Camping in the Redwoods

Camping in the Redwoods
Redwoods National Park offers some of the most awe-inspiring camping in the entire country. Surrounded by these dazzling and majestic trees that seem to reach into the outer space above you, is like being lost on a planet of giants. Reservations for the campgrounds here are required from the middle of May through August and are available on a first-come/first-served basis the rest of the year. Campers are limited to 15 days from June through September and 30 days the rest of the year.

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping in the Redwoods is preferable to some who enjoy getting away from the crowds and reveling in the solitary beauty of the park. The Redwoods offer hikers over 200 miles of trails. Backpackers are allowed to collect no more than 50 pounds of dead wood per campsite per day. Backcountry campers are allowed to camp no more than five days in a row. You must store all food in a bear-proof container or hang your food from a high spot in a tree to keep from attracting bears.

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

This park was established in 1927 and remains a very popular site for camping in the Redwoods. Mill Creek is filled with salmon to keep anglers happy. Wildlife sightings may include bobcat, coyotes, bears and deer. You can take advantage of 10 miles of hiking trails in his location. Because this area of the park is pretty steep, hiking can be tricky so take extra precautions. The campground features 275 multipurpose sites with restrooms and showers. Motor homes up to 31 feet are allowed at Del Norte and trailers up to 27 feet.

Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park
1375 Elk Valley Rd.
Crescent City, California 95531
(707) 464-6101
parks.ca.gov

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Jedediah Smith park is one of the best places to camp to revel in the glory of these massive trees. The campground is just ten minutes away from Crescent City, making it ideal for those who prefer to go into town for a meal. The campsites are quite spacious and provide a good amount of privacy. Activities around this camping area are plentiful. The park provides 20 scenic miles of hiking trails. The Smith River is great for fishing, canoeing and rafting. Like Del Norte, this camp allows trailers up to 27 feet and motor homes up to 31 feet.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Crescent City, California 95531
(707) 464-6101
parks.ca.gov

Mill Creek Campground

Mill Creek is only suitable for summer camping as this site is quite moist and gets more than its fair share of rain in the winter. One of the highlights of camping here is a beautiful rocky beach that requires some moderately challenging hiking through the Damnation Creek Trail. This is really more a spot for those looking to get in touch with nature and enjoy some privacy. In addition to the hike to the beach, you'll fine some spots for mountain biking and you can fish at Mill Creek.

Mill Creek Campground
1375 Elk Valley Rd.
Crescent City, California 95531
(707) 464-9533
reserveamerica.com

Article Written By Timothy Sexton

Timothy Sexton is an award-winning author who started writing in 1994. He has written on topics ranging from politics and golf to nutrition and travel, and his work appears online for Zappos.com, Disaboom and MOJO, among others. He has also done work for "Sherlock Holmes and Philosophy." He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Florida.

Write for Trails.com
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