Hotels in Redwood National and State Parks

There are a number of bed-and-breakfasts, roadside motels and vacation rental options in Crescent City, Ferndale, Eureka, Klamath and, to a less extent, Orick. If you want something quite unique check out the offerings at Glamping Hub.

Camping

Most drive-in camping is in the state parks. In the southern part of the complex, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (tel. 707/465-7354), known for its old-growth redwoods and herds of elk, has two drive-in campgrounds. Elk Prairie Campground, 5 miles north of Orick on U.S. 101, is near hiking trails, has a nature center, and offers evening campfire talks. Make reservations through ReserveCalifornia. Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is 3 miles north of Orick on U.S. 101, then 5 miles west on Davison Road. It's somewhat more primitive and offers trail access.

In the northern part of the complex, the campground at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, along U.S. 199 at Hiouchi, provides easy access to some of the area's biggest and most spectacular redwoods, as well as campsites along the scenic Smith River. Also in the northern section is Mill Creek Campground, in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, 7 miles south of Crescent City on U.S. 101. It has sites for both RVs and tents, and the walk-in tent sites nestle among the redwoods. Both Jedediah Smith and Mill Creek take reservations through ReserveCalifornia (see above).

Those seeking RV hookups and the usual commercial campground amenities will find several choices in Crescent City, including the quiet, well-maintained Crescent City Redwoods KOA, 4241 U.S. 101 N., Crescent City, CA 95531 (tel. 800/562-5754 or 707/464-5744). Tent sites are among the redwoods, and some RV sites are also shaded. The KOA has farm animals, a recreation room, a laundromat, a convenience store with RV supplies, propane, free wireless Internet, and cable TV hookups. Also here are several cabins situated among the redwoods.

In addition to the developed drive-in campgrounds discussed above, eight small, primitive hike-in campgrounds are in the national park; they require a walk of .25 to .5 mile. All have fire rings and toilets. Contact the park office (tel. 707/464-6101) for information.

Four campgrounds are in the mountains above the park, along U.S. 199, in the Smith River National Recreation Area (tel. 707/457-3131). I like the Panther Flat campground, with coin-op showers and lots of trees.