On this four night camping trip in the Redwoods National Park, we camped at Elk Prairie campground and hiked multiple trails to see giant and majestic redwoods.

Trip planning

• Elk Prairie campground

On my second trip to this park, we lucked out and were able to get the largest campsite in the campground – site #24. There was plenty of room for two large tents and our pop-up canopy. Note that booking six months ahead is recommended to get the best campsites.

Hikes

While camping at Elk Prairie, we did several day hikes that highlighted the redwoods:

• Prairie Creek Trail – Foothill Trail loop
  5 miles roundtrip, 600 ft. gain (from the campground)
• Hope Creek – Ten Taypo loop hike
  3.5 miles 575 ft. gain

Redwoods Access Trail

1 mile round trip

Located at the north end of the campground loop, this 0.5 mile trail leads to the park’s visitor center as well as providing access to the Revelation interpretive trail loop and a picnic area with some of the largest redwoods near the campground at the Campfire Center.

The first part of the trail parallels Prairie Creek and travels through lush forest full of moss and ferns.

The visitor center has rangers on staff to provide park information, a small gift shop, and a few interpretive displays. This is also where several trails in the park begin.

Camping and hiking in the redwoods is a special experience that I hope to repeat again (and again!).