Redwood National and State Parks guide · 1 min read
Camping in the State Parks, Not the National Park
Redwood National and State Parks has no campgrounds inside the national park itself. Apart from a small number of campground cabins, there is no lodging inside the park boundaries either.
Camping takes place instead in the neighboring California state parks, where four developed campgrounds, each managed by California State Parks, welcome tent campers and recreational vehicle travelers.
Mill Creek Campground lies in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, 6.7 miles south of Crescent City. Its 145 sites sit among maples, alders and second-growth trees, and the campground takes both tents and recreational vehicles. Restrooms and showers are available, but the campground has no hookups. Some sites are reserved for hikers and bikers.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is one of three California state parks that make up the state portion of the complex, along with Jedediah Smith Redwoods and Prairie Creek Redwoods. Four loop trails leave from the campground and wind into the redwoods, so you can start walking without driving first. Park staff lead guided walks, and evening programs are held around the campfire.
For visitors who would rather not pitch a tent, eight simple cabins are available. Four sit at Elk Prairie Campground in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and the other four are in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Hotels and other lodging are all located outside the park boundaries, so anyone wanting a room will need to look to nearby towns. Booking ahead is wise, since campsites and rooms can fill during busy periods.
