Redwood National Park, on California's northwest coast, is a preserve that protects the world's tallest trees through a patchwork of state and federally controlled parks. It is a beautiful wooded setting unlike any other in the nation. Camping in and around the park is an excellent way to experience these trees and their surrounding environment, which offers hiking, biking, horseback riding and fishing opportunities.
What to Do
You won't have any shortage of things to do when you camp in Redwood National Park. Hiking among the giant trees is an excellent way to get a true sense of how immense they are, as well as explore this unique forest. The park has some 200 miles of trails for walking and hiking, while bikers can use rehabilitated logging roads for a challenging ride with low environmental impact. You can also horseback ride, kayak or sport fish in the Smith River, Klamath River and Redwood Creek.
When to Go
Summer is certainly the best time to visit Redwood, when precipitation is lowest and mild temperatures make activities like hiking, cycling and kayaking pleasurable. Still, always bring layers, as even in August, the hottest month, average highs are still below 70 degrees Fahrenheit and dip below 50 at night. Fog may linger around the coasts, but farther inland summer days are usually sunny. Spring and fall are less crowded, but rain increases noticeably, which can hamper outdoor activities. Winters aren't terribly cold--though the park does get some snow in December and January--but again precipitation can make the outdoors uncomfortable.
Redwood Campgrounds
Tent campers, as well as RVs, are welcome inside Redwood National Park's borders. There are four campgrounds that you can drive to: Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, Elk Prairie and Gold Bluffs Beach. You can make reservations for the first three, a good idea if you come during the popular summer season. Choose which you want to visit by deciding how you want to spend your time in the park. All are close to some trails, while some offer water access and others put you close to the park's majestic Roosevelt elk.
Redwood Backcountry Camping
You can also backcountry camp in Redwood National Park, a good way to escape the summer crowds. Backcountry camping means that you hike, bike or horseback ride to your campsite during the day, instead of driving up to one of the developed campgrounds. You are only permitted to use one of the designated backcountry campsites. Some require you to apply for a free permit.
Staying Outside the Park
You can also stay just outside Redwood's borders, in the gateway town of Klamath. One option for tents and RVs is the Klamath River RV Park, which, as the name suggests, has water access with boat ramps for guests. It has a horseshoe pit, game area, refurbished clubhouse as well as barbecue and campfire areas.
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