Reviews

Melissa

Gorgeous. Went today. Big Tree trail was fabulous, following the creek, falling leaves everywhere, ferns everywhere, so much moss and greenery. Thick forest that provided shelter from the rain. The air was damp and cool and smelled lovely. Exactly as I imagined the redwoods would be. Saw Bear scat but no bears.

Tracie Bratcher

Wow so beautiful the trail was easy with a few obstacles one of the best hikes we have been on in the redwoods kid friendly five finger ferns waterfalls on moss. We saw elk just walking out of the parking lot at the beach. You do need a permit easy on line to get.

Austin

Great park! The information center when you first arrive is extremely helpful. Parking can be tight at some of the trails but parking along the main road has plenty of space. Big Tree wayside was my favorite. There's a good number of people at the beginning of the trail but once you start walking more than 10 minutes you're by yourself. Its absolutely gorgeous.

Tino Plank

This park has so much to offer. From camping to hiking to wildlife viewing it's all right here. I've been visiting here for over 40 years. The staff at the information center can help you find the best activity to match your interests. But I'd recommend Trillium Falls or a hike along the trails adjacent to the Drury Parkway to get a taste. If you want more, and have the time, hike or drive to Fern Canyon. Personally, I like to hike the James Irvine Trail to get there. The trail will take you through some majestic and ancient groves of redwoods. The Elk Prairie campground is a good place to camp. Some of the facilities are a bit old. But the location is hard to beat. You'll likely see Roosevelt Elk in the prairie meadow. Give them plenty of space. Particularly during calving season (May-June) they can be aggressive.

Wyatt W. Penke

It really ranks as one of the best state parks you will ever visit. Where else can you possibly see giant elk on the beach next to ocean waves. Fern canyon is a once in a lifetime experience. Plus, giant redwoods on a scenic drive. It has a wonderful combination of views, drives, trails, and wildlife. Overall, the best stops in the greater Redwood park system.

Kali Kalinyuk

Amazing camping spot and hiking spot. Booked it just for Fern Canyon and it didn't disappoint. Went twice just to see what we missed. Was worth it both times. The first time we went hiking not too many people the second time, more than before. Be prepared for the cold water. Bring boots if you go in the winter and spring months. Summer months probably less water, but I'd still bring them.

Eileen

So many tourists spots were closed due to bumb-cyclones or seasonal things. I was so disappointed until got to Prairie Creek area, where saw elk family gathering to feed. They are so majestic and regal. Stopped in Elk Meadow park and hiked up to a small water fall. Saw large redwood surrounding the area so this trip was not wasted.

Laila Krowiak

What a majestic forest! The ranger’s presentation was excellent. The campground is cozy and the wooded sites are beautiful. I would plant more shrubs & oak trees around the more open sites. The maps definition of a multi use trail is very different than my own. To me, multi use doesn’t mean that other modes are tolerated, but that they are accommodated. Cycling the Drury parkway and gravel road to Gold Bluffs was really fun. Hiking the trails was awesome. The showers were lukewarm and finding quarters was an ongoing issue. I don’t agree with smoking cigarettes being permitted in state & national parks.

Vincent Stewart Jr.

Prairie Creek Redwood Forest is nothing short of incredible. My son Gideon and I explored the Big Tree, the Corkscrew Tree, and took a couple of trails—everywhere you look, it's just one breathtaking sight after another. The sheer size of the sequoias is something you have to see to believe. Honestly, if there were an eighth wonder of the world, this place would be it. The trees are massive, and the scenery feels almost otherworldly. We had an absolute blast, and I can’t recommend it enough. Definitely a place to visit if you're in the area!

Luc Gensler

Prairie Creek Redwood State Park was an excellent experience! My friends and I started our trip by staying at an Airbnb in Redding, where it was a scorching 110°F. After a scenic three-hour drive through the Trinity Alps Wilderness, the temperature dropped dramatically to a cool 65-70°F on the Pacific coast. During the drive, we watched the landscape transform from dry, arid terrain on the eastern side of the mountains to a foggy, cooler atmosphere as we crossed over to the west. We stopped by the National Park visitor center, and the park guide recommended we check out Prairie Creek State Park. The park was like 10-minutes away, and we were lucky enough to spot a herd of elk on the way! The park itself is fantastic. We hiked about five miles through the coastal redwood forest, surrounded by towering, ancient trees. You can really feel the wisdom and power of these majestic redwoods. The trails were well-marked and maintained, making the hike easy to navigate. This park is a must-see. Highly recommend!

Patricia Price

The north loop is better when it is raining. We had site #63 and we could barely get our pickup truck into the site and the campfire area was a muddy mess. We moved to maybe #49 then by the river and it was dry. We just paid for another night at new site and abandoned the reserved #63. We did self registration because there was nobody to help you- all on line and you couldn't get cell service. You could go to the kiosk but nobody was ever there but you had a slight chance of connecting to their WI-FI.

Marc Mallary

They have a very nice hiker/biker area, with showers. There are live Roosevelt Elk to look at and the visitor center was very interesting.

Charlene combs

I gave only 3 stars bc the campgrounds were SMALL. Barely enough room for a two man tent. And as you can see, you’re right on the road. Good thing my friends didn’t show up bc there wouldn’t have been room for another small tent. So keep in mind if you like privacy this is not the place to camp. Otherwise, it was very pretty and the elk was a lovely sight to see. The bathroom was well-maintained and heated

Jennifer Scribner

This campground is really nice! We stayed three nights in a spacious tent spot near the meadow, which was all that was left. We thought we were getting a poor site, but when we woke in the mornings we walked up the small ridge to see deer and Roosevelt elk grazing. Quail and rabbits were hopping around a thicket next to us too. I was surprised that the bathrooms had heat and warm water for washing, which was such a blessing with the cold early-Spring temps. The camp hosts were really friendly. Trails right from the park are lovely and it's a short drive to many other beach and trail areas. We felt like this was an excellent central location to explore from and we'd definitely stay here again.

Hannah Haines

Stayed 5 nights with my boyfriend and parents in cabin 1, it was perfect! Close enough to the general store to run out and pick things up, beautiful trails for all levels just outside the campgrounds, and a gorgeous visitors center with lots of great affordable finds. Just know to bring your own bedding and chairs