Summer Recreation Areas in California - Camping in Northern California - North Coast - Prairie Creek Redwoods Park

Northern California has some of the most gorgeous scenery and beautiful views and is a perfect camping destination. The mild climate (summer 40-75 degrees/winter 35-55 degrees) makes it a desirable destination throughout the spring, summer and fall for camping and there are several campgrounds in the area to choose from.

One of these campgrounds is Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Located just 25 miles south of Crescent City and 50 miles north of Eureka, California, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is nestled in part of California's last remaining old growth redwood forests.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is right off of Highway 101 on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and is operated by the California State Parks system. Prairie Creek's coordinates are: Latitude/Longitude: 41.4072 / -124.0192. Prairie Creek's address is 127011 Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Orick, California 95555. The telephone number is 707-465-7347.

Campers and trailers are allowed with a maximum camper length of 27 feet and a maximum trailer length of 24 feet.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is operated by the California State Parks System. Along with Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Redwood National Park operated by the National Parks Service, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park lays in the the last remaining 45 percent of California's old growth coastal redwood forests They have been designed collectively as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.

The 14,000 acres on which Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is situated was set aside early in the 1920s by the people of California and the Save-the-Redwoods League. It is said to be a sanctuary of old growth coastal redwood trees.

Within the park, there is a nature store with some neat stuff. There is also a visitor center that has some really cool exhibits to look at. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy such as hiking trails, wildlife viewing, nature study, picnic areas or you can just kick back and relax and enjoy the beauty of some of the oldest trees in California. The ocean is nearby and it is a good place to go walk along the beach to collect shells or just enjoy the view. There are plenty of opportunities to take pictures, for those who enjoy taking photographs.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park encompasses several acres of land in Humboldt County. The park is abundant with wildlife and is home to Roosevelt elk, the tailed frog, black bears, deer, coyote, mountain lion, bobcats, skunks, foxes, squirrels, chipmunks, a variety of birds, as well as several species of salmon.

There are several other types of trees among the redwood trees including western hemlock and Douglas fir with Sitka spruce and red alder. The prevalent fog in the area and moisture in the area makes for a dense floor in the forest and a lot of vegetation and ground cover. There are a wide variety of flowers, ferns, bushes, mosses, and lichens in the area that are common to the northern coastal redwood environment. During the spring months, azalea and rhododendron are in bloom and are beautiful amid the green forest backdrop.

Popular within the campground are the meadow along the Netwon B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach The campground and campsites are well-maintained. There are flush toilets and showers.

There are about 10 miles along the Gold Bluffs Beach to enjoy. There are hike-in and bike-in campsites, and 75 miles of hiking trails, bicycle trails, trails for people with disabilities, a self-guided nature trail, and many memorial groves and campgrounds. It really is a wonderful place to camp.

The next time you're in Northern California, check out some of the campgrounds in the redwoods even if it's just for a picnic. You will be glad you saw the redwoods in person. It is a trip you will probably remember forever.

Thanks for reading!