
National and State Parks · California
Redwood National and State Parks
Renowned for the world’s tallest trees, Redwood’s landscapes span from open prairies and oak woodlands to pristine rivers and untamed coastline. This ancient home has supported people for thousands of years. The National Park Service and California State Parks now work to safeguard and rejuvenate these lands for everyone’s enjoyment, learning, and inspiration.
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Cultural Demonstrations
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- RV Camping
- Fishing
- Saltwater Fishing
- Food
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Self-Guided Tours - Auto
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Horse Trekking
- Horse Camping (see also camping)
Weather & when to go
Visitors should be prepared for cooler and damp weather. Dress in layers and expect to get wet. Year-round temperatures along California's redwood coast: mid-40s°F (7°C) to mid-60s°F (18°C). Summer can be foggy, with highs occasionally reaching low 70s°F (20°C). Winters are cooler with considerable rain. October through April averages 60-80 inches of rain over the region.
Operating hours
Operating Hours
The national and state parks are always open to enjoy. Roads, trails and public access remain open year round. Some campgrounds and visitor centers are closed - or have reduced hours - in the off-season (October-May)
Campgrounds
Elk Prairie Campground - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith Campground - Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Mill Creek Campground - Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
FAQ
- Is Redwood National and State Parks free to visit?
- Redwood National and State Parks does not charge a standard entrance fee. Check the official NPS page for the latest details on any activity or permit fees before you go.
- What are the hours at Redwood National and State Parks?
- The national and state parks are always open to enjoy. Roads, trails and public access remain open year round. Some campgrounds and visitor centers are closed - or have reduced hours - in the off-season (October-May)
- Do I need a reservation for Redwood National and State Parks?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Redwood National and State Parks. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
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Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Redwood National and State Parks.

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