Camping in Redwood National Park offers sites within ancient forests where temperatures remain stable year-round. Most areas maintain 40-60°F temperatures regardless of season due to the coastal influence and tree canopy. Many campgrounds provide direct trail access to groves containing 300+ foot redwoods that are over 2,000 years old.
What to do
Paddle the Smith River: Jedidiah Smith Campground sits along the Smith River, offering water activities alongside redwood camping. "This campground has lush green trees, a flowing rice and the good smells of a campground. It has a good system of paths through the campsites but still affords privacy," notes Anna R.
Explore hiking trails: Many campgrounds have direct trail access without needing to drive. At Elk Prairie Campground, "We were able to hike a bunch on the campground (very accessible), drive to Fern Canyon, and visit Jedediah Smith all in 3 days," reports Gisselle.
Wildlife viewing: Roosevelt elk are common at several campgrounds. "We saw so many animals: elk, a bear, scrub jays, chipmunks, tadpoles, rabbits, deer, etc.," says one Elk Prairie visitor. The meadow areas provide excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, especially during early morning and evening hours.
Visit secluded beaches: Camping sites near Klamath offer beach access. A camper at Kamp Klamath notes, "It's close to a secret beach where the seals feed and you can sit on the beach to watch the perfect sunset!"
What campers like
Private forest sites: At Mill Creek Campground, "the nature of the vegetation made for 'walls' around the spots, which offered some privacy. Bathrooms were clean, and they do have showers." Sites often feel secluded despite being in established campgrounds.
Riverside locations: River access ranks high among camper preferences. "We stayed at site 67; the sites on that loop are set up in a way that everyone has a private tree cubby so it didn't feel like you were camping by a bunch of people," mentions Nina M. from Elk Prairie.
Convenient shower facilities: Several campgrounds offer quarter-operated showers. Gold Bluffs Beach camper reports, "Restrooms are very clean and hot water showers are available. In January, the sun doesn't reach the campground until 10:30am."
Forest-to-ocean proximity: Many campers appreciate how Gold Bluffs Beach Campground combines coastal and forest camping: "Right on the Pacific. Lots of wildlife, especially elk. This campsite was so close to the ocean we could hear the waves crashing all night."
What you should know
Quarter showers: Bring quarters for shower facilities. "Bathrooms were close; quarter showers; hiking trail beginning super close to the site," explains a camper at Elk Prairie.
Reservation requirements: Most sites require reservations during summer months. "The only downside was the road getting to the campground was very precarious and if it had been raining, my car would have not made it back out," mentions Layla D. about Gold Bluffs Beach.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. "Hellish road to get there but worth the trip. Close to Fern Canyon. Basic Campground," notes Kelly S. about Gold Bluffs Beach.
Seasonal temperatures: "In January, the sun doesn't reach the campground until 10:30am," reports one camper. Morning fog and cool temperatures are common even in summer months, requiring layers.
Wildlife precautions: Flint Ridge camper warns, "Be warned there is tons of poison ivy even in the campground. There are also banana slugs in the area that can end up on your stuff."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly spots: Mill Creek Campground offers family amenities. "Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is a beautiful location with a wonderful campground. The campground is intertwined among a pretty dense redwood forest," says Michael I.
Ranger programs: Several campgrounds offer evening ranger talks. "We enjoyed proximity to trails and other parks, along with the ranger talks each night," mentions a camper at Elk Prairie.
Kid-friendly features: Look for campgrounds with play areas. A Mystic Forest RV Park visitor mentions, "We walked the tent sites, and they truly felt like they were in the forest, whereas the RV sites were on the grass with groves surrounding them." The same park offers "hiking trails, horseshoes and an adorable little 18 hole mini golf course."
Wildlife education opportunities: Children can observe elk in natural settings. "Roosevelt elk wander around. Giant redwoods," summarizes Jim N. at Gold Bluffs Beach, making it perfect for nature education.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Klamath River RV Park offers riverfront spots. "We stayed at Klamath River RV to explore the redwoods. It's a great location and close to parks/trails. Full hookup, riverfront sites available, clean bathrooms/showers, camp store, camp cafe open on weekends for breakfast," reports Hattie R.
Hookup availability: "Paved spots are tight. Level spots with full hookups. All the hookups are designed for you to pull in straight. So you will be running your hoses under your rig likely," explains Logan S. at Golden Bear RV Park.
Size limitations: Not all redwood campgrounds accommodate large RVs. "The roads would be tough to navigate in a large RV or with a long trailer," warns Courtney D. about Jedidiah Smith Campground.
Cell service considerations: Reception varies widely across the region. "No cell reception but there is guest wifi that is not the most reliable. It was a little spotty, but worked occasionally," notes Chanel C. at Golden Bear RV Park.
