Welcome to an enchanting forest sanctuary at Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It is located along Highway 101 between Weott and Myers Flat in northern California. Spanning more than 51,000 acres, this park protects the largest contiguous old-growth redwood forest in the world—home to giants like Stratosphere Giant and Dyerville Giant along its famed Avenue of the Giants.
What Makes Humboldt Redwoods State Park Unique
This park combines nearly 17,000 acres of ancient redwoods with old-growth groves, riparian forests, and a rich human history. The Rockefeller Forest boasts the highest concentration of towering redwoods on Earth. Historic Founders Grove pays tribute to early conservation efforts. Seasonal creek flows carve through lush valleys, and dramatic redwood canopies create a cathedral-like atmosphere—year-round, through sun, fog, storms, and quiet snow.
Top Activities & Amenities
?️ Camping & Cabins
Humboldt Redwoods offers over 250 developed campsites across three major campgrounds—Burlington, Hidden Springs, and Albee Creek—along with primitive environmental sites. Family sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, flush toilets, and coin-operated showers. RVs (up to 24 ft) can stay in campground loops, though there are no hookups or dump stations within the park.
? Hiking, Biking & Scenic Drives
The park is crossed by more than 100 miles of trails and forest roads. These routes range from gentle riverside loops to rugged ridge routes. Biking and horseback riding are welcome on designated paths. The iconic Avenue of the Giants—32-mile scenic drive through giant redwoods—features pullouts, auto-tour stops, and trailheads leading into serene groves.
? Picnicking & Group Facilities
Day-use areas like Women’s Federation Grove and Founders Grove offer picnic tables, BBQ grills, restrooms, and riverside access. Large-group picnic areas and group camps are available by reservation for gatherings, reunions, or club retreats.
? Fishing & Swimming
The South Fork Eel River and Bull Creek invite anglers to fish for steelhead, trout, and salmon. Swimming and wading are popular in summer—always watch for strong currents and submerged logs.
? Wildlife Viewing & Photography
Wildlife including black-tailed deer, river otters, squirrels, and a variety of birds thrive under the redwood canopy. Photographers delight in capturing ancient giants like the Stratosphere Giant, Founders Tree, albino “Christmas Tree,” and serene forest light shafts.
?️ Visitor Center & Educational Exhibits
The Humboldt Redwoods Visitor Center is operated by the Interpretive Association. It offers interactive displays, a small theater, maps, a gift shop, and books. The center also provides guidance from knowledgeable volunteers. It is open daily except major holidays.
? Restrooms & Showers
Each developed campground features flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers. Vault toilets and drinking water are available at environmental/trail camps. First-aid stations and emergency services are available during staffed hours.
♻️ RV Dump Station & Park Store
Though no dump station exists onsite, one is located nearby outside the park. The visitor center doubles as a park store, selling firewood, maps, snacks, and souvenirs.
? Interpretive Programs & Campfire Events
Seasonal ranger-led tours, Junior Ranger programs, campfire talks, and evening amphitheater presentations bring the forest’s history and ecology to life. Summer weekends often feature special walks in Founders Grove.
✅ Accessibility & Pet-Friendly Features
The park includes ADA-accessible campsites, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and short trails. Leashed dogs are allowed in campgrounds, parking lots, and paved roads—but not on hiking trails or in old-growth groves.
Visitor Tips
- Fees & Reservations: Day-use parking and drives are free. Campsites cost ~$35 per night; reserve through ReserveCalifornia up to six months in advance—highly recommended May–October.
- Parking: Limited at day-use groves and trailheads; arrive early for crowd-free access.
- RV Size: Max vehicle/trailer length is 24 ft; roads are narrow and winding.
- Pets: Leashed dogs in campgrounds, visitor center, and paved areas only.
- Showers: Coin-operated—bring quarters.
- Firewood & Fires: Fires only in provided rings; purchase firewood onsite.
- Wildlife Safety: Store food securely; watch for snakes and ban those in groves.
- Seasonal Closures: Fallen logs may require temporary trail detours (e.g., summer bridge closures).
- Weather: Coastal fog common in summer; expect cool, damp mornings and warm afternoons.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Spring is the perfect time to visit—wildflowers line forest floor, fog lifts mid-morning, and wild river flows carve dramatic pools. Catch sunrise along Avenue of the Giants for mist-shrouded photographs, then hike early to Founders Grove before crowds arrive. For a restful end to your day, stroll the riverside trail near Burlington Campground—listen for night-scrawling owls and see starlight filtering through towering redwood trunks.