Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [340]
Camping
Most drive-in camping is in the state parks. In the southern part of the complex, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (☎ 707/464-6101, ext. 5300), known for its old-growth redwoods and herds of elk, has two drive-in campgrounds. Elk Prairie Campground, 5 miles north of Orick on U.S. 101, is near fishing and hiking trails, has a nature center, and offers evening campfire talks. Make reservations through ReserveAmerica (☎ 800/444-7275, or 916/638-5883 for international callers; www.reserve america.com). Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is 3 miles north of Orick on U.S. 101, then 5 miles west on Davison Road. It's somewhat more primitive and offers trail access.
In the northern part of the complex, the campground at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (☎ 707/464-6101, ext. 5113), along U.S. 199 at Hiouchi, provides easy access to some of the area's biggest and most spectacular redwoods, as well as campsites along the scenic Smith River. Also in the northern section is Mill Creek Campground, in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park (☎ 707/464-6101, ext. 5113), 7 miles south of Crescent City on U.S. 101. It has sites for both RVs and tents, and the walk-in tent sites nestle among the redwoods. Both Jedediah Smith and Mill Creek take reservations through ReserveAmerica (see above).
Those seeking RV hookups and the usual commercial campground amenities will find several choices in Crescent City, including the quiet, well-maintained Crescent City Redwoods KOA, 4241 U.S. 101 North, Crescent City, CA 95531 (☎ 707/464-5744). Tent sites are among the redwoods, and some RV sites are also shaded. The KOA has farm animals, a recreation room, a Laundromat, a convenience store with RV supplies, propane, free wireless Internet, and cable TV hookups. Also here are 17 rustic cabins ($35–$62 double) and one modernized cottage that sleeps six ($100–$140) situated among the redwoods.
In addition to the developed drive-in campgrounds discussed above, eight small, primitive hike-in campgrounds are in the national park; they require a walk of .25 to .5 mile. Some are free, others are $2 or $3 per person per night, and all have fire rings and toilets.
Contact the park office (☎ 707/464-6101, ext. 5064) for directions and current information.
Four campgrounds are in the mountains above the park, along U.S. 199 in the Smith River National Recreation Area (☎ 707/457-3131). We like the Panther Flat campground, with coin-op showers, where sites run $15 per night. The other, more primitive campgrounds charge $8 to $14 per night. Sites at any of the four can be reserved through ReserveAmerica (see above).
Where to Stay
A number of bed-and-breakfasts and funky roadside motels lie in the surrounding communities of Crescent City, Orick, and Klamath. The Crescent City/Del Norte Chamber of Commerce (☎ 800/343-8300; www.northern california.net) can steer you toward a good match. Many of the motels were built in the 1950s and haven't changed all that much, but a number of new properties are slated to open by 2006, including a Hampton Inn, a woodsy lodge near Trinidad, and a casino-resort on the south side of Crescent City.
If you're bringing along the family or traveling in a group along the Redwood Coast, consider renting an oceanfront apartment or cottage from Waterfront Vacation Rentals (☎ 877/642-2254 or 707/464-9068). Properties include the cozy, funky Cottage by the Sea B&B near Battery Point in Crescent City.
INSIDE THE PARK
Hostelling International–Redwood Hostel
14480 U.S. 101 (at Wilson Creek Rd., about 7 miles north of town), Klamath, CA 95548. ☎ 800/295-1905 or 707/482-8265. Fax 707/482-4665. www.norcalhostels.org. 28 bunks, 2 couple's rooms. Bunk $20–$21 per adult, half-price for child under 18; $49 couple's room.