Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park RV & Campground Guide
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From the moment you step into the forest at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, you'll feel like you've been transported to a different planet. Ancient trees soar high overhead, blocking the sky from view, and the sunlight that filters through the canopy infuses the lush greenery with a mysterious glow. This is the home of the redwoods, the tallest trees on earth. If you're looking to escape civilization for a while, this is a great option. The closest sizable towns are Eureka, which is 48 miles away, and tiny Crescent City, which is 27 miles to the north. Dress in layers for comfort because the weather is cool year-round, and prepare to be wowed.
Spring 37-62 F
Summer 45-68 F
Fall 38-69 F
Winter 36-52 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
No matter when you're visiting Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, an RV makes a warm, dry place to relax. After a day of hiking through the misty forest, you can curl up and enjoy the view of the spectacular northern California landscape. If you don't have an RV, that's no problem: An RV rental is a convenient, no-commitment way to try out the perfect motorhome.
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
If you're hoping to hang out on the beach during your stay at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, head straight for Gold Bluffs Beach Campground inside the park. Here, the sound of crashing waves lulls you to sleep, and the morning mist turns your morning walk into an exciting adventure. You might even see an elk wander through your site. This campground doesn't have hookups, but you'll find showers, bathrooms, picnic tables and fire pits. The 26 sites can accommodate RVs up to 24 feet long. Rates at Gold Bluff start at $35 per night.
Elk Prairie Campground
The other campground inside the park, Elk Prairie Campground is the perfect spot for campers who want to be surrounded by the forest. Here, 75 sites nestle under the redwoods themselves, giving you plenty of shade and a peaceful atmosphere. This is also a great option for RVs that are a bit longer as the sites can hold models up to 27 feet long. There are no hookups, but the campground offers accessible bathrooms, hot showers, grills, fire pits and picnic tables. Rates at Elk Prairie start at $35 per night.
Mystic Forest RV Park
If you're searching for a site with full hookups, check out Mystic Forest RV Park. Located about 20 minutes north of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, this family-owned park offers 30 sites, each with full hookups. Coming in a big rig? Be sure to book one of the 16 pull-through sites. Each site offers gorgeous forest views and cable TV, so it's a comfortable spot to relax after a day of fun. Within a short walk of your RV, you can enjoy the clubhouse, grab a snack in the store, check out the rec room or hop on one of the local trails. The laundry room and hot showers make it easy for everyone in the family to get cleaned up.
Elk Country RV Resort and Campground
South of the park, watch elk feed at the Elk Country RV Resort and Campground. Sprawling over 200 acres, this campground offers its own hiking trails, a lake and a creek, so bring the whole family for a fun wilderness adventure. Choose a site in the forest or the meadow and select either back-in or pull-through options. All sites offer full hookups, and most offer water fill-ups as well. RV sites start at $45 per night.
What to Do at
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Inside Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
The first thing to do when you arrive at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is to check out the redwoods on the 75-mile trail network; the Big Tree Loop and Prairie Creek Trail are great options. Keep an eye out for elk as you hike the spectacular Elk Prairie Trail, or for a change of pace, head down to Gold Bluffs Beach for a stroll along the beach. The only place in the park that sees consistent crowd levels is the otherworldly Fern Canyon Trail. Get there early, and you can enjoy the remarkable green walls in silence. Feel like a true adventurer as you hike through the soaring fern-covered walls of Fern Canyon.
How to Get to
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is located just off Highway 101. No matter where you're coming from, you'll need to get to this route.
Entering Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is managed by the National Park Service and the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Most of the park is free to enter with the exception of the Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon area.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park Per vehicle to enter the beach or Fern Canyon : $8.0
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Frequently Asked Questions About Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Because California has such a temperate climate, it's always a good time to visit Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. If you want the sunniest weather, go between June and September. For a less-crowded park, go in the remaining months.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park has a relatively temperate climate year round with highs in the summer months in the upper 60s and lows in the winter months in the mid 30s.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is home to Roosevelt elk, bald eagles, California sea lions, giant green sea anemones, and the famous banana slugs. There is something at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park for birdwatchers and general wildlife enthusiasts.
Yes, dogs are allowed in developed areas, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. They are not allowed on trails, and owners must pick up after their pets.
Yes. There are designated campsites and showers for disabled visitors, and six trails are disability friendly. A beach wheelchair is available for use at Gold Bluff Beach too.