Visiting Redwoods National Park in your RV
TL;DR: Immerse yourself in the wonders of Redwoods National Park—scenic drives, breathtaking hikes, diverse wildlife, thrilling water activities, and a variety of camping options. Explore the beauty of this natural haven on your next RV adventure.
Redwoods National and State Parks is one of the most unique national parks in the US. Within this national park, you can find four individual state parks. These are all intertwined to create a very unique and gorgeous landscape. Located on the Northernmost coast in California, park visitors can experience lakes, rivers, forests, ocean, prairies, and of course the stunning redwoods, all within one large area. These varied landscapes offer a diverse playground of activities to enjoy. This includes hiking, wildlife viewing, biking, scenic driving, water activities, and so much more. What’s even better is that the area is totally RV-friendly, making it the perfect California location for your summer family vacation. Continue on for a full list of some of the best activities in the area to enjoy.
1. Scenic Driving
One of the most popular ways to experience this gorgeous park is by vehicle. Many excellent roadways (both paved and unpaved) can take you to see all sorts of hidden wonders throughout the park. These include driving along the coast, through prairies, past dense redwood forests, and more. Keep in mind that these are all recommended for passenger vehicles only, so you will have to drive with your tow or towed (toad) vehicle. See the chart below for more information on each scenic drive.
2. Hiking
In such a beautiful area, it’s only natural that you would want to get out of your vehicle and enjoy nature up close. Here, you can find hikes and walks for hikers of all abilities. These range from easy five-minute walks to difficult, day-long hikes. Several trails are paved and ADA-accessible, while others are on rugged, unmaintained paths. Those with less time or who are looking for an easier trail should check out the Big Tree Wayside Walk (10-30 minutes) or the Simpson-Reed Trail (30-60 minutes, ADA-accessible). Other easy and excellent hikes include Stout Memorial Grove Trail (1-2 hours), Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail (45-60 minutes), Trillium Falls Trail (30-90 minutes), and Prairie Creek Foothill Trail Loop (1-2 hours).
More intermediate or difficult trails are best for those with some hiking experience and more time to spend in the park. These include the James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon Loop (4-8 hours), the Tall Trees Grove Trail (3-6 hours), and the Hidden Beach Trail (2-3 hours). No matter which hike you choose, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing and pack plenty of snacks and water!