Redway, California camping areas sit along the South Fork Eel River at approximately 535 feet elevation. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during the day, dropping into the 50s at night, while winter temperatures range from 40-55°F with significant rainfall between November and March. Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though facilities may be limited during winter months.
What to do
Riverfront swimming: Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination offers easy access to the Eel River for summer cooling. "This campground had an accessible river right next to it. Great big redwoods surrounded you on every side," notes Tim G. The river water levels vary seasonally, with lower flows during late summer.
Beach exploration: Westport Beach RV Park and Campground provides coastal access with oceanfront sites. "You are perched out in the open on a bluff above the ocean. So the view and sunsets are epic," explains MarinMaverick. The beach area requires a short walk from most campsites.
Tidepooling: Morning low tides reveal marine life near Shelter Cove. "This was the best tide pooling we had. We went to sleep and woke up to sea lions and Harbor Seals barking," reports Travis H. Best tidepooling occurs 1-2 hours before lowest tide.
Lost Coast hiking: Usal Beach Campground serves as an access point for the southern Lost Coast Trail. "It's literally your own private beach for the night," says samuel C. The area requires careful planning as trails can become impassable during high tides.
What campers like
River swimming holes: During summer months, the Eel River provides cooling spots near most campgrounds. "Our site backed up to the Eel river with Giants redwoods everywhere. Just hung out at the beach the whole time," shares Randy J. from Giant Redwoods RV Park.
Coastal wildlife viewing: Shelter Cove Campground offers sea lion and seal watching directly from campsites. "We stayed 10 nights all up the west coast and this was the best tide pooling we had. We went to sleep and woke up to sea lions and Harbor Seals barking," notes Travis H.
Privacy at dispersed sites: Usal Beach offers more secluded camping away from developed parks. "We were still able to find a fairly secluded spot. The only facility on-site is a single pit toilet that's sort of hidden by the entrance road," explains Ryan T.
Seasonal quiet: Many campgrounds experience minimal crowds during shoulder seasons. "Park was mostly empty and very quiet. Plenty of full and partial RV hookups and tent spots. Very clean facilities and well maintained," shares Ady O. about Giant Redwoods.
What you should know
Road challenges: Access to coastal sites often involves difficult driving. "The road coming into Usal is a pretty messed up mountain road thanks to the fact that it's also used by logging trucks. I would really only recommend this road if you have AWD or 4WD," warns Ryan T.
Winter camping considerations: Most RV parks remain open year-round but with limited services. "I started coming around the end of March. The trail can be a little rough if it's been raining. Had to pull someone out last trip," shares Robert S. about Usal Beach.
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have mineral-rich water systems. Stafford RV Park warns "that your clothes may stain due to the iron in the water," according to Laura M., who also noted "the water jug we had filled with their water was full of rusty red residue at the bottom."
Cell coverage gaps: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. "Excellent WiFi. Weak Verizon and no AT&T service," reports Ady O. about Giant Redwoods. Most coastal campgrounds have minimal cell service regardless of provider.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options: Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination offers cabins with heating for year-round comfort. "The electric fireplace was a nice touch to the cabin and it warmed the space up enough, we never needed to use the HVAC system," notes Jess I., who stayed in Cabin 2.
Beach safety: Westport Beach allows beach fires but requires supervision. "Fires on the beach are great. Rediscovered this place in February and have reservations for November," mentions Outdoordude D. Beach fires should be built below the high tide line.
Entertainment planning: Many campgrounds lack organized activities. "It would be a little improvement to provide a Picknick bench and something for the kids (playground?) and also some more redwood specific things to do in the area such as hikes," suggests Carsten S. about Ancient Redwoods RV Park.
Wildlife encounters: Bring proper food storage containers for all camping sites. "Animals stole 2 potatoes. No signs for animals. Overall fair," reports Nadiya S. from Shelter Cove Campground.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal operations: Ancient Redwoods RV Park near Redcrest operates only from May through October. "Right in the middle of the Avenue of the Giants you will see trees upon trees. Central enough location to souvenirs, the immortal tree, 7 state parks, and the south fork eel river," shares Laura H.
Dump station availability: Most RV parks in the Redway area provide dump stations, though some charge extra. "There's also a dump station (free for campers), a laundry room, and free showers," notes Laura M. about Stafford RV Park.
Big rig access: Richardson Grove RV and Campground provides 30-amp hookups on level sites approximately 3 miles from Redway. "It's a large campground and great for large groups our group is usually about 60+ people," explains Arturo C.
Site spacing: RV parks vary significantly in site density. "Space are decent size. The beach private so it's just you and the other campers," reports steven T. about Westport Beach, while David M. described Giant Redwoods as having "very nice sites. The options here run the gamut from tent sites, cabins, W/E hookups and even some full hookups with sewer."
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