4.5 Hours from Lincoln, CA
Redwood Coast in a Camper Van
Why the Redwood Coast in a Camper Van?
The coastal redwood forests of Northern California are unlike anything else on earth. The trees — some over 300 feet tall and 2,000 years old — create a cathedral silence that changes how you experience a forest. A camper van lets you sleep inside it. Wake up to fog in the canopy, the smell of damp redwood bark, and a trail empty of other visitors before 9am.
The Redwood Coast is a different kind of NorCal destination — green, cool, and atmospheric even in summer. The drive up US-101 through the Avenue of the Giants is reason enough for the trip. Add Jedediah Smith's riverside redwood groves, the Roosevelt elk herds of Prairie Creek, and the black sand beaches of the Lost Coast, and you have a full week of material.
Getting There from Lincoln, CA
Take I-5 North to Red Bluff, then CA-36 West to US-101 at Fortuna. Total to the Avenue of the Giants: approximately 4 hours. To Jedediah Smith near Crescent City: approximately 5.5 hours. Alternatively, take US-101 North the entire way through the Sacramento Valley — longer but more scenic.
The road through the Avenue of the Giants (Old US-101) is narrow in sections. At 10'6" and with the maneuverability of the Sprinter, El Capitan handles it comfortably. Denali is slightly wider but still well within the road's capacity.
Best Campgrounds for Van Camping
Jedediah Smith Campground — Crescent City
Reservation required (reservecalifornia.com)
The best redwood campground in California. Sites are in and among old-growth redwoods directly on the Smith River — a clear, aquamarine river perfect for swimming in summer. Some sites accommodate campervans up to 24 feet; pull-through sites available. The Stout Grove trail starts nearby and provides access to some of the largest trees in the world. Reserve well in advance for summer.
Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Reservation required
Prairie Creek is famous for its Roosevelt elk herd, which grazes in the meadow adjacent to the campground year-round. Sites accommodate campervans. The James Irvine Trail through the redwoods to Fern Canyon is one of the best day hikes in California — Fern Canyon's 50-foot walls of ferns appeared in Jurassic Park 2. Reserve at reservecalifornia.com.
Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Reservation required
In the heart of Humboldt Redwoods, adjacent to the Avenue of the Giants. Sites accommodate campervans. Short walk to the Founders Grove, which contains some of the world's tallest trees. Good base for multi-day exploration of the Avenue and the Eel River.
Patrick's Point State Park — Trinidad
Reservation required
On a dramatic coastal headland north of Eureka. Sites with ocean views — some of the best van camping views on the California coast. Campervans fit most sites. Agate Beach is minutes from camp. Sumeg Village (a reconstruction of a Yurok village) is on the park grounds.
Van-Specific Tips
- ◆ Redwood campgrounds get wet even in summer — morning fog is routine. The van's interior stays dry; bring waterproof layers for hiking.
- ◆ Cell service is extremely limited north of Eureka. Download maps and offline content before leaving Lincoln.
- ◆ Some redwood grove roads have height or width restrictions. At under 11ft high, both vans clear all main park roads.
- ◆ The Redwood Coast has significantly fewer developed sites than Yosemite or Tahoe. Reserve well in advance — especially Jedediah Smith and Elk Prairie.
- ◆ The diesel heater is valuable on the Redwood Coast even in July — coastal nights often drop into the low 50s.
- ◆ Bears and raccoons are active at all Redwood Coast campgrounds. Store all food in the van or a provided locker — not visible through windows.
Ready for the Redwoods?
Rent a van for this trip.
The Redwood Coast is a complete change of scenery — cool, green, and ancient. Either van handles the drive beautifully. Book through Outdoorsy.
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