Redwood National and State Parks
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Redwood National and State Parks

Walk among the world's tallest trees where ancient giants meet the rugged Pacific coastline.

Arrival airport
ACV
Airport drive
50 min · estimate
Suggested stay
2–4 days
Reservation demand
Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
Standard passenger cars are suitable for main roads; check rental terms for unpaved park roads.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Redwood National and State Parks

Know before you go

Trailhead Capacity

Parking at popular groves like Lady Bird Johnson fills quickly during peak summer months. Arrive early or have a secondary forest walk planned in case a lot is full.

Communication Gaps

Cellular reception is highly unreliable throughout the forest interior and coastal valleys. Download offline maps and carry physical park guides before leaving gateway towns.

Supply Points

Fuel and groceries are located in Eureka, Trinidad, and Crescent City, with limited services between them. Ensure your tank is full before entering the Drury Parkway or Smith River areas.

Fog and Light

Morning coastal fog often obscures views and keeps temperatures low well into the afternoon. Forest interior light changes rapidly; plan to finish longer hikes two hours before dusk.

Unpaved Route Safety

Roads like Gold Bluffs Beach and Howland Hill are graded dirt and can be slippery when wet. Check current rental restrictions as many contracts prohibit use on unpaved surfaces.

Check current conditions:National Park Service

2RVs, campervans & cars near ACV

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Airlines of South Australia Fokker F-27-200 Friendship at Birdsville.jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to ACV

Check on Aviasales
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2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at ACV
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at ACV

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at ACV
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2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at ACV
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at ACV

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at ACV
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A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Redwood National and State Parks

  1. 01

    Old-Growth Giants and Coastal Vistas

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from Trinidad

    • Lady Bird Johnson Grove

      Walk an established loop through upland forest to observe the scale of mature redwoods and local ferns.

    • Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center

      View exhibits on forest ecology and beach safety at the southernmost park gateway.

    Allow 1–2 hours; conditions vary with coastal fog and seasonal traffic.

    Stay on designated paths to protect the delicate shallow root systems of the trees.

    Pick up your vehicle at ACV →
  2. 02

    Prairie Creek Vistas and Fern Canals

    Suggested: 8 AM from Orick

    • Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

      Drive this central forest route with stops for elk viewing in the open prairie areas.

    • Fern Canyon

      Explore the creek-bottom walk with high fern-covered walls, requiring waterproof footwear for stream crossings.

    Allow 2 hours for unpaved beach access; check road suitability for your vehicle.

    Roosevelt elk are wild; maintain distance and do not block the roadway for photographs.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Northern Forests and River Confluences

    Suggested: 9 AM from Crescent City

    • Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

      Walk through some of the park’s densest old-growth stands near the Smith River.

    • Howland Hill Road

      Navigate a narrow, unpaved forest drive that provides close proximity to ancient trees.

    Allow 1 hour; conditions vary, and Howland Hill Road is not suitable for RVs.

    Check for seasonal road closures or mud-related restrictions in the Jedediah Smith area.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Moderate

Fern Canyon and Tall Trees Grove Seasonal Access

Access to Fern Canyon via Gold Bluffs Beach Road requires a seasonal permit system; check official NPS portals for current release schedules. The Tall Trees Grove also requires a specific permit obtained in advance through the online reservation system. Note that securing a park entry or campground stay does not automatically grant access to these restricted groves, so check the official park site for updated policies.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

ACVRedwood National and State Parks

California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport · 50 min drive

Find flights to ACV

Plan your road trip

From California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport

50 min

about 33 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Redwood National and State Parks on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping en Busa.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Redwood National and State Parks on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Redwood National and State Parks

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Redwood National and State Parks

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Redwood National and State Parks

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Viator

Tours & experiences near Redwood National and State Parks

Explore guided activities around Redwood National and State Parks. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.

Open tour listings separately

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Redwood National and State Parks

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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