When planning a visit to Redwood National Park, one of the most important decisions to make is where to stay. The right accommodation can greatly enhance your experience, providing a comfortable home base from which to explore the park’s magnificent redwood forests, rugged coastline, and diverse wildlife. This article will introduce you to the best places to stay when visiting Redwood National Park, ensuring that your trip is both comfortable and memorable.
Importance of Choosing the Right Accommodation
Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for several reasons. First, it can significantly impact the quality of your sleep and overall energy levels, which are essential for enjoying the park’s many activities. A comfortable and restful stay ensures that you’re well-rested and ready to explore the park each day.
Second, the right accommodation can enhance your overall experience by providing additional amenities and services that cater to your needs and preferences. For example, some accommodations offer guided tours, nature programs, and on-site restaurants, allowing you to make the most of your visit.
Lastly, staying at the right place can help support local communities and businesses, contributing to the preservation and sustainability of the park and its surroundings.
Best Places to Stay When Visiting Redwood National Park
Redwood National and State Parks Campgrounds
For a more immersive experience, consider staying at one of the Redwood National and State Parks’ campgrounds. There are several options available, ranging from developed campgrounds with amenities like flush toilets and potable water to more rustic sites that allow you to truly connect with nature.
Hotels and Motels Near Redwood National Park
If you prefer a more traditional accommodation option, there are several hotels and motels near Redwood National Park. These range from budget-friendly options to upscale resorts, ensuring that there’s something for every traveler and budget.
Vacation Rentals and Cabins
For those seeking a home away from home, vacation rentals and cabins near Redwood National Park offer a cozy and comfortable alternative. These accommodations often come equipped with full kitchens, laundry facilities, and other amenities, providing a convenient and comfortable base for your stay.
Bed and Breakfasts
For a more personalized and intimate experience, consider staying at a bed and breakfast near Redwood National Park. These accommodations often offer unique charm and character, along with home-cooked meals and friendly hospitality. (See Also: Best Places To Stay When Visiting Niagara Falls)
RV Parks and Campgrounds
If you’re traveling with an RV, there are several RV parks and campgrounds near Redwood National Park that cater to your specific needs. These accommodations often provide full hookups, dump stations, and other amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay.
Redwood National Park, located in the northernmost part of California, is home to some of the world’s tallest trees. The park offers a variety of activities, from hiking and camping to scenic drives and wildlife viewing. When planning your visit to Redwood National Park, choosing the right place to stay can greatly enhance your experience.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Place to Stay
When selecting the best places to stay when visiting Redwood National Park, there are several factors to consider, such as location, amenities, and budget. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Location: Consider how close you want to be to the park’s entrances and popular attractions. Some accommodations are situated within the park, while others are located in nearby towns.
- Amenities: Determine what facilities and services are important to you, such as Wi-Fi, swimming pools, or on-site restaurants.
- Budget: Establish a budget for your accommodations and look for options that offer the best value for your money.
Accommodations Inside Redwood National Park
Staying inside the park provides convenient access to its many attractions. There are four developed campgrounds and two historic lodges within Redwood National Park.
Campgrounds
Redwood National Park offers four campgrounds, each with unique features and amenities:
- Elk Prairie Campground: Located near the park’s southern entrance, Elk Prairie has 75 campsites for tents and RVs, restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, and a visitor center.
- Gold Bluffs Beach Campground: Situated along the coast, this campground has 25 drive-in sites and 20 walk-in sites, restrooms with flush toilets, and a picnic area.
- Jedediah Smith Campground: Nestled in a lush redwood forest, Jedediah Smith has 86 campsites for tents and RVs, restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, and a visitor center.
- Mill Creek Campground: Surrounded by old-growth redwoods, Mill Creek has 145 campsites for tents and RVs, restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, and a visitor center.
Lodges
Redwood National Park features two historic lodges that offer a unique lodging experience:
- Elk Valley Rancheria: Located near the park’s southern entrance, Elk Valley Rancheria offers hotel rooms and RV sites. Amenities include a restaurant, gift shop, and casino.
- Requa Inn: Situated near the Klamath River, Requa Inn is a historic bed and breakfast that offers 19 guest rooms, a restaurant, and a beautiful garden.
Accommodations Near Redwood National Park
If you prefer staying outside the park, there are several nearby towns with a variety of accommodations to choose from.
Crescent City
Crescent City, located approximately 20 miles north of the park, is the largest town near Redwood National Park. It offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly motels to upscale hotels: (See Also: Best Places To Stay Near West Yellowstone)
- Best Western Plus Beachfront Inn: This oceanfront hotel features 82 guest rooms, an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a restaurant.
- Curly Redwood Lodge: This family-friendly motel offers 43 guest rooms, a heated pool, and a picnic area.
- Pacific Hotel: This historic hotel, built in 1856, features 28 guest rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
Klamath
Klamath, located approximately 10 miles south of the park, is a small town that offers a few accommodation options:
- Klamath River
Resort: This resort offers RV sites, tent campsites, and cabins, as well as a restaurant and a marina.
- Redwood Hotel & Casino: This hotel features 80 guest rooms, a casino, a restaurant, and a lounge.
Orick
Orick, located approximately 5 miles south of the park, is a small town that offers a few accommodation options:
- Orick RV Resort: This RV resort offers full hookups, tent campsites, and cabins, as well as a general store and a laundry facility.
- Redwood National Park Lodge: This lodge, located just outside the park’s boundary, offers 84 guest rooms, a restaurant, and a gift shop.
Alternative Accommodations
If you’re looking for unique or alternative accommodations, there are a few options near Redwood National Park:
- Treehouses: Several companies offer treehouse rentals near the park, providing a one-of-a-kind lodging experience.
- Vacation Rentals: Websites like Airbnb and VRBO offer vacation rentals in nearby towns, ranging from cozy cabins to spacious homes.
Recap
Redwood National Park offers a variety of accommodations, from campgrounds and historic lodges to hotels and vacation rentals. When choosing the best place to stay, consider factors such as location, amenities, and budget. Staying inside the park provides convenient access to its many attractions, while staying in nearby towns offers a wider range of accommodations and amenities. Alternative accommodations, such as treehouses and vacation rentals, provide unique lodging experiences.
No matter where you choose to stay, Redwood National Park offers a memorable and awe-inspiring experience. With its towering redwood trees, stunning coastline, and abundant wildlife, the park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Staying near Redwood National Park
Where is Redwood National Park located?
Redwood National Park is located in the northern part of the California coast, about 325 miles north of San Francisco and 45 miles south of the Oregon border. The park is easily accessible from Highway 101. (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Lake George For Couples)
What are the best places to stay when visiting Redwood National Park?
There are several options for accommodations near Redwood National Park, including campgrounds, lodges, and hotels. Some of the best places to stay include the Redwood National Park Campgrounds, the Elk Meadow Cabins, and the Requa Inn. These accommodations offer a range of amenities and are located near popular park attractions.
Are there any hotels inside Redwood National Park?
No, there are no hotels inside Redwood National Park. However, there are several hotels located near the park, including the Redwood Hotel and Theatre in Crescent City, the Curly Redwood Lodge in Orick, and the Holiday Inn Express in Klamath.
Can I bring my RV to Redwood National Park?
Yes, you can bring your RV to Redwood National Park. There are several campgrounds in the park that can accommodate RVs, including the Jedediah Smith Campground, the Mill Creek Campground, and the Elk Prairie Campground. However, there are size restrictions for RVs at some campgrounds, so be sure to check the park’s website for details.
What are the best campgrounds in Redwood National Park?
Redwood National Park has several campgrounds that offer a range of amenities and are located near popular park attractions. Some of the best campgrounds in the park include the Jedediah Smith Campground, the Mill Creek Campground, and the Elk Prairie Campground. These campgrounds offer tent and RV sites, as well as restrooms, picnic areas, and access to park trails.