If you’re just hearing about Redwood Forest for the first time, don’t worry, you’re not alone. As one of the most underrated national parks in the U.S., a camping trip here allows you to relax and reconnect with nature and even with yourself.
But surprisingly, the Redwood Forest is not a single location; instead, it’s a network of connected national and state parks. How cool is that? So if you want to go camping in the redwoods in 2025, here’s everything you’ll need to know.
Redwood Forest Overview
If you haven’t been here before, you’ll think that the Redwood Forest is just one very big and popular park. The truth is that it isn’t. The Redwood Forest is made up of the Redwood National Park, Jedidiah Smith Redwood State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwood State Park.
These parks are all unique but also similar. They are all connected and managed by the National Park Service and California State Parks. That’s why it’s possible to explore all of them as one very large park.
Camping in the redwoods has a different vibe on its own, and since there are no actual hotels here, you either pitch your tent or rent a room in nearby towns. If you’re staying overnight, you can camp in campgrounds with modern facilities like restrooms, picnic tables, and a fire ring or go for a more primitive camping experience in the main forest.
4 Redwood National Park Campgrounds
1. Jedediah Smith Campground
Jedidiah Smith Campground is one of the best redwood camping grounds located in Jedidiah Smith Redwood Park. Camping here under the massive redwoods feels like a fairytale dream come true. You can even decide to pitch your tent close to the Smith River so you get amazing views of the water.
The way this campground is so quiet and peaceful, you might just feel like you’re the only one here, and before you know, you’ll find yourself slowing down. You’ll find yourself relaxing, reconnecting with nature, and finding yourself again.
During the day, you can take a stroll in the forest to relax, watch the animals pass by, and just feel alive. You can also go swimming in the river just for the sake of it. And at night, you can huddle by the campfire and watch the stars. This kind of camping in the redwoods is one that you can never forget.
2. Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
This Redwood National Park camping ground feels like you’re camping right at the edge of the world. With just a few meters away from the Pacific, it’s just going to be you and the winds, waves, and some other campsites. This is the kind of place that allows you to escape your reality.
This campground might just be the biggest of all the Redwood National Park campgrounds, so you have various options of where to pitch your tent. If you want to stay by the water, then you can pitch your tent by the beach so it feels like your own private beach corner.
You can decide to spend your day in the water, swimming, surfing, or just sunbathing. And since Gold Buffs has various trails, you can go on amazing solo or group hikes through the forest to the amazing Fern Canyon. There are not many amenities here, but camping in this redwood is all about vibing with nature itself.
3. Mill Creek Campground
This hidden campground is one of the best redwood camping sites located in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. Here, there’s no signal, no traffic, no houses, and few people. So it’s going to be just you and the redwoods, ferns, and nature.
Most campsites are set in the woodland, so they’re kind of small, but you’ll still have enough space to move around. Camping in this redwood campground also gives you access to amenities like picnic tables, a fire ring, a bathroom, hot showers, and a food locker.
Although Mill Creek isn’t on the beach, it’s still close enough that you can take a stroll in the mornings. You can also hike through the Damnation Creek Trail and the Yurok Loop, where you’ll feel like an ant strolling through giants. This site might not be the most popular Redwoods National Park campground, but it is easily one of the most soulful.
4. Elk Prairie Campground
Elk Prairie Campground is easily one of the most beautiful campgrounds you can find in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Cos of its beauty and hiking trails, this campground is usually crowded especially during the holidays.
The campsites here are quite close to each other, but with the dense forest cover, you’ll still get a bit of privacy from your neighbors. The campsite also comes with essential amenities like picnic tables, food lockers, fire pits, flush toilets, and hot showers.
Since there are over 20 hiking trails in this campground, you can spend your days hiking through popular routes like West Ridge, Prairie Creek Trail, Rhododendron Trail, Cathedral of Trees, Miners’ Ridge, and the James Irvine Loop. Camping on this site means camping deep in the redwood forest and not just on the coast.
3 Things To Know About Camping In The Redwoods
Permits & Passes You Might Need
Unlike most national and state parks, you don’t need to pay any entrance fee before you can camp in the redwoods. This includes all the parks connected to the redwood forest. So, if you’re on a budget or looking for an affordable camping trip, it doesn’t get better than this.
To actually camp within the Redwood National Park, you’ll need a valid entrance pass but for the state parks, you can use a state park day use or camping pass. However, if you want to go wild camping or hike through popular trails like the Tall Trees Grove trail, you’ll need a special permit.
Weather in the Redwoods
One thing you should know about camping in the redwoods is that the weather can be quite unpredictable. During the spring, the forest comes alive, but it also comes with unexpected rain showers. But if you decide to camp during the summer, you’ll have to deal with the hot afternoons.
Planning a camping trip to the redwood forest in the fall means you’re prepared to deal with the consistent rain, but you’ll also have the forest mostly to yourself. While winter camping here means being wet and cold, at least it won’t snow. But no matter the season, just prepare for cool but damp weather conditions so you can explore the redwoods fully.
Wildlife & Safety Tips
When camping in any of the Redwood National Park campgrounds, you will have to know the local wildlife and follow the safety tips before you put yourself and the animals in danger. You’ll always see animals in the redwood forest, so keep your food, trash, and scented items in bear-proof lockers or in your vehicles to be safe.
And never leave the established trails and campsites; this way, you won’t disturb the habitats of the wildlife here. Also, learn to recognize poisonous plants throughout the forest and stay away from them. These safety tips will make sure your camping trip here doesn’t lead to any problems.
Packing List for Redwood National Park Camping Trip
When packing for a Redwood National Park camping trip, you’ll need to pack light but smart so you can be comfortable and prepared for any weather. Apart from your regular camping gear, your packing list should also include:
- Layered clothing (moisture-wicking base layers, fleece or sweater, waterproof jacket)
- Tent with tarp or footprint for ground protection
- Sleeping bag suitable for cool temperatures
- Bug spray
- Waterproof gear (rain pants, rain boots, poncho)
- Food and water supplies
- Bear canister
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- A camera or a smartphone for photos
- First aid kit
- Map and compass or GPS device
- Portable stove or campfire supplies
- Trash bags
- Personal toiletries and biodegradable soap
- Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
- Hat and sunscreen
- Water filters or purification tablets
7 Things to Do While Camping In The Redwoods
1. Go Kayaking
Kayaking in the Redwood forest is one of the best things to do while camping here. It gives you a peaceful opportunity to explore the forests and watch out for animals like herons, otters, and even bald eagles. If you’re a beginner or seasoned paddler, you won’t have an issue paddling through the peaceful waters found in the redwood forest.
2. Discover Hidden Water Treasures
The redwood forest is filled with lots of hidden water treasures, and the best thing you can do while camping here is to explore these natural aquariums. You can explore the tide pools or the rushing waters of Trillium Falls. These hidden spots are wonderful places where you can relax, take pictures, and marvel at the sea animals.
3. Drive Through the Avenue of the Giants
The Avenue of the Giants is one of the most beautiful views you can get while camping in the redwood forest, so a drive-through is a must. This drive will take you through a 31-mile winding road where you’ll see some of the tallest and oldest redwoods in the world. There are also plenty of stops and short trails where you can stretch your legs and take pictures before your journey continues.
4. Explore Fern Canyon
Fern Canyon is a popular spot in the redwood forest known for its appearance in Jurassic Park. So exploring here takes you through a narrow canyon-lined wall with ferns, which kind of creates a lush green tunnel. Walking here is like going through a secret garden, and since the trail is easy and accessible, even the kids can explore too.
5. See Stout Memorial Grove
If you’ve seen a lot of pictures of the Redwood Forest, then it’s possible you have seen the Stout Memorial Grove. This short but easy loop will take you through some of the oldest redwood trees here, and the view ahead makes it worth it. You’ll need to plan properly before you start this journey, so don’t forget to come along with your camera, food, and water.
6. Go Hiking
If there’s any activity you can never get tired of in the redwood forest, it’s hiking. From easy trails like the Boy Scout Tree Trail, Simpson-Reed Trail, and Tall Trees Grove Loop to challenging trails like the Damnation Creek Trail, you’ll surely get your feel for the outdoors. And the views gotten from these hikes make the workout and stress all worth it.
7. Explore The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
If you’re camping in Redwood, then you’ll need to explore the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. This area consists of a thick forest, secret beaches, and breathtaking viewpoints like Cape Ferrelo and House Rock Memorial. Exploring this area is another chance to wonder and connect with the coastal beauty of nature.
Conclusion
If you want to truly explore the redwood forest, then you’ll need to camp here. And you don’t need to worry, cos most campgrounds come with modern facilities and amenities to make your camping trip fun and comfortable.
Camping in the redwood forest allows you to be amazed at these wonderful giant trees and makes you even more humbled by nature. But before you go, you need to be well prepared. And at least with this guide, you’ve got everything you need to know to make your camping trip a success. So, happy camping!
