Redwood National Park Guide: Best Hikes, Scenic Drives, Campgrounds & Things to Do
I visited the redwoods during my Highway 101 road trip from Seattle to San Francisco, and honestly this was one of the most memorable parts of the entire trip.
Driving into the forest feels completely different from the coastline. One minute you’re driving along the ocean, and the next you’re surrounded by massive trees that are hundreds of feet tall.
In this guide I’ll share the hikes I personally checked out, along with campgrounds and places to stay nearby if you’re planning to spend a night or two in the area.
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Why I built this guide
I live in the Pacific Northwest and spend a lot of time exploring the areas around Seattle, especially places that can be reached in a few hours or less. I’m drawn to trips that don’t require long drives or packed itineraries — just good scenery, time outdoors, and space to slow down.
The places on this page aren’t recommendations pulled from a list. They’re destinations I’ve personally visited, camped at, hiked through, or spent real time exploring. I built this guide to share the kinds of weekend getaways I actually return to — places that feel like a reset, not a checklist.
If you’re looking for realistic trips, honest experiences, and ideas that work for both quick escapes and slower weekends, you’re in the right place.
Redwood National Park Highlights Map
Quick Planning Summary
Best time to visit: May, June, and September
Best easy stop: Big Tree Wayside
Best scenic drive: Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Best hike: Boy Scout Tree Trail
Most unique spot: Fern Canyon
Best campground: Elk Prairie Campground
Best place to stay nearby: Crescent City
How Many Days Do You Need in Redwood National Park?
Quick Answer
- 1 day: enough for a few highlights
- 2 days: best for most first-time visitors
- 3 days: ideal for a fuller redwoods experience
- Best 2-day combo: Prairie Creek Redwoods + Jedediah Smith Redwoods
You should plan to spend 2 to 3 days in Redwood National and State Parks if you want enough time to enjoy the best hikes, scenic drives, and forest stops without feeling rushed. While it is possible to see a few highlights in one day, two to three days is ideal for exploring both the northern and central parts of the park system at a more enjoyable pace.
For most first-time visitors, the best approach is to split your time between Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, then use an extra day for Tall Trees Grove, additional hiking, or scenic stops.
Best 2-Day Redwood Itinerary
If you only have 2 days in Redwood National and State Parks, spend one day in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and one day in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. This gives first-time visitors the best mix of scenic drives, easy stops, and classic old-growth redwood hikes.
Suggested 3-Day Redwood Itinerary
Day 1: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Start with Karl Knapp Trail for one of the best quiet forest hikes in the redwoods. After that, spend time driving, biking, or walking along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, one of the most scenic roads in the park system. If you still have time, add a quick stop at Big Tree Wayside.
Day 2: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Start with a slow drive along Howland Hill Road, one of the most beautiful roads in the redwoods Then hike the Grove of the Titans Trail, one of the easiest and best ways to see massive old-growth redwoods. If you want a longer hike, this is also a great day to do Boy Scout Tree Trail.
Day 3: Redwood National Park
Drive Tall Trees Access Road and hike the Tall Trees Grove Trail to see some of the tallest trees in the world. This is a great way to experience a quieter part of Redwood National Park. If you have extra time, you can also add another scenic stop or revisit one of the park areas you enjoyed most.
Is 1 Day Enough for Redwood National Park?
Yes, one day is enough to see some of the highlights, but it will feel rushed. If you only have one day in Redwood National and State Parks, focus on Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park or Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and choose a few top stops instead of trying to see everything.
Best Amount of Time to Spend in the Redwoods
For most travelers, 2 to 3 days is the ideal amount of time to spend in Redwood National and State Parks. That gives you enough time for a mix of hiking, scenic drives, photography, and relaxing in the forest without trying to cram everything into a single day.
How to Get to Redwood National and State Parks
Most visitors reach the redwoods by driving Highway 101 through Northern California.
Closest airports:
Crescent City (CEC) – 10 minutes
Arcata / Eureka (ACV) – about 1.5 hours
Major nearby cities:
San Francisco – ~6 hours
Portland – ~6 hours
Medford – ~3 hours
Redwood National and State Parks are actually made up of several parks working together:
Redwood National Park
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
When to Visit Redwood National and State Parks
Best months to visit: May, June, and September
Best weather: June to August
Fewest crowds: Winter and early spring
Best overall balance: Late spring and early fall
Redwood National and State Parks are a great year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what kind of trip you want to have.
In general, late spring through early fall is the most popular time to visit because the weather is usually drier, the roads are easier to navigate, and hiking conditions are better. May, June, and September are often the sweet spots if you want a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Summer is the busiest season in the redwoods. From June through August, you’ll usually get the best chance of mild temperatures and clearer skies, which makes it a great time for scenic drives, hiking, and beach stops like Gold Bluffs Beach. The downside is that popular places like Fern Canyon, Grove of the Titans, and Tall Trees Grove can feel much busier during this time.
Spring is one of the best times to visit if you want lush scenery and lighter crowds. The forest feels especially green, the creeks are flowing, and the trails are beautiful after the wetter winter months. This is a great time for travelers who want a quieter trip without giving up decent hiking conditions.
Fall is another excellent season to visit Redwood National Park. September and October usually bring fewer visitors, and the weather can still be very comfortable for hiking and road tripping. For many travelers, this is one of the best overall times to explore the parks.
Winter is the quietest season and can be a really beautiful time to see the redwoods if you don’t mind rain. The forests often feel even more dramatic in foggy or wet weather, but some trails can be muddy and certain roads may be harder to drive depending on conditions. If you visit in winter, it’s a good idea to bring waterproof layers and check trail or road updates before heading out.
If you want the best overall combination of weather and manageable crowds, May, June, and September are usually the best months to visit Redwood National and State Parks.
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🥾 Hikes I Tried in the Redwoods
There are a lot of trails in Redwood National and State Parks, but these are the ones I looked into or personally experienced during the trip.
Big Tree Wayside
📍 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Distance: 0.3 miles round trip
Elevation gain: almost none
Difficulty: very easy
This is probably the quickest stop you can make to see a giant redwood tree.
It’s basically a very short walk from the parking area to a massive tree called the Big Tree. If you’re short on time but still want to stand next to a huge redwood, this is a good place to stop.
You don’t need hiking gear or anything — it’s more of a quick scenic stop than a real hike.
Karl Knapp Trail
📍 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
Elevation gain: around 300 ft
Difficulty: easy to moderate
This was one of my favorite trails in the redwoods.
The trail goes through dense forest with giant trees and lots of ferns everywhere. It feels really quiet compared to some of the more famous trails.
If you want a hike that lets you actually spend some time inside the forest without huge crowds, this one is a great option.
Zig Zag #2 Trail
📍 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Distance: around 1.5 miles depending on the route
Elevation gain: about 150 ft
Difficulty: easy
The Zig Zag trails are smaller forest paths that connect different parts of Prairie Creek.
It’s not one of the famous hikes, but that’s actually what makes it nice. It’s usually quieter, and it’s a great place if you just want to walk through the forest without doing a long hike.
Boy Scout Tree Trail
📍 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Distance: 5.5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: about 800 ft
Difficulty: moderate
If you’re looking for a proper redwood hiking experience, this is one of the best trails.
The trail goes deep into old-growth forest and eventually leads to the Boy Scout Tree, which is an enormous double-trunk redwood.
It’s a longer hike compared to the others on this list, but if you have the time it’s definitely worth doing.
Grove of Titans Trail
📍 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: around 200 ft
Difficulty: easy
This trail takes you to one of the most famous groves of giant redwoods.
Parts of the trail include wooden boardwalks, which were added to protect the forest floor. It’s a pretty easy hike and a great way to see some really massive trees without hiking all day.
Fern Canyon Trail
📍 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Distance: 1 mile loop
Elevation gain: minimal
Difficulty: easy
Fern Canyon is one of the most unique places in the redwoods. The canyon walls are covered in thick green ferns, and a small creek runs through the middle of the trail.
Fun fact: parts of Jurassic Park 2 were filmed here.
Many travelers consider this one of the most memorable spots in the entire park.
Tall Trees Grove Trail
📍 Redwood National Park
Distance: 3–4 miles round trip
Elevation gain: about 800 ft
Difficulty: moderate
This trail leads to a grove that contains some of the tallest trees in the world.
Important note:
You need a free permit and gate code to access the trailhead road.
Because of the permit system, this area stays much quieter than other parts of the park.
🌄 Scenic Spots
These aren’t really hikes, but they are very popular stops.
Howland Hill Road
A narrow dirt road that winds through dense redwood forest.
This drive is often considered one of the most beautiful roads in the entire park.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
📍 Prairie Creek Redwoods
A 10-mile scenic drive through massive redwoods. This road used to be part of Highway 101 before the main highway was rerouted.
Gold Bluffs Beach
A beautiful beach located right next to Fern Canyon.
It’s one of the few places where you can see redwoods right next to the ocean.
⛺ Campgrounds Near the Redwoods
If you want to stay overnight near the park, there are several camping options. Some are inside the redwood forests, while others are RV parks nearby.
Elk Prairie Campground
📍 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Price: around $35 per night
Hookups:
❌ No electricity
❌ No water hookups
✔ Dry camping only
This campground sits right in Prairie Creek Redwoods and is actually one of the coolest places to camp in the area.
There’s a big open meadow nearby where Roosevelt elk often walk around, which is pretty incredible to see.
Facilities include:
restrooms
showers
drinking water
picnic tables
Jedediah Smith Campground
📍 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Price: around $35–$40 per night
Hookups:
❌ No hookups
✔ Dry camping
This campground is located right next to the Smith River, which is one of the clearest rivers in California.
A lot of the campsites are surrounded by huge redwood trees, so it really feels like you’re camping inside the forest.
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
📍 Prairie Creek Redwoods
Price: ~$35 per night
Hookups:
❌ No hookups
✔ Dry camping
This campground is located right on the beach, which is pretty unique for the redwoods.
You’re surrounded by cliffs, forest, and the ocean.
🚐 RV Parks Near Redwood National Park
If you’re traveling with an RV and want full hookups, these are some of the common places people stay.
Crescent City / Redwoods KOA Holiday
Price: around $60–$90 per night
Hookups:
✔ electricity
✔ water
✔ sewer
KOA campgrounds are usually a bit more comfortable and include things like showers, laundry, and a small store.
Ramblin’ Redwoods Campground & RV Park
Price: around $50–$75 per night
Hookups available:
electricity
water
sewer
This campground is actually located inside a redwood grove, which makes it a really cool place to stay.
🏨 Hotels Near Redwood National Park
Most hotels are located in Crescent City, which is about 20–30 minutes from many of the trails.
Some common options include:
Oceanfront Lodge
Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn
Lighthouse Inn
Anchor Beach Inn
Crescent City is a good base because it has restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations, which you won’t really find inside the park.
FAQ: Redwood National and State Parks
Is Redwood National Park worth visiting?
Yes, Redwood National and State Parks are absolutely worth visiting. The area is home to some of the tallest trees in the world, beautiful scenic drives, quiet forest trails, and coastal spots like Gold Bluffs Beach. It’s one of the best places in California for travelers who enjoy nature, hiking, and road trips.
What is the best time to visit Redwood National and State Parks?
The best time to visit Redwood National and State Parks is usually May, June, and September. These months often offer the best mix of pleasant weather, greener scenery, and lighter crowds than peak summer. Summer is great for drier trail conditions, while winter is quieter and moodier but much wetter.
How many days do you need for Redwood National Park?
Most people should plan for 1 to 3 days in Redwood National and State Parks. One day is enough to see a few highlights, but two or three days gives you more time for scenic drives, hiking, and visiting different areas like Prairie Creek Redwoods and Jedediah Smith Redwoods.
What is the best part of Redwood National Park?
Many travelers consider Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park to be the best parts of the Redwood park system. That’s where you’ll find some of the most popular hikes, scenic drives, and old-growth redwood groves.
What are the best things to do in Redwood National Park?
Some of the best things to do in Redwood National and State Parks include hiking Boy Scout Tree Trail, visiting Fern Canyon, walking the Grove of the Titans Trail, driving Howland Hill Road, exploring Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, and stopping at Gold Bluffs Beach.
Do you need reservations for Redwood National Park?
You do not need general reservations to enter Redwood National and State Parks, but some areas may require advance planning. For example, Tall Trees Grove requires a free permit and gate code, and Fern Canyon / Gold Bluffs Beach access may require reservations during part of the year.
Is there an entrance fee for Redwood National Park?
Redwood National and State Parks are generally free to enter. However, some campgrounds, day-use areas, or special access areas may have separate fees or reservation requirements.
Where should I stay when visiting Redwood National Park?
Crescent City is one of the best places to stay near Redwood National Park because it has hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations. It also gives you convenient access to places like Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and other northern sections of the park system.
What is the best hike in Redwood National Park?
One of the best hikes in Redwood National and State Parks is the Boy Scout Tree Trail. It takes you deep into old-growth forest and gives you a classic redwood hiking experience. For a shorter and easier option, Grove of the Titans Trail is also one of the best choices.
Can you see the redwoods in one day?
Yes, you can see some of the top highlights of Redwood National and State Parks in one day. If you are short on time, focus on Prairie Creek Redwoods, Jedediah Smith Redwoods, Big Tree Wayside, Howland Hill Road, and Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
What town is closest to Redwood National Park?
The closest useful town for many visitors is Crescent City, especially if you want access to hotels, restaurants, and supplies. Depending on which section of the park you want to visit, Klamath, Orick, and Arcata/Eureka can also be good bases.
Are Redwood National Park and Redwood State Parks the same thing?
Redwood National Park and the nearby state parks are different park units, but they are managed together as Redwood National and State Parks. For most visitors, they function as one connected destination, and many of the best hikes and attractions are actually in the state parks.
