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Grizzly Creek Redwoods
Overview
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the busier corridors of Northern California. Nestled along the banks of the Van Duzen River, this small park provides an intimate experience with towering ancient redwoods. Unlike the more crowded national parks nearby, this state park feels like a hidden sanctuary where the sound of the wind through the canopy replaces the noise of traffic. It is a place where nature takes center stage, inviting visitors to slow down and appreciate the quiet majesty of the forest.
Location & Surroundings
Located in Carlotta, CA, the park is situated about 20 miles east of Highway 101 on State Route 36. The drive itself is a scenic journey through winding hills and lush river valleys. The Van Duzen River borders the park, offering a cool respite during the summer months and providing a beautiful backdrop for the entire campground. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dense ferns, moss-covered logs, and some of the most impressive old-growth trees in Humboldt County, creating a lush temperate rainforest atmosphere.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a rustic destination focused on the natural environment rather than modern luxuries. The campground features small-scale sites that are best suited for smaller RVs, camper vans, and trailers. Key features of the park include:
- Flush toilets and hot showers for guest convenience.
- Accessible picnic tables and fire rings at each site.
- Food locker storage to help maintain a safe environment for local wildlife.
- A visitor center that provides educational information about the local ecosystem.
While there are no hookups available, the park provides essential amenities that ensure a comfortable stay while maintaining a true off-grid feeling.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
One of the park’s most famous features is Cheatham Grove, a stand of redwoods that served as a filming location for the forest speeder chase in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Visitors can explore several miles of hiking trails that wind through the groves or spend an afternoon fishing and swimming in the river. For those seeking more exploration, the Avenue of the Giants is a short drive away, offering world-renowned scenic vistas and some of the tallest trees on the planet.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for travelers who prefer a quiet, rustic experience over large resort-style campgrounds. It is particularly well-suited for owners of smaller RVs or camper vans who can navigate the winding access road and smaller site footprints. Families and photographers will appreciate the solitude and the chance to witness the majesty of the redwoods without the pressure of large crowds. It is the perfect choice for the RVer who values nature-focused solitude above all else.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Kevin Hogan
Pro: sell firewood there at ranger booth, public restrooms, free wifi at ranger station. Con: if leave camp no cell service until eureka area, 1 lane road each way slowed by construction, a few short hiking trails but nothing to see. Shower $0.50/2 minutes
Tony Carl
This is a fantastic glamping area. Wife and I think of these places as a cheap hotel without walls. It's a lovely area with clean bathrooms and warm showers. I found the road noise to be nice to fall asleep to. It reminded me of a Miyazaki movie, but I sleep with a fan all year round. In my opinion, some people are too whiny. The staff was kind and helpful. The scenery was stunningly beautiful! My only gripe was driving from Red Bluff to the camp site over 36. That drive was terrifying for me. That road sucks and I was not prepared for it, but we made it. Thank you Grizzly Creek for a lovely week of taking it slow and enjoying the beauty of the redwoods (which was the first time I've ever seen them) 10/10 would stay again and I plan to go back with my kids.
Asher James
This was, hands down the best camping experience i ever had. The sites are spacious, the bathrooms were clean, truly the whole park was so well maintained. The rangers were all so nice and helpful, and they walked about often so they were always avaible for questions or to quickly take care of anything that was out of sorts. The reviews about the road being close are true but the trees are huge and ancient, if they haven't been hurt, neither will you. If it is the noise of the traffic you are worried about bring ear plugs, i did but i never used them. I 100 percent want to come back here.
Nicole Vasquez
We took our son for his first camping trip here. The park rangers were extremely helpful and nice. They had little scavenger hunts for the kids to earn free prizes. The park was very well maintained and easily accessible. The campsites were hit or miss from what we could see. Some looked well spaced from others, while others looked to be really close to one another. Kind of depends which you get. It is very close to hwy 36. Some campsites appeared to be only yards from the road so something to think about if you're planning on going. We were fortunate that our site was close to the creek. Plenty of area to wade down to. It is very rocky but further down more of a sandy beach. We went during Memorial day weekend and all in all very respectful neighbors. Our son definitely wants to go back.
Megan Pehrson
Clean, small camping areas. Bear safe storage right next to each campsite so you don't have to worry about your car getting dinged up by the local wildlife. Perfect scenery and lovely night shots! Recommend getting there before sundown if you're camping so you can check in at the ranger station.