood National Park the Ultimate RV Destination?
Stretching along 50 miles of Northern California's dramatic coastline from Crescent City to Orick, Redwood National and State Parks preserve the world's most magnificent coastal redwood forests. This unique partnership between the National Park Service and California State Parks protects ancient trees reaching heights of 370+ feet and ages exceeding 2,000 years, creating cathedral-like groves that inspire awe and wonder.
The park system encompasses four distinct camping areas, each offering primitive sites nestled beneath towering giants. Unlike many national parks, Redwood provides no hookups, creating an authentic wilderness experience where the sounds of crashing waves and rustling leaves replace urban noise. The diverse ecosystem supports Roosevelt elk herds, black bears, and over 200 bird species, while the Pacific coastline offers tide pooling, whale watching, and pristine beaches accessible only on foot.
RV travelers discover unlimited adventure opportunities, from hiking the famous Fern Canyon with its 50-foot fern-covered walls to driving the scenic Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway through ancient groves. The park's unique geography allows visitors to experience both coastal and inland redwood ecosystems, with elevations ranging from sea level to 3,000+ feet in the coastal mountains.
The park's co-management creates seamless access across multiple recreation areas, though visitors should note specific road restrictions. Many scenic routes prohibit RVs due to narrow, winding conditions, making careful trip planning essential for motorhome travelers seeking to maximize their redwood experience.
RV Rentals in Redwood National Park
Transportation
Driving
Access Redwood National Park via Highway 101, the primary north-south route through the park system. The park spans 50 miles with no formal entrance gate, though the main sign appears north of Stone Lagoon. RV travelers should stick to Highway 101, Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, and designated campground roads, as many backcountry routes prohibit large vehicles due to narrow, winding conditions.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Northern Gateway Access: Crescent City RV rentals position you perfectly for exploring Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and the northern sections. Located just 5 miles from the park boundary, Crescent City offers excellent camper van options and full services for last-minute supplies while serving as your base for coastal explorations.
Central California Hub: Sacramento RV rentals provide premium access to Redwood National Park while serving as an excellent starting point for Northern California adventures. Sacramento's vast selection includes luxury motorhomes and budget-friendly camper vans, making it ideal for multi-park road trips combining Redwood with other California destinations.
Parking
RV parking is available at visitor centers and developed campgrounds, though space fills quickly during peak summer months. Most trailheads and scenic areas provide limited RV parking, requiring early arrival to secure spots. Some popular destinations like Fern Canyon require hiking from designated parking areas due to road restrictions.
Public Transportation
Limited public transportation serves the park area. Redwood Coast Transit provides some regional service, though private vehicles remain essential for park exploration. The remote coastal location makes rental vehicles the most practical option for visitors flying into regional airports.
Campgrounds and parking in Redwood National Park
Campsites in Redwood National Park
Reservations camping
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
Accessible via 6-mile Davison Road (vehicles limited to 24 feet length, 8 feet width, no trailers), Gold Bluffs Beach Campground offers 26 primitive sites directly on the Pacific Ocean. This unique beachfront camping experience allows RVers to fall asleep to ocean sounds while enjoying unlimited beach access and stunning sunset views.
Sites provide fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, with potable water available. The campground serves as the primary access point for Fern Canyon, one of the park's most photographed destinations. Roosevelt elk frequently traverse the beach, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Mill Creek Campground
Situated in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, 7 miles south of Crescent City, Mill Creek Campground features 145 sites accommodating RVs up to 28 feet or trailers up to 24 feet. Open mid-May through September, this campground offers primitive camping surrounded by dense redwood forest and coastal fog that creates a mystical atmosphere.
Amenities include fire pits, picnic tables, food lockers, flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. The campground provides easy access to coastal trails and scenic Enderts Beach, where tide pooling and whale watching opportunities abound during migration seasons.
Crescent City / Redwoods KOA
Crescent City / Redwoods KOA is a great campground choice for your trip to the Redwoods National Park if you are wanting to stay a little closer to civilization.
The campground contains a relatively small number of sites and they are spread out nicely between the six loops. All of the sites within the Crescent City / Redwoods KOA have either water and electric hookups or the option for full-service hookups. Some of the other amenities include WiFi access, cable TV, water collection points, toilets, showers, a playground, sports fields, and a dump station. If you have a big rig you will also be pleased to note that sites feature room for RVs up to 80 feet in length.
The campground is located to the north of the park and is close by historic trees, canyons, caves, a lighthouse, and aquarium, so there will be no chance of boredom. If you decide to call Crescent City / Redwoods KOA your home, you should book a reservation in advance prior to your arrival.
Elk Prairie Campground
Located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Elk Prairie Campground offers 75 sites for RVs up to 27 feet or trailers up to 24 feet. This year-round campground sits in a large meadow surrounded by towering redwoods, where Roosevelt elk frequently graze, providing exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.
The campground features modern amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and food lockers. Its central location provides access to numerous trails, including the popular Prairie Creek Trail and access routes to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground
Located 10 miles east of Crescent City on Highway 199, Jedediah Smith Campground offers 86 sites for RVs up to 25 feet or trailers up to 21 feet. This year-round campground sits along the pristine Smith River, providing excellent access to old-growth redwood groves and river activities. Sites include fire pits, picnic tables, and food lockers, with modern restrooms, hot showers, and a dump station available.
The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring Stout Grove, home to some of the park's most massive trees. Summer months offer swimming and kayaking opportunities in the emerald Smith River, while the surrounding forest provides numerous hiking trails through pristine redwood cathedral groves.
First-come first-served
First-Come, First Served Camping
There are plenty of reservation options at Redwood National Park, but you will not be able to find any campgrounds at the park that offer first-come, first-served camping.
Alternate camping
Backcountry Camping
Redwood National Park offers seven designated backcountry campsites along 200+ miles of trails for adventurous visitors seeking solitude. Free permits are required and can be obtained at visitor centers. Backcountry sites provide primitive camping opportunities in pristine wilderness settings.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds across California for extended adventures.
Private Campgrounds
Several private campgrounds near Redwood National Park offer modern amenities for RVers preferring hookups and additional services. Crescent City/Redwoods KOA provides full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and recreational facilities just 5 miles north of Crescent City, accommodating RVs up to 80 feet.
Mystic Forest RV Park offers secluded sites among redwoods near Klamath, while Ramblin' Redwoods Campground provides both RV sites and cabin rentals with modern amenities and guided activity programs.
Seasonal activities in Redwood National Park
Spring
Exploring Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Driving along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in the spring is a great way to soak in the wondrous beauty of the redwoods. This 10-mile scenic drive is RV accessible and will enable you to coast along the ancient redwood forest and see enchanting Roosevelt Elk roaming through the brush. You’ll want to bring a camera and slow down to soak in the incredible scenery around you, as this is an experience that you will want to show off to your friends and family.
Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more Northern California adventures, check out our Sacramento to Redwood National Park road trip guide or explore Sequoia National Park for more giant tree experiences.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Loop
If there’s any trail to explore during your spring RV trip to Redwood National Forest it’s the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Loop. On this trail, you’ll take a scenic stroll amidst the shade of towering ancient redwood trees, enchanting hillside groves, and blooming rhododendrons and azaleas. This is an easy one-mile loop to get just a taste of the amazing scenery this majestic wilderness has to offer.
High Bluff Overlook
One of the best places to enjoy sunset views and spot incredible aquatic creatures within Redwood National Park is at the High Bluff Overlook. Here you can enjoy taking a spring picnic while you soak in stunning views of rocky Pacific coastline. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of giant whales or majestic sea lions. This is a must-see stop during your spring camper tour of Redwood National Forest.
Horseback Riding
The spring is a beautiful time of year to park your trailer and experience Redwood National Forest while riding a horse. Whether you want to ride under the canopy of tall redwoods or on the serenity of the beach, there are miles and miles of trails to ride. You can hire a private company to take you on a guided tour, or bring your own horses if you’re an avid equestrian.
Leiffer-Ellsworth Loop Trail
If you want to get away from the crowds and take the less-traveled path to get a backcountry glimpse of Redwood National Forest, this is the perfect trail for you. This 2.5-mile moderate hike will take you through dense redwood forest and colorful clintonia, thimbleberry, and red huckleberry bushes. You can step back in time during your RV getaway by walking on a 19th-century Crescent City Plank Road into a majestic canyon.
Fall
Carruthers Cove Trail
If you’re looking for a moderate trek to spot the wildlife that roams freely in the park, the Carruthers Cove Trail is worth checking out. This one-mile route is steep in some areas, but offers great views of grazing elk and flocks of birds. Once you get out of your RV and on the trail you’ll head towards the beach past colorful alders and berry bushes.
Trillium Falls
The autumn is a prefect time of year to park your rig and head out on the Trillium Falls Trail. On this trail, you’ll be greeted by colorful redwoods, maples, and sparkling waterfalls that will be engrained into your memory. Known as one of the best family-friendly hikes in the park, this an easy to moderate trek that is less than three miles long. Remember to bring the camera for great photo opportunities at the waterfalls (or it may also come in handy if you spot a wild Elk).
Elk Prairie Redwoods
Elk Prairie has its namesake for a reason since it’s a prime spot to catch a glimpse of the wild Roosevelt Elk that call this amazing park home. When visiting this area of the park you are welcome to walk or hike along a gravel trail that will take you through lush woodland. This is a great chance during your RV vacation to spot majestic creatures like mountain lions, coyotes, and black bears too, so keep a lookout and remember to keep your distance from any animals you do see.
Guided Nature Walks
If you want to learn more about the natural wonder and cultural history of the area, you’ll love taking a guided nature walk led by expert rangers. The rangers at Redwood National Park will teach you about the secrets of the redwoods and heritage of the community while you walk or hike through lush forests, grassy prairies, and sandy beaches. This is a great way to capture the beauty of the autumn scenery during your RV trip to Redwood National Forest.
Bike the Coastal Trail
If you want to get out of your RV and head out on a bike with ocean breezes and forest views, this is the perfect trail for you. This three-mile trek is located in the Gold Bluffs Beach section where you’ll have access to the sandy beaches overlooking the Pacific coast. The autumn is a perfect time of year to soak in the majestic scenery of colorful trees and crashing waves. If you plan on biking during your visit, you might want to bring your own bike as there is no guarantee that there will be any available for rent.
Winter
Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center
The winter is a perfect time to visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center, which is open daily year-round, except on national holidays. The center contains some amazing exhibits about the redwood trees and exciting natural history of the area. You can also watch an orientation film and browse the bookstore for some souvenirs. If you want to take some winter beach pictures during your RV trip to Redwood National Forest, this is a perfect spot since it offers beach access.
Winter Guided Hikes
If you want to learn more about the natural history and cultural heritage of Redwood National Forest you’ll love the chance to take a winter hike through this enchanting environment. An expert ranger will entertain you with stories of ranger adventures and trivia about the incredible wilderness all around you. These events are scheduled in advance, depending on weather conditions.
Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail
On warmer winter days you can get out and enjoy a tranquil stroll down the Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail, which follows the route of an old logging road. This is an easy trek will take you through the majestic giant redwoods and end in a stunning redwood grove. This is a perfect short hike to take during the winter so you can get back to your warm RV in no time, while still experiencing the serenity of the great outdoors.
Klamath River Overlook
You won’t want to miss the chance to park your RV and get out the camera at Klamath River Overlook. This is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire park where you will get the chance to soak in views of rugged Pacific Coastline and serene beaches. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a whale or sea lion. The mossy boulders and rocky shores that dot the coastline and make for some incredible pictures you won’t be able to take anywhere else in the park.
Bike the Ossagon Trail
This trail offers a rare chance to bike through old-growth redwoods and eventually end up at the sandy beach. The Ossagon Trail is an easy trek that is just under four miles, so it’s a perfect short adventure you can take on warmer winter days. If you want to bike in a tranquil setting, away from the crowds, this is a great spot during your winter RV visit to Redwood National Forest. Remember to wear a helmet and bring a bike that can handle the snow.
Summer
Kayak Tour of Smith River
A ranger-led kayak tour of the cascading Smith River is a great way to combine sightseeing with learning. During the paddle, you will get to take in the stunning scenery of the park while also learning about the geology of the river and the natural history of the redwood forest. This beautiful, three-hour trek includes a stop for lunch and a chance to learn from your expert guide.
Tide Pools
If you’re ready for a unique adventure, it’s time to park your RV and get out on the beach and go tidepooling. Tidepooling is an activity that is suitable for people of all ages and involves hunting for natural tide pools that dot the coastline. Endert’s Beach, Damnation Creek, and False Klamath Cove are the best spots to find these majestic sites that are home to sea stars, crabs, and snails.
Campfire Programs
A great way to enjoy an enchanting summer evening by the campfire at the Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, or Elk Prairie campground is to participate in one of the many campfire programs. You’ll be delighted by stories, slideshows, music, and games hosted by expert rangers. This is an unforgettable way to spend a night under the warm glow of the fire during your summer RV getaway to the Pacific Northwest.
Native American Dance Demonstration
An incredible way to experience the cultural history of the area is to check out a Native American Dance Demonstration held during the summer at the park. You can see the Yurok perform a traditional brush dance at the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center, or head over to the Jedediah Smith picnic area to check out a renewal dance demonstration by the Tolowa.
Relax At Gold Bluffs Beach
Gold Bluffs Beach is an amazing spot in the park where you can lounge, play frisbee, swim, or fish on the rugged Pacific Coast. Wild elk roam the beach and mesmerizing tall cliffs edge the coastline. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet summer picnic or watch the sunset in an idyllic setting, this is a perfect spot to get away from it all during your summer motorhome trip to Northern California.
