Camping near Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

98% (83 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park adventure.

Commune with old growth redwoods, lush ferns, and Roosevelt elk.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

In Redwood National and State Parks, Roosevelt elk may be seen anywhere from Freshwater Lagoon to south of the Klamath River and near Crescent Beach and Crescent Beach Education Center.

100%

(35)

Elk Prairie Campground

70 sites · RVs, Tents In Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

97%

(48)

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

26 sites · RVs, Tents In Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

from

$35

/ night

Meadow Cabin Colony

1 site In Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

from

$30

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

98%

(460)

Mystic Forest Campground

20 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Klamath, CA

Mystic Forest is a small, family-run campground between Klamath, CA, and Crescent City. We have 50 acres of beautiful forest sprinkled with redwood trees. We have restrooms, showers, laundry facility, a game room, a mini golf course, horseshoes, and a half-mile trail. We are pet-friendly. At the office you can find some grocery and redwoods souvenirs.

85%

(43)

Ramblin' Redwoods Campground

84 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Crescent City, CA

Experience the thrill of RV or tent camping under a canopy of soaring spruce, hemlock, Douglas fir, and Redwoods; the world’s tallest trees towering overhead. The 78-mile stretch of US-101 from Eureka to Crescent City, CA was dubbed “The Redwood Highway” for good reason. The Ramblin’ Redwoods Campground and RV Park is located minutes from Redwood National; State Parks, Redwood National Forest, Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park,Tolowa Dunes State Park and the wild and scenic Smith River.

94%

(307)

Klamath’s best kept secret

20 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Klamath, CA

We have been a family owned RV Park/Campground for over 40 years. This is a very rustic, old-fashioned campground located at the end of a neighborhood next to the river. As mentioned this is also a RV Park so there will be RVs on site. It is an open field campground dispersed with trees. Neighbors will be present. The river access is right over the levee just a few minutes walk from your campsite. Fishing on the river is allowed but you need a license. We are near the woods and river so wildlife is present. Please make sure your food is put away nightly to discourage critters from coming into camp. The campground is just a short drive from a selection of hiking or biking trails. As well as other attractions like the Jet Boat Tours and Trees of Mystery. Located at the end of a glen cell service in this area can be spotty or non existent depending on the carrier. Wifi is available near main house but is limited to emails, messaging and mapping your next adventure. We welcome people of all seasons. Just ask that you are kind and respectful to each other. Well Behaved Pets Are Allowed. Children and Laughter are Always Welcome. We look forward to your visit. August and September there will be fisher persons in the campground. So be warned of early morning engine noise as they head out to the river for fishing. Electric cars that want to charge there is a $10 fee at time of service. Must make arrangements ahead of a time because 50 amp services are limited. Plus you need to bring your own adapters.

96%

(233)

Camp Jade River

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Crescent City, CA

The rugged terrain of far northern California is one of the few mostly untouched places left to retreat to. Come dwarf yourself under the magnificent giant redwoods and be struck with awe by the mesmerizing jade colored Smith River. The property is a mere 20 minutes from some of the world's tallest trees. Come check out Stout Grove, a rarely crowded gem of the Redwood National and State Parks. The grove is a part of Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park which is the least developed and most impressive park of the four. From your campsite you will have a lovely view of a large bend of the Smith River. It boasts impressive runs of chinook and steelhead, and is host to many other native species. Keep an eye out for bear, mink, and otters! And secure any food or attractants at night. Our property gives you the chance to disconnect from daily life and recalibrate. Use our site as an extended getaway for some peace and quiet, or a launch point to the variety of local attractions.

98%

(207)

Ossia Village Farm

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Crescent City, CA

Wake up to bird songs and wildflowers, fall asleep to the distant sound of waves hitting Kellogg Beach. Ossia Village Farm is a 5-acre collaborative homestead on a retired hydrangea farm. Enjoy the on-site U-Pick veggie and flower gardens, bike to the beach or the Smith river, drive 10 minutes to the Redwoods, schedule a lesson with our resident surf instructor. Amenities include flushing toilets, drinking water, electric hot water kettle, camp kitchen (bring your own stove and dishes), charcoal grill, tub and shower. Please contact host for access to washer and dryer.

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(200)

Bayside Cabin

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Arcata, CA

Come stay in our cozy little cabin tucked in an alder forest. Only a few minutes drive from downtown Arcata, it’s like being in the middle of the woods, right in town. This is a quiet neighborhood and is bike-friendly for getting around town. Feel free to ask us for recommendations on places to eat, get a drink, or find an adventure in Arcata and surrounding areas. We are located less than 40 minutes from Redwood National and State Parks where you can find incredible hiking trails!

100%

(58)

Radio Ranch Camp

8 sites · Lodging30 acres · Burnt Ranch, CA

Welcome nature lovers, adventurers, foragers, outdoor-enthusiasts, rock hounds, bird watchers, and tree huggers. If you love to fish, hike, forage, raft, swim, kayak, camp, go tubing, or explore, Radio Ranch is a must-experience respite in the woods. We are conveniently located between Portland, OR and San Francisco, CA, between Eureka, CA and Redding, CA. We are 15 minutes from Willow Creek, 1 hour from HWY 101 and 2.5 hours from I-5. Our one of a kind, 100% off-grid luxury campsites offer complete privacy and views you can't get anywhere else! Each site is located near one of our creeks so you can enjoy the sounds of flowing water. Visit our *two* large waterfalls on a hike through 30 beautiful acres. Our light show at dusk lasts approximately 3 hours each evening because we believe that nighttime should be just as beautiful as the day. Breathtaking views of Ironside Mountain make a gorgeous backdrop for weddings, events, and photoshoots. Ask about whole property rental! Each site rental comes with shared access to modern off-grid showers, restrooms (including our very popular clawfoot tub), and an outdoor kitchen with BBQs and a wood-fired pizza oven plus public space that is Instagram worthy. Free WIFI is also included, so it is perfect for remote workers. Check-in is contactless and simple. We only allow 2-10 guests on the property at once, so it's peaceful and quiet and feels like it's all yours! Don't wait to book because space is very limited. Treat yourself to a stay with us. Radio Ranch is the perfect place to get away from it all, while still having it all. Relax and rejuvenate at Radio Ranch. *Recommended for ages 21+. Children under 21 must be accompanied by a guardian. Pets are welcome for a small pet fee! This is an off-grid experience, meaning there are no electrical outlets. We recommend bringing a backup battery to charge devices. This experience may not be suitable for those who need electricity for medical equipment.

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(53)

Whispering Redwood Creek

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Mc Kinleyville, CA

Nestled within the towering grandeur of California's Redwood Forest, Whispering Redwood Creek offers a serene and enchanting camping experience. This unique site, located at 451 Tip Top Ridge Rd, McKinleyville, invites you to immerse yourself in the profound silence of the forest, where the majestic redwoods not only touch the sky but also absorb the sounds of the world, creating an atmosphere of deep tranquility. Adjacent to a gently percolating creek, the campsite is a harmonious blend of nature's calm and modern convenience. Designed for ease, it features a pull-through arrangement that welcomes all, from the casual weekend camper to the seasoned adventurer. The site is equipped with its own private bathroom, complete with a toilet and running water, ensuring comfort and privacy. As you settle in, you'll find a picnic table waiting, perfect for al fresco meals or evening conversations. The entire campsite is enveloped in a 100% shaded area, courtesy of the immense canopy overhead. This natural umbrella not only provides cool, refreshing shade but also creates a unique, dappled light ambiance that shifts and plays throughout the day. At Whispering Redwood Creek, you're invited to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the timeless rhythm of nature. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat to rejuvenate your spirit or a quiet base to explore the wonders of the Redwood Forest, this campsite promises an unforgettable stay, where the whispers of the ancient trees and the soft murmur of the creek become the soundtrack of your escape.

88%

(25)

Smith River Surf Camp

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Fort Dick, CA

This is a beautiful 2.8 acre secluded group campsite with a geodesic dome, just minutes away from the ocean, giant redwood forests, and the beautiful Smith River. Surfing, paddling, hiking, biking, ocean or river activities abound. Surrounded by pastures, with frequent herds of elk roaming nearby and sometimes through the campsite itself. This is a primitive campsite. It is a grassy area to park your campervan or set up your tent. While work is going into the site to improve it's functionality, it is not up and running yet. we have a toilet onsite and tables where you can set up your kitchen, however there are no showers and you wil need to pack it in and out. You will certainly enjoy this nature getaway!

95%

(234)

The Forest Fairy Woods

4 sites · Lodging4 acres · Trinidad, CA

Welcome to my home: My Dad moved here when I was 4, and lived here til he passed away, so this land is very special to me. I've been rebuilding the structures and pouring my heart and soul into it since September of 2019, and I'm very proud of how far it's come. It's definitely a labor of love, and I truly believe I'll be making additions here for the rest of my life. People have been camping in the meadow in the summers since the 1950's, and I'm happy to carry on the tradition, by opening it up to you. There was a fire on the property in 1901 which cleared out the forest and left the burnt out stumps which you'll see by the shower. There's one old growth redwood on the property, behind the glampy tent, but everything else in roughly 120 years old. EXTRAS: If I'm around, I can show you the trails on the property. Extra blankets and towel rentals are available for a small fee, when available.

99%

(210)

BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek

10 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Willow Creek, CA

This historic lumber mill site is now a pristine Willow Creek frontage camping location conveniently located just 40 minutes from the coast and 4 miles from the town of Willow Creek and also the Trinity River.

98%

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Camp Prairie

2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Mc Kinleyville, CA

We have seven beautiful acres just outside of the small town of McKinleyville. Our wooded property is about a mile from Clam Beach and surrounded by idyllic horse ranches, sleepy country roads, and lazy cows grazing in the fog. The site is below towering fir trees draped with hanging lichen and full of bird song.

The best camping near Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park guide

Overview

About

Centrally located along Highway 101 within the Redwoods National and State Parks complex, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is, unsurprisingly, known for its towering coastal redwood trees that drink in the morning fog and cast a serene calm over the forest floor. The park’s extraordinary Fern Canyon hike runs along a one-mile section of Home Creek where a canopy of green ferns towers 50 to 80 feet overhead on either side. Less famously, the Prairie Creek also contains a large coastal section with sandy beaches and an inland section with meadows home to Roosevelt elk. Overall, the park contains 75 miles of trails with exceptional hiking, biking, and wildlife watching opportunities—plus gorgeous campsites accommodating tents, RVs, and cabin campers.

Notable campgrounds

Best for elk encounters: Elk Prairie Campground is set next to a meadow where Roosevelt elk roam.
Best for beach camping: The Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is perched in coastal dunes.
Best for cabin camping: The Meadow Cabin Colony offers the comforts of cabin rentals.

Tips for snagging a campsite

All Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park campsites are reservable 6 months in advance online or by calling 1-800-444-7275.
Make sure to reserve early if you’d like to camp on a week or during the summer season when campgrounds fill up.
The Elk Prairie Campground has a hike-in/bike-in section for visitors arriving on foot or bicycle.

When to go

Summer is Prairie Creek’s busy season, when highs in the 80s and lows in the 50s make for comfortable camping. Just be sure to bring rain gear and a jacket for the common summer morning fog. Winter is also a special season here, when the forest is lush with rainfall and crowds are smaller.

Know before you go

Between May 15 and September 15, the park requires a day-use permit for the popular Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon areas. Permits are reservable 30 days in advance online through the Redwood Parks Conservancy, although permits are not required with a Gold Bluffs Beach camping reservation.
The park’s old growth redwood population and its 280 redwood groves have earned it a World Heritage Site & International Biosphere Preserve designation.
Don’t be surprised if you hear high-pitched screams or whistles between August and October—this is Roosevelt elk mating season, when male elk bugling battles are frequent occurrences.
The other two state parks in the Redwoods National and State Park complex, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, lie further north of Prairie Creek near Crescent City.