The Redwoods area of Northern California encompasses elevations ranging from sea level to over 3,000 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates across Shasta and Lassen counties. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in Redding and surrounding areas, while higher elevation campgrounds near Hat Creek maintain more moderate temperatures. Winter accessibility varies significantly, with many mountain campgrounds closing between October and April.
What to do
Fishing at Hat Creek: Several campgrounds provide direct creek access for trout fishing. At Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park & Campground, campers report excellent catches. "My daughter caught her first fish(s) here in the pond. Store is well provisioned and grounds are very well maintained," notes one visitor.
Explore lava tubes: The Subway Cave near Hat Creek offers unique geological exploration. "Campground is close to other fishing, the Subway Cave (ya gotta go there) Lassen National Park entrance and much more," mentions a camper from Hat Creek Resort.
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer river access for swimming and relaxation. At JGW RV Park, "We have a 24' motorhome and get spots on the river. It's very nice to sit and look at river. Big grassy area to walk dog and enjoy river under shade," shares one reviewer.
Basketball and recreation: Some rv sites near Redwoods, California provide family activities beyond camping. Hat Creek Resort offers "a volleyball court, cornhole and a basketball area," according to a recent visitor.
What campers like
Spacious grass sites: Several campgrounds offer grassy camping areas rather than standard dirt pads. At Hat Creek Hereford Ranch, campers appreciate "tent camping in a grass covered site... once you have camped in the grass nothing else compares! Barefoot and clean!"
Privacy between sites: Many campers value spacing between sites. At Hat Creek Resort, sites have "a bunch of space between them and you had a feeling of privacy," which enhances the camping experience for many visitors.
Clean bathrooms: Facility cleanliness ranks high in positive reviews. A Boulder Creek RV Redding camper noted, "Great campsite. Nicely laid out, lovely landscaping, great amenities (including a small gym with free weights), super clean and functional bathrooms."
Buffer from highway noise: Despite proximity to major roads, strategic tree placement helps many campgrounds minimize traffic noise. The Trail In RV Park & Campground has "no traffic noise because of the thick buffer of trees" despite being "next to the I-5."
What you should know
Variable cell service: Connectivity varies dramatically between rv campsites near Redwoods. According to one Mountain Gate RV Park visitor, "Our Starlink worked extremely well here," while others report spotty service in more remote locations.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds close during winter months. Hat Creek Resort operates from "April 1 to October 31," while Hat Creek Hereford Ranch is open "April 15th - October 15th."
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have water clarity problems. At JGW RV Park, one camper warned, "Water does seem cloudy so be sure to run it before you hook up. I have had to clear out my faucet filter twice."
Fire restrictions: Fire policies vary significantly and change seasonally. "I stayed in late October with a fire ban. After a week they lifted it," reports a Trail In RV Park visitor, highlighting the importance of checking current restrictions.
Ant infestations: Some campgrounds have reported pest problems. A Marina RV Park visitor warned, "The real kicker though is the ant infestation we received in a single eighteen or so hour stay."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid areas: Certain campgrounds offer specific family amenities. Red Bluff KOA Journey features "a pool, fountains, full hookups, trash pickup at your site," making it family-friendly.
Consider campground layout: Family camping works best with adequate space. At Hat Creek Resort, "They had a little resort with little cabins, yurts and spots for a camper or big RV. They had a volleyball court, cornhole and a basketball area."
Check shower facilities: Clean, private shower facilities matter for family stays. Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA offers "spacious clean private showers with good water pressure and temperature," according to recent reviews.
Verify internet availability: Many family campers need connectivity. "They offered internet for a cheap price. $1.95 a day," notes a Hat Creek Resort visitor, providing an affordable option for staying connected.
Tips from RVers
Pool availability varies seasonally: Swimming facilities may close unexpectedly. A Boulder Creek RV visitor complained, "Mid-July, 114 degrees and their pool is closed!!! At $90+ per night expect better."
Bathroom access codes: Some facilities require access information. At Redding RV Park, "Clean bathrooms with showers" are available, but one visitor noted they needed to ask for bathroom codes when using self-check-in.
Site types and pricing: RV parks often charge differently for various site configurations. Redding RV Park offers "full hookups in back in spot for $55. Mostly pull throughs in Park, which cost more," allowing budget flexibility.
Check site leveling: Level sites make RV setup easier. Mountain Gate RV Park receives positive reviews for "level" concrete pads, while other parks may require additional leveling equipment.
Road conditions: Access roads can present challenges. Trail In RV Park is noted for "quiet, close to the highway but not noisy," while other campgrounds may have rougher entry roads requiring slower driving.
