Northern California Redwoods late March

[GertiesTravels]

Looking at heading south to Northern California the last week of March to early April. We'll have 9 days with travel from the Olympic Peninsula in WA. Haven't been to northern California and the Redwoods since we were kids.

What are your favorite campgrounds or not to miss places?

We don't need hookups and prefer relaxed,quiet parks. Sites amongst huge trees or on the ocean would be perfect. Can't hike anymore but enjoy short level scenic walking trails and fabulous drives.
Hoping this early in season things will still be slow.

Ideas please!

[profdant139]

Also, if you are a mountain biker, the Coastal Trail at Prairie Creek is great -- fairly flat, along the coast, and it passes several waterfalls. No cars -- it is just a trail. You start at Fern Canyon and then head north.

[aerbus32]

There are a lot of excellent places in the redwoods to stay without hook-ups. Most are designed for tents & smaller rigs. Prairie Creek is a great area as has been mentioned. That time of year, you're probably safe to just check them out as you come to them without reservations. Our rig pretty much so necessitates full hook-ups, so we use Sounds of the Sea in Trinidad or Mad River a little further south. Ancient Redwoods is a great park but is not in the woods. While in the area, let me suggest 2 off the beaten path explorations for you. First, if you stay in the Prairie Creek area, there's great drive over to the coast in the park (my map function isn't telling me the name). First 2 times we were there, I let the posted warning suggesting a 4wd vehicle dissuade me from it. Finally did it in a 4wd Grand Cherokee. Definitely did not need 4wd. There was even a 350Z sports car there. Very worth the trip! Second, is Shelter Cove. The fresh fish & chips are worth the drive. And a very steep drive it is. Boating magazines used to warn about trailering down to it. Signs on the way down warned of previous RV fatalities. There is an RV park down there, but . . . It is a worthwhile day trip in the tow vehicle. But only if you are very experienced and confident about very long steep grades!

[oldcat1]

Giant Redwoods RV is about midway along the "Avenue of the Giants" scenic drive, but easy access from Hwy 101. Big sites in the trees. Good spot to drop the camper and explore the Avenue. Several groves of huge old growth redwoods nearby. Many short, level walking paths through the trees. Awesome!

[lfloom]

Jedidiah Smith State Park is great. It has been many years since we have been, but I had fond memories of have a large redwood in our site.

[IAMICHABOD]

I would second the Samoa Cookhouse in Eureka. The state parks south of there are not real big but my favorite is Burlington,see picture in my profile.

With your rig it may not be doable but just a bit south in Myers Flat there is a campground still in the heart of the Redwoods.

Giant Redwoods RV

Also there is a Big Rig friendly Ancient Redwoods RV A large open RV park with the Redwoods in walking distance.

Both places would be a great base camp to explore on The Avenue Of The Giants

[Islandman]

When you are in Eureka, stop in at the Samoa Cookhouse, short drive out to the place. Food is served family style and reasonably priced, their museum of old time logging things is great too.

[korbe]

First place that came to mind was Prairie Creek state Park. Space 33 is our fave and will handle your rig (it's a pull through). At that time of year, I would think you don't need reservations. Jedediah Smith state park can handle your rig. All quiet areas. My experience with the State Parks south of Eureka are not too RV friendly.

[kalynzoo]

Think Garberville or Willets as base camp location. Garberville is a little more central to historic touristy Red Wood drives. Like the drive through tree, that you can't really drive through as it is protected, the Mysterious Gardens, the Red Wood RV, etc. All fun drive up locations. Since we enjoy all the amenities of private campgrounds I would suggest Benbow Valley KOA and Willets KOA, but the area has many campgrounds. Enjoy