About Gold Bluffs Beach Campground - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Experience the wild Pacific coastline and grazing Roosevelt elk in this campground, with easy access to a secluded stretch of beach, Fern Canyon, and 70 miles of hiking and biking trails. Located on the coast within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in the southern part of the parks. Access is via a narrow, single lane, dirt road. Recreational vehicles are not advised, and trailers are prohibited.
How to Get There
To reach the campground, take the Davison Road / HWY 101 turn-off which is 3 miles north of Orick, CA. Davison Road then continues for ten miles of dirt and gravel. Redwood National and State Parks is about 6-7 hours north of San Francisco. Avenue of the Giants and Humboldt Redwoods State Park is about 2-3 hours.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 13 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (49°F low → 67°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Gold Bluffs Beach Campground - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Heading to Gold Bluffs Beach Campground - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Gold Bluffs Beach Campground - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park?
Yes — reservations can be made on Recreation.gov. Popular sites fill quickly, especially weekends and holidays. Book up to 6 months in advance.
How do I get to Gold Bluffs Beach Campground - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park?
To reach the campground, take the Davison Road / HWY 101 turn-off which is 3 miles north of Orick, CA. Davison Road then continues for ten miles of dirt and gravel. Redwood National and State Parks is about 6-7 hours north of San Francisco. Avenue of the Giants and Humboldt Redwoods State Park is about 2-3 hours.
How do I contact Gold Bluffs Beach Campground - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park?
You can reach the park at phone: 1-800-444-7275 or email: redw_information@nps.gov.
References & Official Resources