Go RVing To Redwood National Park

Picture walking through an old-growth redwood forest, home to the tallest trees on the planet. Then you check out vast open prairie meadows, wild rivers, oak woodlands, and 40 miles of rugged coastline — all within the same park. After a memorable day, you head to your RV, cook dinner, and relax, waiting for the stars to reveal themselves. 

Sounds pretty dreamy, doesn’t it? 

When you plan an RV camping trip around Redwood National Park, the opportunities are endless. An RV rental from RVnGO opens so many doors, allowing you to stay in a home away from home — one that lets you live out your road trip dreams. 

Must-See Scenic Stops for RVers

Must-see stops will depend on where you rent your RV. You can find a selection of RV rentals near Redwood National Park, within a 100-mile radius. However, for a vast selection, you’ll need to head closer to one of the surrounding major cities, such as Portland, OR, or Sacramento, CA. Depending on your timeline and budget, your RV rental could take you on a once-in-a-lifetime West Coast road trip. 

If you were to drive from Portland to Sacramento, or are heading down the coast from Portland, here are a few suggestions:

• Salem is Oregon’s capital city, offering plenty of history, gardens, and culture. If you stop here, check out the Enchanted Forest Theme Park. 
• Upper Table Rock and Lower Table Rockis a nature reserve near White City, OR. Created by lava approximately seven million years ago, this plateau is a great area to hike and enjoy the views of Rogue Valley. You may even spot a lizard or bobcat. 
• Turtle Bay Exploration Parkis located in Redding, CA, approximately 130 miles from Redwood National Park. This 300-acre property is home to a museum, arboretum, forestry and wildlife center, and botanical gardens. 

Depending on your direction and interest, there are many places to see on your way to Redwood National Park. However, if you have limited time while you cruise America, there is enough to do directly in the park — especially if you seek a relaxing, nature-filled experience.

Things To Do Around Redwood National Park

The Redwood National Park in California is part of a stunning network of parks that protect nearly half of the world’s coast redwoods. These breathtaking trees grow over 350 feet. However, they’re not the only majestic giants you’ll find in this region. It is here that the Roosevelt elk graze in prairies. More of a beach fan? Explore wild beaches that seem untouched by civilization.

These are just some things that nature lovers can enjoy in this national park. After all, this park encompasses 133,000 acres. How much you pack in will depend on how long you plan to stay in the area. If you are driving an RV and are spending multiple days in the park, you have so many thrilling options. 

Here are some of the top things to do in Redwood National Park:

• Stout Grove — This old-growth forest is one of the most photographed areas of the park, as hikers stand in front of towering redwoods. Located in the northernmost section of the park, the path to this grove is unpaved. The route is short (0.6 miles roundtrip), so you can walk or bike in. 
• Lady Bird Grove — Another stunning redwood forest; this grove is located near the town of Orick, sitting around 1,000-feet above sea level. The 1.4-mile roundtrip trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park. 
• Fern Canyon — If this canyon looks familiar, it’s because the landscape was shot for the Jurassic Park movie franchise. This majestic fern wall and creek are located down the road from Gold Bluffs Beach — a great place to camp.
• Elk Meadow — This spot is great for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Since it is a habitat restoration area, this area is full of wildlife, ranging from large salmon to the majestic Roosevelt elk. 

What about outside of the park? You can hit the road and explore the surrounding area when you rent an RV. Depending on how far you’re willing to travel, Sacramento is around 329 miles southeast of Redwood National Park. If you head in that direction, there are endless things to do in the “City of Trees.”

Where To Stay Around Redwood National Park

If you want to stay directly in Redwood National Park, you can! You can park your RV in one of the developed campgrounds. In the summer, reservations are essential and can be made through California State Parks. Sites at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground and Elk Prairie Campground are reservable year-round.

The campground you choose will determine what amenities you have access to and what size RV you can bring, ranging from 24-feet to 31-feet. 

For example, Mill Creek Campground is located near Klamath and is the perfect starting point for exploring the Redwood National and State Parks. You can park an RV up to 31 feet. In comparison, at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, you are limited to RVs that are 24 feet. 

Are you looking for a truly unique experience? Don’t miss out on Elk Country RV Resort. This 200-acre resort is located directly off the 101 and is home to many elk. This spot is a great place to park your RV for the night when you want to head out on daily adventures, such as fishing, kayaking, swimming, biking, or hunting. 

If you seek ocean views, Sound of the Sea RV Park will tick all your boxes. Unlike most of the campgrounds in Redwoods National Park (where there are no hook-ups), this park has WiFi, cable TV, full hook-ups, and gorgeous ocean views. There are excellent opportunities to explore all that nature offers, including the local tidepools. 

PS – Top RV Camping Tips

Whether you’re an experienced RVer or are renting an RV for the first time, there are some important considerations. 

The first is to reserve a spot ahead of time. That goes for the RV rental too. We are not kidding or creating fake fear of loss, or using scarcity sales tactics. When we say to reserve your RV 3-6 months in advance, we mean it. In fact reserving your RV rental 7-12 months in advance is even better. The RV units get reserved fast. In some campgrounds, like Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, there are only 26 sites. These sites book up quickly because the campground is such a magical place. Reserve a spot during the time of year with activities that interest you most. For example, if you want to avoid crowds and witness the grey whale migration, you’ll want to book between late August and early spring. In contrast, if you want warm, dry weather and the opportunity to embark on ranger-led programs, you’ll need to visit in the summer. 

You should plan a loose itinerary after booking your site (or sites, depending on where you plan to go on your road trip). That way, you won’t miss out on anything you’d like to see or do. If you’re an avid hiker, here is a list of the best trails in Redwood National Park. 

When RV camping in Redwood National Park, you need to be aware of your surroundings. There is a lot of wildlife, so be sure to view animals from a safe distance, especially black bears and mountain lions. Also, check conditions before heading out, as it’s not uncommon for thick fog clouds to roll in. Pack everything you need to stay dry and safe. Here is a road trip packing checklist to help you plan a safe excursion. 

Concerning your RV, you should always take proactive steps to protect your safety and peace of mind. RV Damage Protection is a must when you’re heading out on the road. Here is what you need to know about comprehensive damage protection. 

If you have never rented an RV before, read this guide. It covers everything you need to know about RV camping, such as checking your towing capabilities, why you should download maps, and how to keep your RV level when you stop on uneven ground. 

RVnGO Has You Covered

Ready to rent an RV, hit the open road, and explore all that Redwood National Park has to offer? Find your RVnGO today!

Read more about the great National Parks and our list of America’s Top 20 National Parks for Your Summer Vacation. There are 19 other fabulous national parks to visit when you go RVing! Check them out.

There are plenty of things to do and see in this park, making it an excellent destination to go RVing while you cruise America. If you need an RV rental for your road trip, check out RVnGO. You have a wide selection of RVs available to select from, at affordable prices. RVnGO offers the industry leading damage protection coverage and the industry leading transparent transactions from vetted, trusted hosts. Thanks for reading, and happy travels!