The northern California coast around Crescent City combines redwood forests with Pacific Ocean views for a unique camping experience. Jedediah Smith Campground puts you right among ancient redwoods and comes with flush toilets and drinking water, which works well if you're bringing kids. Campers looking for beach time can stay at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, where you'll often see elk and quail wandering near your site. Mill Creek Campground tends to be quieter, with basic restrooms and picnic tables set among thick woods. While camping in the area, most people check out the Trees of Mystery and take some time to walk the coastal trails, which range from easy paths to longer hikes. Before heading out, look up current fire rules and whether you need permits. During summer months, you should book ahead since these campgrounds fill up fast. The Crescent City area has camping that fits different styles - from quiet forest spots to places right by the water. The mix of big trees and ocean shoreline makes this part of California worth the trip for many campers.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$35 - $80 / night
"Campsites are very private and give a great feeling of being located right in the heart of the Redwoods. Crescent city is a short drive as is many other tourist attractions."
"You'll want to pick a site that is close to the river, and far from the highway as possible because of the highway noise (although not terrible) isn't ideal when you're trying to enjoy nature."
$35 / night
"It was incredible just to wander around the campground and wonder at the trees. Mill Creek is in a second generation forest."
"Drive from the highway to the campground is captivating. Campground staff were both pleasant & informative."
$20 - $30 / night
"Super close to crescent city yet tucked away in a beautiful, dense forest. It’s self check in, first come first serve and a flat $20. Only a few other campers were here when we came."
"This is an amazing Grove of redwoods just north of Crescent City on the 101. There's about 50 campsites between the 10th spaces and RV spaces. This park seems to be overlooked by many."
$24 - $67 / night
"All RV sites are paved with gravel around the picnic table and fire ring. Each loop has its own restrooms and showers which were well kept and very clean."
"The beach is a ten minute walk and both walks we took were breath taking! Everyone we met were very friendly and had great knowledge of the park seeing that it was our first time."
"Clean campground, our spot was near the play area, dog park and office. They have some area tucked into the redwoods. They have some farm animals!"
"Koa is located near the National Park entrance."
"Not fancy, but a great place to stay while checking out the beautiful scenery in and around Crescent City."
"Wow how best to articulate what we feel about this campground We arrived today February 25th escaping The snow in Southern California."
$42 - $79 / night
"The campground is half a mile away from Jedediah State Park and the Smith River. 15 minutes from Crescent City and a short drive to Brookings."
"Come see for yourself, enjoy the Redwoods and about 15 to 25 minutes to town of Crescent City and ocean. Smith River is close by as well."
$15 - $30 / night
"There is a river nearby that you can hear from some of the sites but have to walk down a hill and across the day use area to actually get to it."
"Close to the Redwood Forest 🌳 we stopped here for a night 🌃on our road trip through California. The sites were nicely sized, though the showers are coin 👛operated."
$39 - $999 / night
"Camping at Rambling Redwoods offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature, surrounded by the majestic Redwoods."
"Some spots are close enough to hear highway noise but it wasn’t bad. There are couple great trails through Redwoods. We were there during COVID and forest fires so most activities were closed."
$40 - $70 / night
"We didn’t plan on staying but 101 closures between Klamath and Crescent City led us to find a last minute option and the staff at Kamp Klamath could not have been more accommodating."
"Once set up, the camp side was very close to our neighbors. Expect no privacy. Perhaps they should put up a patrician of lattice or something between the sites. The utilities are somewhat confusing."
TravelerLovely spot right on the beach with good walking access to town. Bathrooms are clean, showers were good and had hot water. Laundry is small but price is right. Overall I was delighted. Nothing fancy for sure but it was a great place to stay and shelter from a storm.
GuideDrove around a bit, found a nice flat site, there are several. Road is rough in a couple spots however I did fine in minivan for what I needed to camp. No amenities. There are rabbits hopping around. Established firepits. Evidence of recent clearing of encampment, most debris is gone. Always pack out more than you've packed in. Every piece picked up helps 🙏 Safe travels EDIT: I've had great TMobile signal most of time here (4+ nights)
TravelerElk Valley Casino’s camping area near Crescent City, CA, offers a flat and easy-to-navigate terrain surrounded by coastal and forested landscapes. With temperatures ranging from 40°F in winter to 70°F in summer, it’s suitable for year-round camping. Visitors can enjoy nearby attractions like Redwood National and State Parks and the stunning Pacific Ocean coastline, making it a great spot for both relaxation and outdoor adventure.
ScoutMaking reservations was easy! The check-in time was accommodating to travelers who get in later than expected. The facilities are clean. Wifi works well and the staff is warm, friendly, and incredibly helpful. We will come back to stay again!
ScoutHad everything we needed. Easy to find. Nice facilities. Beautiful view from the spot we booked. Would stay again.
ScoutBathrooms accessible, fire pits, beach, what more can you ask for! Showed up at 5pm on a Thursday, plenty of spots available.
ScoutThe river is amazing. Campground well kept. Showers are hot. Sites pretty close together. 15 min drive to Brookings, OR.
TravelerSituated on the Illinois River in Cave junction Oregon, this rare and friendly park is perfect. It has a big park area with river access and hammocks and a deck and fire pit. There are horse shoe pits, a dog park, laundry facility, showers and bathrooms, a party/ common room. Billiards and foosball room, beautiful parks nearby and very friendly people. Just wonderful!
ScoutWe have a 37’ 5th wheel and there is plenty of room. The bathrooms are extremely clean.
Camping near Crescent City, California provides access to a unique climate zone where coastal fog frequently meets inland valleys. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 60-70°F while winter months can drop to the 40s with significant rainfall averaging 70 inches annually. This northern California region contains some of the world's tallest trees with camping options spread across both national forest and coastal state park lands.
Horseback riding excursions: Near Redwood Meadows RV Resort, visitors can experience guided trail rides. "We drove Howland hill road and did short hikes and did a horseback ride up into the redwoods with Crescent Trail rides," notes Ken C.
Smith River access: The Smith River offers excellent swimming spots during summer months at Panther Flat Campground. "Smith River is amazing and CLEAN. Please respect it and keep it that way. Sunscreens contaminate the rivers," advises Lorena S., who recommends using protective clothing instead of chemicals when enjoying the river.
Tide pool exploration: Low tide reveals marine ecosystems worth exploring. A camper at Harris Beach State Park shared, "During low tide, you can explore the tide pools. We saw hundreds of hermit crabs, anemone, starfish, sculpin, and more. Sunsets are also phenomenal."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Watch for wildlife throughout the region's diverse ecosystems. At Kamp Klamath, the location offers easy "walking distance to the mouth of the Klamath River" where seals can often be spotted feeding, according to Pat J.
Private sites among vegetation: Many campgrounds offer natural separation between sites. At Mill Creek Campground, "the sites are fairly close together, but the nature of the vegetation made for 'walls' around the spots, which offered some privacy," explains Jason G.
Quality shower facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept shower facilities. At Harris Beach State Park, a camper noted "The restroom and shower facilities are probably the best I've ever seen. Super new, well maintained, clean, and spacious."
Ranger-led activities: Family programs run at select campgrounds. "The Rangers hold Junior Ranger activities twice a day," mentions a Harris Beach camper, making it especially engaging for children.
Variety of camping surfaces: Some sites feature unique camping platforms. At Redwood Meadows RV Resort, one visitor explained, "We tent camped on a platform for two days... The platform is huge."
Highway noise considerations: Several campgrounds sit close to major roads. At Lighthouse Cove RV Park, "The site is also near a lighthouse jetty that produces a tone every 7 seconds or so, non-stop," reports Ibeya A.
Seasonal booking requirements: Summer brings crowds to the area. According to a Harris Beach camper, "This is a awesome State Park. The campgrounds are crowded but there is so much foliage that you still feel very secluded in your camp spot."
Cell service limitations: Many forested areas have limited connectivity. A camper at Panther Flat noted "In the woods, only extended cell service which doesn't work well."
Weather variations: The area experiences significant climate differences between coast and inland areas. At Redwood Meadows, a camper observed, "The campground is far enough inland way from the coast that the marine layer burned off much quicker so we had beautiful sunny days with a nice cool breeze."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Florence Keller Regional Park, "There is a day use area with horseshoe pits, including horseshoes, and volleyball or badminton grass court with no net and a playground," describes Laura M.
Educational opportunities: The region offers natural learning experiences. "This campground is absolutely breathtaking. If you're looking to stay in the Redwoods, this is the place to be... there's a magical rainforest vibe if you venture into the forests!" shares Bri L. about Florence Keller.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water access. At Panther Flat, "Trees everywhere and Smith river access is minutes away," notes Johnny G., adding "Bring blankets, it gets pretty cool overnight especially since trees keep area shaded and the river is so close."
Wildlife viewing for kids: Animal sightings are common around several campgrounds. At Kamp Klamath, they even have "hot showers and chickens!" according to Abby M.
Site selection strategy: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. At Crescent City/Redwoods KOA, "This was one of the best campsites we have had at a KOA. We were in a grove of redwoods and it was beautiful (forget Starlink at our site)," notes James W.
Power considerations: Solar-reliant RVers should choose locations carefully. At Florence Keller Regional Park, "You are surrounded by redwoods with very little sunshine so if you rely on solar this will be a problem," warns Laura M.
Campsite accessibility: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. At Jedediah Smith Campground, a reviewer mentioned "The sites are decently sized, accommodating two to three tents, but the roads would be tough to navigate in a large RV or with a long trailer."
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer comprehensive RV services. A visitor to Mill Creek Campground mentioned "wonderful sites, clean bathrooms with dump station," making it suitable for RV campers requiring these amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a KOA campground in Crescent City, California?
Yes, the Crescent City/Redwoods KOA is located in the Crescent City area. This KOA offers standard KOA amenities including drive-in access, reservable sites, water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces. It serves as a convenient base for exploring the nearby redwood forests and coastal attractions. If you're looking for alternatives with similar amenities, Redwood Meadows RV Resort is another option that offers a variety of accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, yurts, and cabin apartments, plus recreational facilities like a basketball court and recreation room.
What tent camping options are available in Crescent City?
Tent campers in Crescent City have several excellent options. Florence Keller Regional Park is a hidden gem tucked in a beautiful dense forest just minutes from town. This first-come, first-served campground charges a flat $20 fee and provides a peaceful setting. Mill Creek Campground in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park offers secluded tent sites among towering trees with amenities including restrooms and bear boxes. For tent campers seeking proximity to natural attractions, sites are available just a short drive from town, offering the perfect balance of convenience and wilderness experience. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate tents with varying levels of amenities and privacy.
Where can I find beach camping in Crescent City, CA?
For beach camping in Crescent City, Lighthouse Cove RV Park offers a prime location within walking distance of the lighthouse and Crescent City harbor, perfect for beach access. While not directly on the sand, it provides convenient proximity to coastal areas. For those willing to venture slightly outside Crescent City, Beachfront RV Park in nearby Brookings offers true oceanfront camping. Most beach camping in the immediate Crescent City area caters primarily to RVs rather than tents due to the coastal weather conditions. The harbor area provides excellent beach access with amenities like seafood markets and restaurants nearby.
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