RV camping near Orick, California places visitors within minutes of Redwood National Park's ancient forests and coastal attractions. The area sits at the junction of Prairie Creek and the Pacific Ocean, receiving over 100 inches of rainfall annually which sustains the towering redwoods. Campgrounds throughout the region offer varying levels of access to hiking trails, beaches, and wildlife viewing opportunities with Roosevelt elk frequently spotted near camping areas.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Look for Roosevelt elk herds that regularly appear in and around Elk Country RV Resort & Campground. A camper noted, "Elk country rv resort was AMAZING! Nothing beats sleeping under the canopy of redwood trees and waking in the brisk morning to find elk grazing in the adjacent pasture, who could care less that you're there." The campground's name is quite literal—elk sightings are common year-round.
Beach access: Visit secluded shorelines within a short drive of most campgrounds. At Kamp Klamath RV Park and Campground, campers appreciate the proximity to coastal areas. "The ocean is about 1 mile away right at the mouth of the Klamath river with an awesome beach. Good fishing, beach combing, kite flying etc. There is not a lot of parking and you do have to walk a ways to the water, but it is well worth the walk."
Hiking: Explore on-site nature trails at several campgrounds in the area. A camper at Mystic Forest RV Park shared: "We were able to grab a spot on our way down to Big Sur with no reservation. Took a site that was set back and had a cute tree on it the you could walk through." Many campgrounds feature short walking paths through redwood groves for morning or evening strolls.
What campers like
Natural ponds and wildlife: Elk Country RV Resort & Campground features a small lake with active wildlife. One visitor reported, "Can't believe how gorgeous, this was my favorite part of my trip. Saw otters in the small lake." The property spans over 200 acres with diverse habitats including meadows and forest.
Community gatherings: Saturday night salmon cookouts during summer months attract campers at Kamp Klamath. "Saturday nights in the summer are the best as they do a salmon cook out with live music," noted one reviewer. These events provide opportunities to meet fellow travelers and enjoy fresh local seafood.
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower facilities receive consistent positive reviews at Mystic Forest RV Park. "Toilets and showers are very clean. Laundry worked very good as well," reported one camper. The campground maintains tidy facilities despite its rustic setting among the redwoods.
Personalized guidance: Campground hosts often provide detailed information about local attractions. "The best thing about this park is the owners. They were uber friendly and was very kind to provide a (hand drawn but very accurate) map. They took the time to speak re the different areas we should explore specifically for our kids."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds in the area have minimal to no cellular connectivity. At Klamath River RV Park, visitors note spotty reception: "There's lots of wildlife to watch and stellars jays that will pick through an empty campsite for food left out. We even saw a bear across the Klamath river!" Plan to disconnect during your stay.
Weather considerations: The coastal location experiences frequent fog and rain. "Beware this is considered a rain forest so your rig will really get a water test at the right times of the year," cautioned one RVer at Klamath River RV Park. Bring waterproof gear and tarps regardless of season.
Road access challenges: Many campgrounds in the area require navigating narrow or winding roads. Approach with caution in larger rigs and call ahead to confirm accessibility. Some tent camping areas offer more secluded spots but may require walking gear from parking areas.
Reservation timing: During salmon runs and summer months, campgrounds fill quickly. Book several months in advance for peak season stays between June and September, especially for riverfront sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Widow White Creek RV Park receives good marks from families: "Grounds were clean with plenty of room for families and children to play, though at the time we stopped here in December, it was pretty quiet." The $35 nightly rate makes it budget-friendly for families.
Educational opportunities: Look for ranger programs at nearby state and national parks which offer junior ranger activities. These programs typically run daily during summer months and weekends in spring and fall.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Select sites where wildlife visits are common. One family noted at Elk Country RV Resort: "They have a small pond with a ton of polliwogs in it (end of June). No fish in the pond as a couple of otters came in and ate the all the fish." These natural encounters create memorable experiences for children.
Nature walks: Use campground trails for short hikes suited to younger children. "There is a hiking trail around the RV Site through the woods which is fantastic. Despite the rain we had a great time here," shared a visitor at Mystic Forest RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Choose riverfront views when possible. At Golden Bear RV Park, "Nice grassy sites facing the Klamath River, full hookups, river front are pull in also have some pull-thrus, plus in the back are some back-ins." However, note that "While the river front sites were spectacular, they were not pull through sites so it would have been a pain to back in to."
Hookup configuration: Check utility placement before selecting sites. "All the hookups are designed for you to pull in straight. So you will be running your hoses under your rig likely," noted one RVer at Golden Bear RV Park. This arrangement may require longer hoses or cables than typically needed.
Water pressure variations: Several campgrounds report lower than standard water pressure. "Water pressure was low, but worked," mentioned one camper about Golden Bear RV Park. Consider bringing a water pressure regulator and additional fresh water if boondocking.
Highway noise considerations: Sites closer to Highway 101 experience traffic noise. "While the views of the Klamath were so beautiful, the noise of the busy highway was such a vibe killer. I thought it would die down into the evening, but it kept busy all through the night until morning. And tons of big trucks!" Choose sites furthest from the highway when possible.
