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Where to Stay in Redwood National Park

Where to Stay in Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park California, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Variety of Stays

  • Budget Motels:

    Available in towns like Orick, Klamath, Crescent City, and Weott, offering basic amenities.

  • Mid-Range Hotels & Motels:

    Found in larger towns like Arcata, Eureka, and Crescent City, with amenities like free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Numerous cabins or houses available on platforms like Vrbo in surrounding towns.

  • Boutique Hotels & Inns:

    Mostly in charming towns like Ferndale or Eureka, offering unique character.

Camping & Unique Options

  • Developed Campgrounds:

    Operated by California State Parks and NPS within park boundaries. Reservations highly recommended.

  • Backcountry Camping:

    Limited designated sites available, requiring permits for a deep immersion.

  • Private Campgrounds:

    Found along Hwy 101, often with more amenities like full hookups and showers.

  • Victorian Inns:

    Beautifully preserved historic inns exist in towns like Ferndale, south of the main park.

Neighborhood Guide

The region offers diverse areas, each with unique character and proximity to park attractions and services.

Crescent City

Benefits
  • Full services available
  • Close to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
  • Coastal attractions
  • Hospital access
Considerations
  • Further drive to southern park sections
  • Standard urban noise levels
  • Fewer boutique options

Klamath & Orick

Benefits
  • Closest to core redwood groves
  • Near scenic drives
  • Immersive natural experience
  • Very quiet atmosphere
Considerations
  • Very limited services (gas, food)
  • Fewer lodging options
  • Often poor cell service

Trinidad

Benefits
  • Scenic coastal charm
  • Good dining options
  • Central for day trips
  • More boutique lodging
Considerations
  • Further drive to main redwood groves
  • Can be busy in peak season

Arcata & Eureka Base

Benefits:

Widest selection of lodging, dining, and shopping. Access to Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV). Victorian architecture in Eureka.

Considerations:

Longer daily drives to main park attractions, often over an hour each way. Standard urban noise levels.

Booking Strategies

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (June-Sept): Book 6+ months in advance. Campgrounds fill quickly.
  • Shoulder Season (Apr-May, Oct): Book hotels and popular campgrounds 2-3 months ahead.
  • Low Season (Nov-Mar): Easier availability, but still book a few weeks ahead for unique stays.
  • Campground reservations can open at specific times and fill in minutes.

Trusted Booking Platforms

Policies & Fluctuations

Deposit & Cancellation Policies:
  • Policies vary by accommodation type and platform.
  • Most hotels offer free cancellation up to 24-48 hours prior.
  • Campgrounds often have stricter cancellation rules.
  • Always review terms before confirming a reservation.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations:
  • Prices are much higher in high season (summer) and during local events or holidays.
  • Lower prices are common in the shoulder and low seasons.
  • Walk-in rates can be higher than online pre-booked rates.
  • Negotiation for walk-in rates is not a common practice in the U.S.

Important Information

Safety Considerations:

All areas are generally safe. Standard precautions apply in larger towns for personal belongings and parking. Vehicle break-ins are a concern at trailheads, avoid leaving valuables visible.

Proximity to Attractions:

Klamath and Orick are closest to core redwood attractions. Arcata and Eureka are closest to ACV airport.

Noise Levels & Ambiance:

Camping and small towns (Orick, Klamath) offer peaceful natural sounds. Larger towns (Crescent City, Arcata, Eureka) have standard urban noise levels.

Accommodation Recommendations

Explore a diverse array of lodging that caters to every budget and travel style, ensuring a memorable stay amidst the redwoods.

Top Picks by Budget

Budget

Tent/RV Campsites in Jedediah Smith, Elk Prairie, Mill Creek Campgrounds ($35-45).

  • Motels/Inns in Orick, Klamath, Crescent City ($80-150).
  • Basic, clean rooms, often with free Wi-Fi.
  • Direct access to redwoods from campsites.
Mid-Range

Hotels/Motels in Arcata, Eureka, Trinidad ($150-250).

  • More amenities (breakfast, pool), wider dining options.
  • Vacation Rentals/Cabins in Trinidad, Orick, surrounding towns ($180-350).
  • More space, kitchen facilities.

Specific Recommendations

Luxury

Upscale Hotels/Boutique Inns in Eureka, Trinidad, Ferndale ($250-400+).

  • Unique character, higher-end amenities, fine dining access.
  • Premium Vacation Rentals in Trinidad, private properties ($350-600+).
  • Secluded, luxury amenities, scenic views.
Family-Friendly Options

Campgrounds like Jedediah Smith or Elk Prairie with nearby trails.

  • Vacation rentals offer kitchens, multiple rooms, common areas.
  • Hotels in Arcata or Eureka with amenities for kids, like pools.

Solo Traveler & Long Stay

  • Solo Traveler:

    Budget motels provide practical and safe lodging. A few hostels exist in Arcata or Eureka for social opportunities.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations:

    Vacation rentals on Airbnb or Vrbo, or extended-stay hotels in Eureka or Arcata. These options often include kitchens and laundry facilities.

  • Unique Stays:

    Consider unique house-sitting opportunities via TrustedHousesitters for longer, cost-effective visits.

  • Hotel Chains:

    For consistent quality, major hotel chains like IHG Hotels have properties in the wider region.

Properties with Cultural or Historical Significance

  • Victorian Inns in Ferndale:

    Offer a charming historic town experience with beautifully preserved Victorian architecture.

  • Historic Hotels in Old Town Eureka:

    These properties provide a glimpse into the region's past and unique character.

  • Local Character Stays:

    Look for independent inns that reflect the local culture and artistic community, specifically in Trinidad and Arcata.

  • Coastal Lodges:

    Some lodges along the coast near the park have a long history of accommodating travelers seeking redwood adventures.

Explore and Book Your Stay

Vacation Rentals & Unique Stays

Discover homes, cabins, and unique properties for a local experience:

Planning Your Stay

Choose Your Base

Decide between closer, limited service towns (Orick, Klamath) or larger cities (Arcata, Eureka) with more amenities, considering driving distances to park sections.

Book Early for Peak Season

Especially for campgrounds and popular vacation rentals, securing your lodging well in advance is highly advisable.

Consider Vacation Rentals

For families or longer stays, vacation rentals offer extra space, kitchen facilities, and a home-like experience.