Calif. Redwoods, Best Sites?

[CVD]

I’m making reservations for a No Calif trip in early June. A couple questions about campgrounds/sites:

Humboldt State Park: I’ll stop there first, for 2 days. Sites for 33’ RV (we’re 34’) are available at Burlington CG and Albee Creek CG. I’ve read that Albee Creek is quieter and more secluded, but Burlington is placed in an old growth forest. It will be just for 2 nights, I’m thinking Burlington will give us the best redwood experience. Any sites at Burlington to look for or avoid?

Del Norte SP/Mill Creek CG: Next stop will be a couple hours further north. My first choice was Prairie Creek (nothing larger than 27’) or Jedediah Smith (no spots remaining at all). So, we’re planning to stay at Mill Creek CG for 2 nights. ReserveAmeraica says they have spots for 31’. Does anyone remember spites that might be a little more generous and fit a 34’?

Or, any other recommended places in that general area that would accommodate us? (we’ll be heading north/east, toward Klamath Falls)

Thanks,

[4runnerguy]

CVD wrote:
First stop – Humboldt/Burlington,

2’d stop – Panther Flats – a forest service CG

These are our preferred CG's in the area. Burlington is right among the trees. Slow going through the loops, but great experience. Road noise wasn't a problem and we're in a PUP with canvas sides.

Panther Flats is a bit of a drive to the coast, but often when it is foggy and cool on the coast, it's warm at Panther Flats. One can wade in the creek to cool off.

[profdant139]

We really liked Albee and the area around it, but the roads are really tight. Here is a blog post from that area that may be of interest:

Albee and then Prairie Creek

[CVD]

Thanks for the information and suggestions. Here's the modified plan:

First stop – Humboldt/Burlington, will stay in the first loop (site 9). I’m guessing I’ll have less trouble with tight turns here, as I don’t have to drive through the entire CG.

2’d stop – Panther Flats – a forest service CG that has many 40+’ sites available. It looks scenic and is a 20 minute drive back to Jedidiah Smith for a visit. The ranger at Del Norte strongly advised against trying to get my 34’ vehicle in their 31’ sites.

[jmtandem]

We were in the area last month. The problem we found is that it isn't the sites that will limit you, it is the roads and the trees. We found a few sites in which we would fit comfortably but would be difficult to get to. And they were all taken anyway. Between the low clearances, un-level sites, and awkward entry angles, two or three days wasn't worth the hassle and potential damage.

Not sure if this will help but it is an option. At Benbow, a few short miles south of the Avenue of the Giants, there is a nice KOA. Easy in and out.

[dahkota]

"ReserveAmeraica says they have spots for 31’. Does anyone remember spites that might be a little more generous and fit a 34’?"

We were in the area last month. The problem we found is that it isn't the sites that will limit you, it is the roads and the trees. We found a few sites in which we would fit comfortably but would be difficult to get to. And they were all taken anyway. Between the low clearances, un-level sites, and awkward entry angles, two or three days wasn't worth the hassle and potential damage.

[leesan]

We stayed a couple of years ago at Humboldt and Prairie Creek loved both parks. We liked Burlington campground over Albee at Humboldt Redwoods and at Prairie Creek liked the sites outside the park facing the prairie There is more space and not as dark as inside the park due to the trees If you pick one of those sites on the outside you will have visitors every morning around your RV.(meaning elk) Both places are gorgeous.Never get tired of going back to the Redwoods.A place to visit while at Prairie Creek is Gold Beach. The road is not paved so it will be a bumpy and dusty ride but worth the visit.There is a campground by the beach but for tents only.Humboldt Redwoods is consider one of the most beautiful parks in California

[jmtandem]

I have stayed at Burlington and it is located between two roads (Avenue of the Giants and US 101) if that is an issue. Other than that it was great. I felt the sites were a little tight for anything much over 30 feet but if you can get it in so be it.

[bikendan]

just so you know, both Albee and Burlington are tight.
Albee is tight on the way to the Campground.
Burlington is tight around the loop.
Burlington doesn't have a lot of sites for a trailer your size.

our fav spot is Prairie Creek SP. you can take a day trip to the beach where the bachelor elk live on the beach and also see Fern Canyon.

[Gooding__R]

Love this forum. We are leaving Sunday from Sunny SC for Northern California and now I know where to put in when we get there. Thanks guys

[IAMICHABOD]

You are right, Burlington will give you the best Redwood experience and the Visitors Center at the entrance is a must see.

There are some walk up sites that you will fit in,55,56,57 also 17 and 18 near the entrance. Site# 17

The larger 33 ft sites are on up the road, there is site 21 that is a pull thru, then 22,23,24,26,27,28,29,30,32,37,38. The rest are mostly for tenting. Do not go down the loop where 42 thru 47 are at.

The first time we were there we parked on the road and walked in and picked our site. The office was not open but there is always a list of the open camp sites and the dates they are open.

Albee Creek is in the open with some sites in the woods mostly suited for tent camping,it is interesting because of the meadow,it was an old apple orchard and in the evening the deer come in and forage.

[korbe]

I would stay at Albee over Burlington just because the larger sites at Burlington are out in the open and not as nice as the smaller sites. Beautiful groves near Albee. For us, the site itself isn't the feel, it's the traveling around to the groves and river that make it special.

Mill creek is nice, but it's really not even close to the redwood flavor of prairie creek or Jedediah.

The key, in my opinion for the entire area is to locate yourself where the sites to visit are close by. Humboldt redwoods is smack dab in the middle of the sites to visit, but mill creek is kinda by itself. In that area, if I was to enjoy Crescent City and Jedediah, I would probably stay at the KOA.