Camping near Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park in northern California provides a range of camping environments among ancient redwood forests and coastal areas. Established campgrounds like Elk Prairie and Jedidiah Smith offer cabins, tent sites, and RV accommodations with varying amenities, while Flint Ridge Backcountry Site provides free, more primitive camping options within the park boundaries. Klamath River RV Park and Mystic Forest RV Park accommodate larger vehicles and provide full hookups, while also offering tent sites for visitors seeking proximity to both the redwood groves and coastal attractions.
Permits are required for backcountry camping at Flint Ridge, which features eight designated campsites accessible by a short quarter-mile hike from parking areas. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter brings considerable rainfall to this coastal region. Services and amenities vary significantly between state park campgrounds and private RV parks, with the latter typically offering more facilities like showers, laundry, and electrical hookups. Cell service can be limited throughout the region, especially at more remote camping areas. A camper noted, "When you arrive on the ONE WAY coastal drive you pull into parking on the left which is a half moon gravel area facing the ocean. On the right of the road you have a 1/4 mile hike up through dense vegetation."
The riverside and coastal camping locations receive particularly positive reviews from visitors. Campers at Klamath River RV Park frequently mention the scenic views as a highlight, with one visitor describing it as "a gorgeous RV site on the river" with "river sites more expensive, but well worth it." Several reviews note the central location of campgrounds relative to park attractions, with most sites providing convenient access to major redwood groves and coastal features. Flint Ridge campers appreciate the seclusion and natural setting, though recent reviews indicate that ocean views are now limited due to vegetation growth. Wildlife sightings, including banana slugs, are common at forest campsites, and visitors should be aware of poison ivy in some camping areas, particularly at Flint Ridge.
