Do You Need A Reservation For Redwood National Park: Best
No, you do not need a reservation to enter and drive through most of Redwood National and State Parks. However, you DO need a free, timed permit to access the popular Tall Trees Grove, a seasonal permit for Fern Canyon, and advance reservations for all developed campgrounds.
Planning a trip to see the giant redwood trees can feel a little confusing. You hear words like “permits” and “reservations” and might worry it’s a complicated project. But don’t stress! Thinking about it is often the hardest part. Just like a home project, breaking it down into simple steps makes everything easy.
The good news is that most of this incredible park is open for you to explore without any advance booking. You can drive the scenic roads and walk many beautiful trails freely. You only need to plan ahead for a few special spots and for overnight camping.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what needs a reservation and what doesn’t. We’ll show you how to get the permits you need, step by step, so you can plan your trip with confidence and focus on the fun part: standing next to the tallest trees on Earth.
The Short Answer: Park Entry vs. Specific Activities
Let’s clear this up right away. Unlike some other famous national parks, Redwood National and State Parks (a unique partnership of one national park and three state parks) do not have a main entrance gate where you pay a fee or show a reservation just to get in. You can drive right into the park on public highways like US-101.
The reservation system is all about managing crowds at a few very popular locations and in the campgrounds. Think of it this way:
- Entering the Park: No reservation needed. Free and open.
- Driving Scenic Roads: No reservation needed.
- Hiking Most Trails: No reservation needed.
- Visiting Specific, High-Demand Areas: Yes, a permit is required (like Tall Trees Grove and Fern Canyon).
- Staying in a Campground: Yes, a reservation is always required.
This approach helps protect the delicate ecosystems in these popular spots and ensures visitors have a better, less crowded experience. Now, let’s look at exactly where you’ll need to do some planning.
Where You Absolutely Need a Reservation or Permit
If you have your heart set on seeing some of the most famous sights or camping in the park, this is the section for you. Getting these reservations is straightforward, but you need to act early, especially for summer trips.
The Gold Dust Day Use Area (Fern Canyon) Permit
Made famous by its appearance in Jurassic Park, Fern Canyon is a breathtaking walk through a narrow canyon with walls covered in ferns. Because of its popularity and the fragile environment, a permit system is in place during the busiest months.
- When is it Required? Permits are required from May 15th to September 15th. Outside of these dates, you do not need a permit.
- How Much Does it Cost? The permit itself is free, but you must apply online. Note that there is a state park day-use fee to enter the Gold Bluffs Beach area, where the canyon is located.
- How to Get It: You can apply online through the Redwood Parks Conservancy website. You can apply the day of your visit or further in advance.
- Important Tip: The road to Fern Canyon, Davison Road, is a narrow, unpaved road that crosses several streams. Standard passenger cars can usually make it, but RVs and trailers are not permitted. Always check road conditions before you go.
The Tall Trees Grove Permit
Home to some of the tallest trees in the world, including the former world-record holder, the Tall Trees Grove is a protected and secluded area. To visit, you must get a free permit in advance, which includes a secret code to a locked gate.
- Why is a Permit Needed? The park limits access to just a handful of cars per day to preserve the quiet, magical feeling of the grove and protect its fragile soil.
- How to Get It: You can apply for a free permit online. The application window opens up to 180 days in advance. Summer and weekend permits go very, very fast!
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The Process:
- Apply online for your desired date.
- If successful, you will receive a confirmation email with the combination to the locked gate.
- Drive to the gate on the day of your visit, enter the code, and close the gate behind you.
- Follow the 6-mile unpaved road down to the trailhead.
- Vehicle Restrictions: The road to the grove is steep and winding. RVs longer than 21 feet and any vehicle towing a trailer are strictly prohibited.
Campgrounds: Booking Your Spot Under the Giants
There is no first-come, first-served camping at any of the developed campgrounds within Redwood National and State Parks. If you plan to camp, you must have a reservation, and they are extremely competitive.
All reservations for these campgrounds are made through the California State Parks reservation system or Recreation.gov, depending on the site. You can book up to 6 months in advance of your arrival date.
| Campground | Location | Best For | Booking Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jedediah Smith Campground | North end of the park, along the Smith River | River access, old-growth groves, family-friendly | Books up 6 months in advance. Very popular. |
| Mill Creek Campground | In Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park | Secluded sites, lush ferns, good for hikers | Offers a mix of scenic, wooded sites. |
| Elk Prairie Campground | In Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park | Seeing Roosevelt elk, easy trail access | Elk often wander right through the campground! |
| Gold Bluffs Beach Campground | On the coast in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park | Beachfront camping, ocean views, near Fern Canyon | A unique experience, but windy. Sites are small. |
For adventurous hikers, backcountry camping permits are also available. These are for designated sites along hiking trails and also require advance planning.
What You Can Do Without Any Reservations
Feeling worried you might miss out if you can’t get a permit? Don’t be! The vast majority of Redwood National and State Parks is accessible to everyone, anytime, without a reservation. Here are some of the best things to do that require zero advance planning.
Enjoy the Scenic Drives
Some of the best redwood experiences can be had right from your car. These scenic drives take you through the heart of the giant forests.
- Newton B. Drury Parkway: This 10-mile road runs parallel to Highway 101 and is a must-do. It’s a quiet, beautiful alternative that takes you past countless giant trees and trailheads, including the Big Tree Wayside.
- Howland Hill Road: Located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, this unpaved road puts you incredibly close to the trees. It’s suitable for most passenger cars but not recommended for RVs or trailers. This is where you’ll find the trailhead for Stout Grove.
- Coastal Drive Loop: This scenic loop offers dramatic ocean overlooks and views of the Klamath River mouth. It’s a great way to see the rugged coastline that defines the park.
Hike Amazing Trails (No Permit Needed)
Dozens of incredible trails are open for you to explore freely. Just pull up to the trailhead and start walking. Parking can fill up at popular spots, so arriving early is always a good idea.
- Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail: A very easy, family-friendly 1.5-mile loop on a high ridge. It’s a great introduction to an old-growth redwood forest.
- Trillium Falls Trail: This lovely trail combines giant redwoods with a charming little waterfall. It’s a great hike for a foggy morning.
- Stout Memorial Grove Trail: One of the most beautiful and photogenic groves in the entire park. It’s a short, flat loop along the Smith River. The lighting here in the late afternoon is magical.
- Cathedral Trees Trail: A peaceful walk that connects to the Big Tree Wayside. This trail gives you that classic, awe-inspiring feeling of being small among giants.
Visit Visitor Centers and Beaches
Stop by one of the park’s visitor centers to get maps, talk to a ranger, and see exhibits. They are great resources for planning your day. Additionally, the park’s rugged coastline is free to access. Explore beaches like Enderts Beach or the mouth of the Klamath River for tide pooling and whale watching (in season).
Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your Permits & Reservations
Okay, let’s treat this like a simple project. If you want to visit one of the permit-only areas or camp, follow these steps to make it a smooth and successful process.
Step 1: Plan Your “Must-Do” List
Before you even think about dates, decide what experiences are most important to you. Is camping under the stars a priority? Do you dream of seeing Fern Canyon? Is the Tall Trees Grove at the top of your list? Knowing your priorities will tell you exactly what you need to book.
Step 2: Check the Booking Windows and Mark Your Calendar
Timing is everything. These reservations open up months in advance and are often gone within minutes for popular dates. Use this table to plan your attack.
| Activity | Booking Window Opens | Where to Book |
|---|---|---|
| All Campgrounds | 6 months in advance, on a rolling daily basis | Recreation.gov or ReserveCalifornia.com |
| Tall Trees Grove Permit | Up to 180 days in advance | Online application on the NPS website |
| Fern Canyon Permit | System opens around May 1st for the entire summer season | Redwood Parks Conservancy website |
Step 3: Be Ready to Book the Moment They’re Available
For campgrounds and Tall Trees Grove permits on summer weekends, you need to be online and ready to click the moment the reservations go live (usually 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. Pacific Time, but check the site). Have your account created and be logged in beforehand. It’s just like buying concert tickets for a popular band!
Step 4: Always Have a Backup Plan
Sometimes, you just don’t get lucky. Don’t let it ruin your trip! If you can’t get a campground reservation, look for private campgrounds or hotels in nearby towns like Crescent City, Orick, or Klamath. If you can’t get a Tall Trees or Fern Canyon permit, remember all the amazing, no-permit-required trails and drives we listed above. Your trip will still be incredible.
Tips for Visiting Redwood National Park Like a Pro
- Check Conditions First: Before you head out, always check the official NPS Current Conditions page. Roads or trails can close unexpectedly due to weather or fallen trees.
- Arrive Early, Especially on Weekends: For popular trailheads without reservations, like Stout Grove, the small parking lots can fill up by 10 a.m. An early start ensures you get a spot and enjoy more peaceful trails.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service is very limited to non-existent in most of the park. Download Google Maps of the area and use an app like AllTrails to download trail maps before you lose service.
- Pack Layers: The weather on the Northern California coast can change in an instant. It can be foggy and cold in the morning and sunny and warm by the afternoon. A rain jacket is always a good idea.
- Leave No Trace: These ancient ecosystems are fragile. Stay on marked trails, pack out everything you pack in, and never disturb wildlife. Let’s keep this place beautiful for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are quick answers to some of the most common questions about visiting the redwoods.
Is it free to enter Redwood National Park?
Yes! There is no entrance fee for Redwood National Park itself. You can drive scenic roads and hike most trails for free. However, the three state parks within the complex (Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek) do charge day-use fees in certain developed areas like campgrounds or Gold Bluffs Beach.
Can I just drive through Redwood National Park without a reservation?
Absolutely. US Highway 101 runs directly through the park, and several scenic drives like the Newton B. Drury Parkway are open to all vehicles without a permit or reservation.
What’s the best time of year to visit to avoid crowds?
The shoulder seasons—spring (April-May) and fall (September-October)—are fantastic times to visit. You’ll find fewer crowds, and the weather is often pleasant. The summer months of June through August are the busiest.
Do I need a permit for Fern Canyon?
Yes, but only during the peak season from May 15th to September 15th. During the rest of the year, you do not need a permit to visit Fern Canyon, though you still need to pay the state park day-use fee for the area.
How hard is it to get a Tall Trees Grove permit?
It can be very difficult for summer weekends. Permits are limited and go quickly. For weekdays or during the off-season, your chances are much better. The key is to apply as far in advance as possible.
Are pets allowed in Redwood National Park?
Pets are very restricted in the park to protect wildlife and the fragile ecosystem. They are allowed on paved roads, in campgrounds, and on a few specific beaches, but they are not allowed on almost all park trails.
What if I can’t get a campground reservation?
Look for lodging in nearby towns like Crescent City, Klamath, Orick, Trinidad, or Arcata. There are also several private campgrounds and RV parks located just outside the park boundaries.
Your Redwood Adventure Awaits
Planning a trip to Redwood National and State Parks is a rewarding project that pays off with incredible memories. While it might seem like there are a few hoops to jump through, the system is there to protect the very nature you’re coming to see. Remember, the core of the park—the towering trees, the misty trails, and the scenic drives—is open and waiting for you without any reservations needed.
With a little bit of planning for those special spots, you can build the perfect trip. So mark your calendar, set your reminders, and get ready. Your adventure among the giants is just around the corner, and it is absolutely worth the effort.
