Where to Stay in Redwood National Park → 6 BEST Areas

Planning a trip to Redwood National Park in California? Well, you’ve found yourself in the right place! In this post, I will provide a detailed overview of the park and the best things to see and do, and I will help you decide where to stay in Redwood National Park. 

Firstly, let’s start with the most important thing – Redwood National Park is surrounded by 3 other state parks nearby: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Together, these 4 parks form the Redwoods National and State Parks (RNSP).

Seeing as there are no accommodations except campgrounds (more on this later) within the parks, I compared all the nearby towns and selected the 6 top places to stay near Redwood National Park. 

The best place to stay near Redwood National Park is Crescent City, situated on the oceanfront and just a short drive North of the park. I also highlight 5 other amazing towns near Redwood National Park and provide handpicked hotel recommendations for each area featured in this post. 

I encourage you to hurry up and book your lodging near Redwood National Park as soon as possible! This is a popular destination, and the good places sell out quickly. 

Let’s hit the road!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

If you want to book your stay now, here’s a list of the top hotels near Redwood National Park, all situated in Crescent City:

Check out this map of the 6 best places to stay near Redwood National Park that I’ll be talking about in this post:

1. Crescent City – where to stay for the first time

Distance from the park: 25 miles (40 km)
Driving distance: 35 mins
Nearest attraction: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Crescent City is the best place to stay when visiting Redwood National Park for the first time, situated just a 35-min drive North of the park and less than a 10-min drive from both Jedediah Smith and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Parks. This quaint beach town is ideal for your first visit because it allows you to explore many different areas of RNSP. 

The top spot to visit in the Redwoods National and State Parks is the eponymous Redwood National Park, home to some of the tallest trees on Earth. Besides their immense height, the redwood trees are also some of the oldest trees on the planet – many of them can live up to 2,000 years of age. 

NOTE: There are no designated entrance stations to the RNSP, and none of the parks charge entrance fees. However, you need to pay at each of the campgrounds, as well as a US$12 entrance fee per vehicle for driving to Gold Bluffs Beach / Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. 

Redwood National Park should be your first stop from Crescent City – as you drive along the coast, be sure to stop at the Trees of Mystery. This popular attraction features a canopy trail that allows you to walk among the redwood trees, ride on a gondola, and visit the Brotherhood tree, one of the oldest in the world! 

As I mentioned, Crescent City is also ideal for exploring Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, with its dense redwood forests and numerous hiking trails, and the Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, which also features a sandy beach. 

TIP: Whether you’re staying in Eureka, Crescent City, or any of the other towns featured in this post, you’ll need a car. If you’re flying in from somewhere, you’ll need to rent a car – it’s the only way to get around the national and state parks in the area! 

Besides exploring the nearby national and state parks, you should definitely take some time to enjoy Crescent City and its gorgeous beaches. Spend a few relaxing hours at Crescent Beach (map) – it’s the perfect place for a walk or a picnic – or hike up to the Crescent Beach Overlook (map) to admire the best views of the sea and the beach. 

The Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum (map) is a must-visit while in Crescent City, an iconic lighthouse that’s open for tours. If you’re traveling with family, you have to check out Beachfront Park (map), which has a large kids’ playground, and Ocean World, a large aquarium housing sharks, sea lions, bat rays, and more! 

Let’s see where to stay in the lovely Crescent City:

Other accommodation options in Crescent City

Things to do in Crescent City

• Admire the redwood trees in Redwood National Park 
• Spend a fun day at the Trees of Mystery
• Relax and unwind at Crescent Beach
• Hike up to the Crescent Beach Overlook and enjoy the views
• Visit the Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum
• Take the kids to the playground at Beachfront Park
• Meet the marine animals at Ocean World
• Catch a sunset at B Street Pier (map)

2. Eureka – for Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Distance from the park: 65 miles (104 km)
Driving distance: 1h 15 mins
Nearest attraction: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Welcome to the heart of the US Redwood Coast area! Eureka is a charming and vibrant city in California’s Humboldt County and one of the best places to stay in the Redwood National Park area! The city is situated South of Redwood National Park (about a 1h 15 mins drive) and less than an hour’s drive South of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. 

FUN FACT: The movie The Lost World: Jurassic Park was actually filmed in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, specifically in Fern Canyon! Lucky for you, you can hike the Fern Canyon Loop (see trail map) and feel like you’re in a movie yourself! 

Eureka is ideally located for exploring the Redwood National Park – you can easily drive there and back in a day. However, if you’re looking to shorten the travel time, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is even closer to the city.

When visiting the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, I recommend stopping by the Big Tree Wayside (map) and snapping a photo before hiking the Fern Canyon Loop (see trail map) and admiring – you guessed it – the ferns! Oh, and be on the lookout for Roosevelt elk – the park is home to large herds of the Roosevelt elk. 

PRO TIP: Before heading out to the park, fill up on fuel while in town. There are no gas stations within the park, and you don’t want to risk running out of fuel on the road. 

But let’s get back to this charming town! The Old Town hosts a few Victorian houses that you should definitely visit if you like historical places, and there are quite a few great restaurants where you can have a nice dinner after a long day of exploring. 

Eureka also features a few cool museums, but if you’re short on time and you can only visit one spot, I recommend visiting the Sequoia Park Zoo. This is an amazing place – you can see many incredible animals (including the super cute red pandas), pet the animals, and learn more about the stunning redwood forest. 

Another super cool thing you can do is explore the 2 nearby islands – Woodley Island and Tuluwat Island. You can drive to both islands, so that’s super convenient and a great idea for a day trip. 

NOTE: The Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance to many of its trails, and people with disabilities can complete many of the trails. So, if you’re a person with a disability and want to explore the redwood forests, Prairie Creek is the best place to do it. 

Other accommodation options in Eureka

Things to do in Eureka

• Spend the entire day exploring Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Snap a photo with the Big Tree Wayside
• Hike the Fern Canyon Loop and try to spot Roosevelt elk
• Explore the collections at the Clarke Historical Museum
• Admire the Victorian architecture in Eureka’s Old Town
• Meet the animals at Sequoia Park Zoo
• Take a day trip to Woodley Island or Tuluwat Island
• Enjoy dinner with live music at Gallagher’s Restaurant & Pub (map)

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3. Klamath – where to stay for outdoor activities

Distance from the park: 4 miles (6.5 km)
Driving distance: 10 mins
Nearest attraction: Klamath Tour Thru Tree

Klamath is a small and laid-back town located just a 10-min drive East of Redwood National Park. The Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park are less than a 10-min drive from Klamath, and the Klamath River runs right through the town, making this the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Seeing as you’ll be close to 3 of the 4 parks in the Redwood National and State Parks, you can spend your stay in Klamath exploring something new every day. My first suggestion would be to hike the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail (see trail map)! This is an easy hiking trail, and the scenery is absolutely stunning – it’s a must, in my opinion! 

PRO TIP: if you’re planning on spending a lot of time outdoors in one of the parks, you should have an offline map. Cell service is limited within the park, and you might get lost without a map, so it’s best to download your map before you enter the park. 

If you like hiking, there’s another amazing spot to hike up to right here in town! The Klamath River Overlook (map) provides stunning views of the river and the sea, and it’s a great place to catch a sunset. Plus, the hike is not too long or difficult, so anyone can do it. 

Other attractions you should check out near Klamath include the Klamath Tour Thru Tree (map) – a huge redwood tree with a tunnel carved right through it – and the Old Douglas Memorial Bridge Site (map), a notable historical monument. 

Since Klamath is a super small town, there aren’t many urban activities to occupy your time. However, it’s an excellent place to spend your time in nature, either hiking or fishing (the Klamath River is a great place to cast a line). But remember that you’ll need to bring your own equipment if you want to fish – there are no rental stores in town. 

P.S. If you plan on spending your day in one of the parks, make sure to bring some snacks! There are no lodges, restaurants, or even stores within the parks, so you need to bring your own food. 

And if you’re up for a longer drive, then you should check out the Klamath National Forest & Butte Valley National Grassland (map)! This park is a 2-hour drive away from Klamath and is another great spot for hiking, fishing, and just soaking up nature. 

Now, let’s take a look at the top-rated accommodations in Klamath! 

Other accommodation options in Klamath

Things to do in Klamath

• Hike the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
• Go up to the Klamath River Overlook to enjoy the stunning views
• Pass through and snap a photo of the Klamath Tour Thru Tree
• Visit the Old Douglas Memorial Bridge Site
• Try fishing on the Klamath River
• Get some breakfast at the Log Cabin Diner (map)
• Take a day trip to the Klamath National Forest & Butte Valley National Grassland

4. Arcata – where to stay for an urban escape

Distance from the park: 58 miles (93 km)
Driving distance: 1h
Nearest attraction: Arcata Community Forest

Situated in Humboldt County, Arcata is a lively town that’s an hour’s drive South of Redwood National Park. This is the best place to stay near Redwood National Park if you want access to all sorts of facilities, from restaurants to shops and hotels, as well as quite a few attractions.

Before (or after) you head to one of the parks, I recommend spending a day or 2 exploring the town! First, head to Arcata Bay, where you’ll find the Arcata Bird Sanctuary (map), a beautiful park where you can spend the day walking around and spotting some of the local bird species. 

If you want to learn more about the local wildlife, you should also visit the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center – it’s very educational and kid-friendly! Another cool outdoor space nearby is the Arcata Community Forest (map), another park where you can hike and admire the Humboldt redwoods. 

However, Arcata offers much more than just nature escapes! As I mentioned, Arcata offers many facilities that will make your stay more comfortable. So, if you want a break from all the nature walks, Arcata is THE place to be. 

Start by visiting Arcata Plaza (map), the heart of the town! This plaza is surrounded by many coffee shops, restaurants, and shops, so you’ll definitely find something that appeals to you. I’d highly recommend grabbing some breakfast bagels from Los Bagels (map), then treating yourself to some dessert at Slice of Humboldt Pie (map). 

Other accommodation options in Arcata

Things to do in Arcata

• Walk around Arcata Bay and spot some birds at the Arcata Bird Sanctuary
• Learn about the local wildlife at the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center
• Go on a relaxing hike in the Arcata Community Forest
• Have a picnic in Redwood Park (map)
• Head to Arcata Plaza and visit some of the nearby shops and cafes
• Enjoy a delicious snack at Los Bagels and Slice of Humboldt Pie 

5. Trinidad – best place to stay on the coast

Distance from the park: 42 miles (67 km)
Driving distance: 50 mins
Nearest attraction: Sue-meg State Park

The town of Trinidad is situated less than an hour’s drive South of Redwood National Park and only a half an hour’s drive to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This laid-back coastal town is in a good location for exploring any of the 4 parks, but it’s also a great spot for enjoying the stunning California coast. 

The first thing on your to-visit list should be Trinidad State Beach (map)! It’s a gorgeous sandy beach with cool rock formations and the perfect place for a relaxing walk or a morning jog. Also, the waves are great for surfing, so if that’s your thing, don’t forget to pack a wetsuit. 

Another great way to enjoy the coast is hiking one of the trails that provide the best views over the water! I’d suggest the Trinidad Head Trail (see trail map) – this is an easy hike, and the views are absolutely stunning. 

You should also stop by the Trinidad Head Lighthouse (map), but you should know that the lighthouse is only open for visitors on the first Saturday of every month. So, if you don’t happen to be there this Saturday, you should skip this visit. 

No trip to the coast would be complete without trying some seafood, and the Trinidad Bay Eatery & Gallery (map) is the best place for it. Besides the delicious seafood, the restaurant also features a gallery displaying some local art and a gift shop where you can get some souvenirs from your trip. 

When you decide to leave Trinidad and explore one of the parks in RNSP, you should make a stop along the way – at Sue-meg State Park (map). This is another amazing park that’s definitely worth checking out, and it’s just a 15-min drive North of Trinidad! 

TIP: regardless of what time of year you’re traveling to Redwood National Park or one of the nearby towns, you should always bring rain gear. Rainfall can be sudden and strong, so it’s best to come prepared. 

Other accommodation options in Trinidad

Things to do in Trinidad

• Spend a few hours relaxing or surfing on Trinidad State Beach
• Hike the Trinidad Head Trail and enjoy the sea views
• Drive out to Luffenholtz Beach (map)
• Visit the Trinidad Head Lighthouse on the first Saturday of the month
• Try the delicious seafood at the Trinidad Bay Eatery & Gallery
• Explore the Sue-meg State Park

6. Fort Bragg – where to stay off the beaten path

Distance from the park: 174 miles (317 km)
Driving distance: 4h 10 mins
Nearest attraction: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Located almost a 4-hour car drive South of Redwoods National and State Parks, this is one of the best places to stay near Redwood National Park if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowds. However, this vibrant coastal town offers many hiking spots, as well as a wide range of restaurants and attractions, so you’ll still have an amazing time. 

Fort Bragg’s top attraction is Glass Beach (map), a rocky beach covered with colorful pieces of glass that have washed ashore. Nearby, you’ll find The Pudding Creek Trestle (map), a trestle bridge that’s perfect for watching the sunset and, better yet, leads to an incredible sandy beach. 

For hiking, I recommend the Coastal Trail (map); as you can guess from the name, this trail goes along the coast, so you’ll be able to enjoy some great views. Other great spots for hiking are the Noyo Headlands Park (map) and Pomo Bluffs Park (map) – I suggest you check out both! 

If you still haven’t had enough of the stunning natural landscapes around Fort Bragg, I suggest making the short 5-min drive to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. These gardens boast many gorgeous flowers and plants, walking paths, and even picnic spots – a fantastic place to spend an entire day outdoors. 

Besides the stunning nature, Fort Bragg also has a couple of other cool attractions, like the Sea Glass Museum, which features the largest collection of sea glass in the world, and The Skunk Train & Rail Bikes, a historic train that will take you on a ride through the redwood forests. 

Other accommodation options in Fort Bragg

Things to do in Fort Bragg

• Admire the colorful stones at Glass Beach
• Watch the sunset from The Pudding Creek Trestle
• Hike along the Coastal Trail 
• Explore Noyo Headlands Park and Pomo Bluffs Park
• Try some of the beers at The Pub at North Coast Brewing Co. (map)
• Visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
• Check out the collection at the Sea Glass Museum
• Go for a ride on The Skunk Train & Rail Bikes

👑 Luxury price:	US$250
💵 Mid-range:	US$180
🛏️ Budget:	US$130
📍 Best area:	Crescent City
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Sunset Sanctuary
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Oceanview Inn
👛 Best budget hotel:	Westward Inn

BONUS 1: Camping near Redwood National Park

So, unfortunately, there are no Redwood National Park hotels or lodges within the park’s borders. That’s also true for the 3 other parks within the RNSP, so you can only stay in hotels and inns in one of the nearby towns. 

There are, however, 4 developed campgrounds and 7 backcountry camps within the parks, so if you’re the camping type, check out the info below.

The 4 designated campgrounds within Redwood National and State Parks are:

• Jedediah Smith Campground – with a total of 86 campsites, this campground is open year-round and caters to tent and RV campers. The standard camping fee is US$35 per night, and showers are coin-operated and cost extra
• Mill Creek Campground – this tent-only campground has 145 campsites and operates seasonally, from mid-May to the beginning of October. The camping fee is US$35/night, and reservations are encouraged
• Gold Bluffs Beach Campground – with only 26 tent campsites, this is the smallest campground in the national park. The cost per night is US$35, and the campground is open year-round, although access may be limited in the winter months
• Elk Prairie Campground – at this campground, there’s a total of 75 sites accommodating both tents and RVs at US$35 per night. The campground is open throughout the year, and reservations are necessary between May and October

As I mentioned, there are also 7 designated backcountry camps. In order to camp here, you need to get a free backcountry permit – more resources are available here! 

BONUS 2: Unique places to stay near Redwood National Park

Fancy a rustic cabin or a cute treehouse for your trip to the Redwoods? Maybe you’d like to stay in a converted container? Come along then because I’ve made a list of the most unique options for staying near Redwood National Park! 

Without further ado, here are the most unique cabins to stay near the Redwoods:

• Amazing Stump House – this cozy treehouse in Trinidad is the perfect spot if you want to be surrounded by nature. The treehouse has a comfortable bed and 2 skylights that allow you to watch the stars as you fall asleep
• The Hideout – an apartment loft nestled in the woods near Crescent City, with 1 bedroom, a kitchen, and 1 full bathroom, plus access to a large yard to enjoy the outdoors
• Tiny House in the Redwoods – situated in the redwood forest in Eureka, this lovely tiny house has a private patio and a hot tub and features a comfy bed, a living area, and a kitchenette
• Luxury Container Under The Trees – stay in a converted container in McKinleyville and relax in the luxuriously decorated interior or enjoy the outdoor soaking tub and the fire pit
• Handcrafted Retreat in the Redwoods – in a rural setting in Arcata, this cozy cottage is decorated with handcrafted details and has an open floor plan and an outdoor sitting area to enjoy your morning coffee

FAQs about where to stay in Redwood National Park

Final words on staying in Redwood National Park

We’ve reached the end! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Redwood National Park, and which area and hotel to pick for your trip. 

I know there are many hotel options in the post, so to help you decide quickly, I chose my 2 favorite ones, both located in Crescent City: 

• Sunset Sanctuary – a spacious holiday home overlooking the sea, featuring a fireplace and a terrace with sea views
• Oceanview Inn – a comfortable hotel offering complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk

I recommend booking your hotels in advance if you want to secure a spot and not worry about high prices. Trust me, it will save you a lot of time (and money)!

And if you have any other questions about where to stay when visiting Redwood National Park, drop a comment below. I’ll get back to you with the answer ASAP!

Enjoy your adventure, 

Hristina

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