Most travelers have heard of Redwood National Park, as it is the home of the tallest trees on earth. But the parks are also a sanctuary to vast prairies, wild riverways, oak woodlands and almost 40 miles of beautiful coastline. Every one of these locations plays host to a rich variety of wildlife, as well as cultural traditions. The National Park Service and California State Parks work together to oversee these riches for not only the enjoyment, but also the inspiration and education of all visitors.

As a camper in the Redwood National Park, as well as the Redwood State Parks, you will find a wealth of abundant beauty. This beauty includes the astounding massive trees that have become such an icon in our nation. There is something for everyone in these parks, no matter what the age, background or experience level of the campers may be.

While visiting the Redwood parks, you must decide if you would rather spend time in a developed campground, or enjoy a more rustic boondock style of camping. They are both available. In either case, your Cruise America rental RV will provide a comfortable, self-sufficient refuge. Nevertheless, it’s important to understand the difference of both forms of campgrounds and choose the one that would most suit your needs.

If you choose to stay in the Redwood National and State Park, there are a few developed campgrounds to choose from:

Within the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park you will find the Jedediah Smith Campground. It’s situated in a spectacular old-growth grove of redwood trees alongside the breathtaking Smith River. Here you will find hiking trails, swimming, fishing and seasonal campfire programs. It’s located 10 miles east of Crescent City, CA on Hwy 199. The park is open year-round and offers 86 sites that will accommodate tents or RVs. There are no hookups. There are, however, hot showers, ADA accessible restrooms, a dump station, picnic tables, fire pits and barbeques, food lockers, trash receptacles, a visitor center and a campfire center. The sites are limited to RVs that are 36 feet or less, so you’re safe with any of Cruise America’s rental RVs.

In the Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park is the Mill Creek Campground. It lies beneath the towering maples, alders and young coast redwoods. There is access to Mill Creek, as well as hiking trails and ranger-led programs. It’s located 7 miles south of Crescent City, CA on Hwy 101. It’s open from May 15 through October 31st. There are 145 tent or RV sites (no hookups) that will accommodate up to a 31 foot RV, along with hot showers, ADA accessible restrooms, a dump station, picnic tables, fire pits and barbeques, food lockers, trash receptacles, a visitor center and a campfire center. The sites are limited to RVs that are 31 feet or less, so you’re safe with any of Cruise America’s rental RVs.

The Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park offers the Elk Prairie Campground or Gold Bluffs Beach Campground.

At the Elk Prairie Campground you will find ancient coast redwoods, Roosevelt elk and black-tailed deer. There are over 70 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as seasonal ranger-led programs. This site is 6 miles north of Orick, CA on the Newton B. Drury Scenic parkway. It’s open all year, and offers 75 tent or RV spaces (no hookups). Campers can enjoy hot showers, ADA accessible restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits and barbeques, food lockers and trash receptacles, and a visitor center. The sites will accommodate vehicles up to 27 feet, so that would include room for our Standard and Compact Cruise America rental RVs.

The Gold Bluffs Beach Campground has many of the same amenities as Elk Prairie, only it includes easy access to a secluded stretch of beach as well as Fern Canyon. It’s located 10 miles north of Orick, CA on Davison Road, which is unpaved. There are 26 tent or RV sites, but these sites will only accommodate vehicles 24 feet or less, so unless you are traveling in one of our Compact models, this wouldn’t be a good match for you. There are solar heated showers, restrooms, wind shelters, picnic tables, fire pits, barbeques, food lockers and trash receptacles.

It is highly recommended that you make reservations in any of these Redwood National and State Parks campgrounds if you are camping from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Other times of the year are first come, first serve. You can make the reservations at least 48 hours in advance by visiting ReserveAmerica.com, or calling 1-800-444-7275.

Whichever campground you choose, you’re bound to enjoy the bounty of Mother Nature and the comfort of Cruise America.