Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground Redwood National and State Parks California
1440 US 199Crescent City, California 95531
707 464-6101
Lat / Long:
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park campground has 106 beautiful campsites along the Smith River and set among towering redwood trees. There are also 4 cabins, 5 hike/bike sites and group camping available. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers up to 21 feet and RVs up to 25 feet. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring, grate and food storage locker. Check in time is 2pm and check out is 12pm. Generators may be operated between 10am and 8pm.
The campground has a campfire center, drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers ($) and an RV dump station. The Park also has a visitor center, boat ramp and miles of hiking trails.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park – Area Recreation
Named after the explorer, Jedediah Smith State Park includes 10,000 acres of predominately old growth coastal Redwoods. The Smith River also flows throw the Park which is a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. The Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife and visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, biking, hiking, horseback riding and swimming.
Mill Creek Campground in Del Norte Redwoods State Park is also in the vicinity. It’s about 12 miles away and has 145 campsites.
Make a Reservation for Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Availability Alerts
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Create Campsite Availability AlertBest Campsites
2, 3, 4, 9, 19, 21, 24, 29, 47, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 79, 105
Regions
Campsite Types
- ADA
- Group
- Hike/Bike
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
- Walk-To
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
440
# of Campsites:
106
Amenities
- Amphitheater
- BBQ Grills
- Boat Launch/Ramp
- Boat Ramp
- Campfire Center
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Cell Service Poor
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Equestrian trail
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Food Storage Locker
- Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
- Grills
- Group Camping
- Pay Phone
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Ranger Station
- Restrooms (Flush Toilets)
- Showers
- Trash Collection
- Visitor Center
Activities
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Boating (non motorized)
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Geocaching
- Hiking
- Historic Sites
- Horseback riding
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Programs
- Nature Trails
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Rafting
- River
- Stargazing
- Swimming
- Walking Trails
- Wildlife Viewing
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Photos
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Comments & Reviews
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52 Replies to “Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park”
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We have a 24 ft RV and are looking to book a spot for a few nights beginning 9/10/2019. I’m trying to prepare for the reservation rush the morning of the 10th and pick a spot. I can’t figure out which spots will accommodate our small RV. We need no hook-ups. It looks like we can only fit in space #15. Is that right?
Hi Pete,
Once you click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button you’ll be directed to ReserveCalifornia website. From there, choose Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park to view available campsites. You can click on an individual site and a popup will (sometimes) indicate site length. For example – site #36 indicates a site length of 18 feet.
Hopefully you’ll find a site that works. Best of luck!
Best camping trip to the redwoods
Are motorized vehicles allowed?
Hi Bryant,
Motorized vehicles are allowed on (paved) park roads and in the campground, but not on the trails at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Is there potable water at the tent camping sites? We are reserved for site 80.
Hi Cheri,
Although there is potable water/spigots throughout the main campground at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, we have been unable ton confirm if there are water spigots in the tent camping area.
Can’t wait to check out the redwoods at Jed Smith! Do you guys know the tent pad dimensions for any of the sites? ReserveCalifornia’s website just describes them as “STANDARD.” I’d like to know which one can accommodate a 12×12 tent. Thanks in advance!
Hi Ray, the following campsites at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park should fit 12×12 sized tents:
2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 19, 24, 27, 29, 31, 33, 44, 46-51, 53, 76, 77, 79-83, 87-89, 91, 96, 97 and 103. You’re going to have a great time!
Are trailer is 35 ft long. Is this too long for this site? What’s the max?
Hi Vonevilay,
Campsites at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park can accommodate tents, trailers up to 21 feet and RVs up to 25 feet. So, you’re 35 foot trailer will be too large for any of the sites there.
Hi there – I’d like to learn more about the hike-in “primitive” campsites I see listed on Reserve California (though, not available to be reserved). Is it safe to assume these are the same as the hike/bike sites outlined here: http://www.redwoodhikes.com/JedSmith/JedSmithCG.html
If yes, it looks like that you can in fact drive fairly close to these sites – do they require a significant hike in, or could you drive and park close by afterall?
Would it be a mistake to hope to snag one later in the day? Do they typically fill up first thing when the rest of the grounds are otherwise booked?
Thanks for any intel!
Hi EZ,
You’re right – the link you provided does a good job at profiling the walk-in (hike) bike-in campsites at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. The sites (as you mentioned) are not reservable and are only for walk-in/bike-in campers (no vehicles). So, you can’t bring a vehicle into the park/campground (and park it anywhere) if you are intending to camp at the hike/bike sites. They are sweet sites and probably very popular during the summer/weekends.
Hello. I have a question regarding the current maximum allowable vehicles. I camped there in 2012 in my 34′ RV. There were plenty of large campsites and I had no trouble navigating the roads of the campground. Have the campsites or roads been altered since that time and can no longer accommodate larger vehicles? This is the best campground in the country and it is a shame that I can no longer use my RV to camp there.
Hi Dan,
The campground layout, etc. is the same as it was in 2012. They must have had some issues with larger trailers/RVs, so they’ve limited the size from 21-25 feet on all sites. At least that’s what has been designated on ReserveCalifornia. Not sure if the ranger/camp host would give you the okay.
I have a question regarding tent size accommodation. I managed to book site 52 for mid September and I’m pretty stoked as it’s my first time. My question is I have a pretty big tent 10×14 to be exact, I had seen another question answered that a 12×12 tent would fit certain campsites but site 52 wasn’t listed. Would my tent be too large for it to fit? Thanks for your time.
Hi Giovanny,
Way to go on scoring campsite #52. Your tent will work in that site. We couldn’t find a tent pad size either, but there is some decent area by the table area, and if it’s still a tight fit – you can hang over onto the parking pad area. Have fun!
What are the dimensions of the food lockers? Wondering if my cooler is going to fit.
Hi Amy,
The food locker dimensions are 47”W x 33”D x 28”H
Hello,
Are we allowed to bring fire wood from the outside i.e. from local supermarket, Walmart, etc? Thanks.
They want you to “buy it where your burn it” because bringing in wood from outside of the area/state park may introduce evil and mean bugs that will hurt the forest. I recommend purchasing from camp host and/or in towns close to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Hello! I’m new to the rolling reservations for state campgrounds process. I have reservations for Jedediah Smith already for July 2021 but would like to modify it to try and get a campsite by the river. I’ve tried twice to modify it logging-on 15 minutes before 8:00am when it opens, then I click on the river campsite as soon as it becomes available at 8:00 but it’s instantly already taken both times…can you give me a tip or tell me what I’m doing wrong? I’m not married to my dates so I am willing to give it another try!! Thanks so much for your help.
Hi Joyce,
Unfortunately – that’s what happens at popular California State Park Campgrounds. The ReserveCalifornia.com reservation system, as well as the supply/demand factor, make it very difficult to get a reservation – especially during peak season. You’re doing all you can do, but I might recommend trying to hit ‘refresh’ right at 7:59:59, then quickly (if available) click on the site you want. You can also try using our Campsite Assist tool. It will send you an immediate text and email alert if a campsite becomes available on the dates you want to camp. You can’t select a specific campsite, but the alert will show you which campsites are available: https://www.campsitephotos.com/campsite-assist/?c=Jedediah+Smith+Redwoods+SP
Hi I’m planning to book a site in July for a week. I have a 19ft trailer and a truck which is approximately 19ft long. We have stayed at Jeddediah Smith campground in the past. I’m having difficulty finding spots that we will fit into based on the dimensions of the spots listed under the amenities. Will all spots accommodate a 21 ft trailer? Is the length and width referring to the driveway? For example we were able to fit in spot 76 parking the truck along side the trailer and there was plenty of extra room, however the dimensions listed in the amenities 25×15 wouldn’t make that possible. Which sites would you recommend for us?
Hi Amber,
Great question and we’ve heard other people ask about this before. The site measurements on ReserveCalifornia (Amenities) for Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and other parks/campgrounds are probably not exact and on the conservative side. You can use it as a basic guide and also take a look at the photos to get an idea of what site may work. Unfortunately we don’t have measurements of the parking pad area.
I’ve booked site 10 for later this summer. I’m wondering if it is big enough to comfortably accommodate 2 2-3 person tents without us being on top of each other. It’s hard to tell from the photo. Thanks!
Hi Bianca,
Yes – you can fit two 2-3 person tents in campsite #10 without being too close to one another. Have fun!
I’m looking at booking and see that the hike in primitive sites are available. I’m wondering where those are located on the map and roughly how far is the hike from the parking area when bringing in gear? Thank you.
Hi Jason,
Some of the hike/bike campsites at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Par are now reservable. The walk from the parking area to the walk-to campsites is about 200 yards.
Hi,
I booked for campsite #89, and confirmation email says the following.
Maximum RV length is 25 feet;
Maximum trailer length is 21 feet.
I only see below RV or trailer I can get for my dates.
RV 28 feet or trailer 26 feet
If trailer is left alone, can this be used as well?
Seems that it is only 1 feet larger than RV length requirement.
First time trying to rent a rv or trailer, so not sure these things work. 🙂
Hi Steve,
Good question. Usually the campgrounds / campsites have a little extra wiggle room, but the ultimate call will be from the ranger or camp host at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. The available size of the RV and trailer rentals you mentioned would probably be too long. I recommend trying to call the park/campground to confirm.
How many tents can we have at one campsite? We have (2) 2 person tents. Thanks.
Hi David,
That depends on the size of the campsite, but most all sites can fit 2 small (2-person) tents.
For site 106, do you recommend two small tents or one big one? Thanks.
Hi David,
There’s a tent pad area over by the picnic table that is about 8×8, and you also have some room along the parking bad area (probably 10×10). It’s a really nice campsite and I think you’ll like it.
I booked campsite 27 at Jedidiah Smith! I cannot find any info telling me how big of a tent this site can accommodate. Would a 14ft tent be too big for this site? What about 12ft? WouldI be better off getting 2 smaller 4 person tents? It’ll be myself and 3 very tall, large teenage boys. I feel like anything smaller we might be very cramped.
Hi Nikki,
Campsite #27 has a camping area size of 11′ x 25′, but that also includes the table, fire pit and a few trees. Unfortunately I can’t say for sure if a 14 foot tent will work in that site. I’d lean toward yes, but not sure.
Would 2 10×10 tents fit on one campsite or do I need to book 2 sites
Hi Marie,
That really depends on the campsite. I’d say about 1/3 of the campsites could fit two 10×10 sites. Best is to study the photos and see if you can get an idea.
Hello, I have booked tent site #3 and have an 8×16 size tent. Would It fit on this campsite?
Hi Dolly,
I do not believe there is room on the dirt, but you could put it up in the parking area (which is 36 feet long and 10 feet wide) – if your vehicle also fits.
Hi. Planning a traveling camping trip next summer and hope to book at Redwood in a couple different locations. Originally planned to tent camp, but found a great deal on a camper van (literally a regular VW camping van) and we aren’t towing anything. I called resevecalifornia but couldn’t get a straight answer about how to book a camping reservation with the van. On the website it requires I provide info for a trailer. Any info or suggestions how to properly book? I don’t want to break the rules…
Hi Lisa,
When selecting dates, ReserveCA has a drop down menu with an option to select a Truck/SUV/Van at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
It appears there aren’t any pictures of sites 59 and 60. Any possibility of adding them? Are these two sites similar to other riverside sites like 54-58? Maybe a bit more privacy?
Hi Tom,
Unfortunately we are missing photos of campsites 59 and 60. I’m also not sure how they compare to the other riverside sites (54-58). We are planning on reshooting the campground in March and will post soon after. I’ll try to remember to get back to you here as soon as I get the pictures.
First off, this is a wonderful campground; ya just can’t go wrong here. I just stayed there in mid-May of 2023. While there, I did my usual assessment of each and every campsite, and here’s my list. Good sites [52, 56, 58, 77]. Great sites [54, 55, 57, 79]. The best sites [59, 60]. My campsite criteria are that it has to fit my 25-foot RV in and be level enough so I don’t have to go to extremes to get it leveled out. Also, that it’s private (no close neighbors), not next to a restroom (I have one, and I don’t want a ton of foot traffic nearby), and last but not least, it’s scenic.
Just a note, this campground is near a big river, but you really don’t have a view of the river from any site in the campground. But you will be surrounded by large redwoods.
HI Sarah,
Thank you so much for the excellent reviews/feedback. Very good information and obviously you’ve spent a lot of time visiting and gathering your thoughts on these campgrounds. Thanks!!
Hi,
Is there a disadvantage of staying in the main loop? it is so hard to find anything in the outer loop, even though I was trying to book from 7:55am, refreshing every second, the sites get taken away.
Is the main loop near the highway and lots of noise? Are they tucked in huge redwoods? Or are they too close by other sites?
Hi Patty,
You’re right that Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP is very popular – campsites sell out quickly (particularly those closer to the Smith River – like the outside loop sites). The outside loop sites also tend to be a little larger, but most campsites (main / inside loop and outside loop) have good privacy (distance between neighbors, trees/bushes in between). Redwoods are found throughout the campground – most campsites. There really isn’t a disadvantage of staying at a campsite in the inside/main loop. Some of our favorites sites are in the inside loop (3, 9, 19, 21, 29 . . .).
FYI – You can see our complete list of our favorite/best campsites here (and at other campgrounds), as well as get 20% off campsite availability alerts, see our campground review videos, see campground maps and have a completely ad free experience as a Campsite Pro Member.
We have two 10 person tents 6 people and 2 dogs. We need a large campsite. Any recommendations? Its really hard to find out which sites are small and large..
Hi Paula,
Two ten-person tents will require a pretty good footprint. Not knowing exactly the dimensions of your 2 tents, the campsites with larger areas for tents include: 2, 4, 6, 24, 50/51 (group sites), 53, 54 (may need to put one in parking area), 77, 81, 82 and 103. Sites 12, 19, 31 and 44 may also work.
Stayed recently in Site 4 in early June. It is a large site with ample area for multiple tents. This is a very family friendly campground, nice interpretive nature trail, clean (and heated!) bathrooms. There is access to the river from the campground plus a separate day use area with additional river access. Rangers were friendly and there was an evening program.