Planning a trip to immerse yourself in the giant Redwoods can be so exciting, but choosing where to stay may get confusing. I’ve outlined the best lodging and campgrounds, so that you know exactly where to stay on your Redwoods National Park trip!
After visiting Redwoods National Park twice in my camper van, I feel like I really understand the geography of this scenic stretch of California.
I spent time in the various towns and deep within the forests in the park.
Now, I’ve written a guide on the best accommodations to see the Redwoods. This guide has hotel recommendations, campground tips, and information about the various towns around the parks.
Now, you can finally escape into the forest! 🌳🌳
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Table of Contents
Your Guide to Figure Out Where to Stay Near Redwoods National Park
The Lowdown on the Redwoods National & State Parks Geography
Honestly, figuring out the geography of the Redwoods National and State Parks can be a little confusing. But, there a few parks that are all connected and run together as one unit.
You can get a good understanding of the area by using the map below. Crescent City is an hour North of the parks. While adorable towns like Trinidad, Arcata, and Eureka sit below.
Choosing your lodging for a trip to the Redwoods can be complicated. But, I will walk you through the towns that I recommend below as well as the camping situation. ⛺️
I would not stay in Crescent City again!
I’ve been all over the country in my van and Crescent City was the one place that made me feel most uneasy. Although the scenery is nice along the coast, the city is run down.
I’d recommend one of the other towns that I’ll walk through below! Each of these places sits about 30 to 45 minutes from Redwoods National & State Parks. 🚙
You can design the perfect trip using my Redwoods National Park Itinerary!
Eureka, California: For a Larger Town
Eureka is right in between Humboldt Redwoods State Park and Redwoods National Park, which makes it a good location if you want to visit both.
It’s also the largest town in the area, so it has a ton of hotels to choose from as well as shops and restaurants. The only thing is most of the hotels are larger chain hotels that are rather basic. 🏨
It’s not a particularly cute town, but most things will be incredibly accessible to you.
I would suggest staying in Eureka if you want to be able to visit both Humboldt and the other parks. Or, if you’re looking for more affordable, family-friendly options, with easy access to stores and restaurants, than the larger hotels in Eureka are a solid choice.
Hotels in Eureka, California
- Home2 Suites by Hilton– This hotel has suites with kitchens and connecting rooms, so it’s perfect for larger families to stay!
- Holiday Inn Eureka– Very similar to most Holiday Inns, this hotel is great for visitors and offers both a pool and complimentary breakfast.
- Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay– You’ll find a very typical Best Western here, but it’s still a nice option if you want dependability.
Trinidad, California: For a Cute Beach Town
Trinidad is one of the best towns to stay near the Redwoods Parks. Because it’s truly where the forest meets the sea.
Here, you’ll find a charming coastal town 🌊 with great inns, cute shops, and plenty of ocean views to explore.
The Lost Whale Inn is truly the greatest inn near this park, because of the amazing ocean views and great service.
Compared to the other towns, hotels are usually a bit more expensive in Trinidad. But, it’s perfect if you want a mix of the forest and the coast.
Best Hotels in Trinidad:
- Lost Whale Inn– By far and away, the best place to stay near the Redwoods. This hotel sits along the ocean with a wonderful charm. It books up months in advance because it’s only 8 rooms.
- View Crest Lodge– Choose something that has a more rustic feel and stay at the View Crest Lodge. This lodge sits among the trees and is very peaceful.
- Trinidad Inn– You’ll find another quaint inn at this location. It’s nestled in the forest and offers hiking trails to the beach!
Arcata, California: For Whimsy and Character
Arcata has a much funkier vibe with adorable and unique places to stay.
It is home to California State Polytechnic University and so it has a college town vibe. Here you’ll find a collection of students and artists alike.
Within the town there are lots of cute shops, great bookstores, and hip cafes. ☕️
Although there are a few great hotels in Arcata, I actually recommend looking into VRBOs because they’re more funky like this Arcata Forest Retreat.
Arcata is the place to stay if you want something that’s got the Norcal hippie feel and is a bit of a smaller town. It’s just half an hour from the park itself!
Best Hotels in Arcata:
- The Front Porch Inn– If you’re looking for whimsy, then look no further. The Front Porch Inn looks like it came directly out of the Hobbit. Plus, they have “hidden baths” or outdoor soaking tubs on the property.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Arcata– Like a typical Hampton Inn hotel, you’ll get a suite, which is great for sharing or spreading out. They also have a hot tub, pool, and free breakfast.
Campgrounds in Redwoods National & State Parks
If you would rather spend your time within the parks and the great outdoors, you can go camping instead. 🏕
There are four campgrounds within the Redwoods National and State Parks that are all run by the California Parks system. You can make reservations in advance on their website.
I recommend making reservations early, because a lot of the sites book up quickly especially during the peak season in summer! Check about six months in advance.
All of the parks are beautiful and in pristine locations. But, the Gold Bluffs Campground is definitely my favorite because it’s right on the coast.
Redwoods National & State Park Campgrounds:
- Gold Bluffs Campground– Enjoy the gorgeous Pacific coastline at this beach with direct access to the scenic Fern Canyon.
- Jedidiah Smith Campground– Find yourself immersed in a redwood grove with the flowing Smith River right next to the campground. It’s a gorgeous site.
- Mill Creek Campground– Sleep in the forest under the shade of redwood and Maple trees.
- Elk Prairie Campground– While spending the night here, you might even find elk or deer walking by your tent!
Final Tips for Choosing Your Redwoods National Park Accommodations
Now, you’re all set for your adventure into the trees. You will just have to decide where you want to stay first.
I recommend choosing the type of hotel that you want before settling on a town. You can weigh your options from a quaint oceanside inn or a large chain hotel.
Either way you will have an amazing trip!
Let me know if you enjoyed this guide in the comments!
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