Where do you make Redwood camping reservations?

Reservations for the four developed state-park campgrounds in Redwood National and State Parks are made through ReserveCalifornia. The National Park Service directs visitors there for both availability questions and reservations, so do not assume Recreation.gov operates every campground in the park complex.

How far ahead can you reserve a Redwood campground?

The NPS says developed campground reservations can be made up to six months in advance and, depending on availability, as late as two days before arrival. Confirm the current opening date and site rules in ReserveCalifornia for the particular campground and trip dates.

Do you need a permit for Redwood backcountry camping?

Yes. Redwood National and State Parks requires a free permit for camping at all designated backcountry camps. Obtain it at least 48 hours before the trip and use the park’s current backcountry guidance for route, conditions, and site-specific requirements.

Redwood Camping Reservations: ReserveCalifornia Guide

August 28, 2026 · Sharon Ben-Moshe

Redwood National and State Parks do not use one universal booking system. The four developed state-park campgrounds use ReserveCalifornia, while designated backcountry camps require a free permit. Start by separating car camping from a wilderness itinerary.

Key takeaways

Developed campground reservations are made through ReserveCalifornia, not Recreation.gov.
The NPS says reservations can be made up to six months ahead and, subject to availability, as late as two days before arrival.
Tall Trees Trailhead and Gold Bluffs Beach day-use access have separate permit requirements from campground reservations.

Where do you reserve Redwood National and State Parks campgrounds?

Use ReserveCalifornia for the four state-park campgrounds. The NPS permits and reservations page says availability questions and reservations for those campgrounds go through ReserveCalifornia, with bookings possible up to six months in advance and, when available, no later than two days before arrival.

This matters because ‘Redwood’ search results can mix national-park information, California State Parks inventory, and outside campgrounds. Open the official page for the campground you want before you make a release-date assumption.

How far ahead should you book redwood camping?

California State Parks says many campgrounds fill quickly and advises booking as far as six months in advance. The best method is date-specific: verify the opening date and current rules in ReserveCalifornia, then search for a site that fits the vehicle, tent, people, and nights you truly have.

If a popular summer date is full, first check a small date shift or a different suitable campground. Do not assume a late booking is impossible—the NPS says reservation availability can extend to two days before arrival—but treat any late inventory as availability, not a promise.

Do you need a campground reservation for Tall Trees or Fern Canyon?

No. Those are separate access questions. The NPS says Tall Trees Trailhead requires a free permit year-round, while Gold Bluffs Beach day-use—including Fern Canyon Trailhead—requires a free permit from May 15 through September 15. A campground confirmation does not grant either permit.

Choose developed car camping or a backcountry overnight itinerary first.
For developed camping, use the official Redwood page to reach ReserveCalifornia and verify the current window.
For Tall Trees or Gold Bluffs/Fern Canyon, make the applicable free day-use permit separately.
For backcountry camping, apply for the required free permit at least 48 hours before the trip date.

How does Redwood backcountry camping differ?

Every designated backcountry camp requires a free permit, according to the NPS. The park asks visitors to obtain that permit at least 48 hours before the planned date and does not take backcountry phone reservations. That is a separate process from an established campground booking.

Backcountry permits should follow a genuine route plan. Check distances, terrain, water crossings, current conditions, and the location of designated sites before you treat any permit as a simple alternative to a full car campground.

Build a flexible inventory search

For broader tactics when your first campground is unavailable, see how to find a realistic campsite alternative. The useful move is a checked alternate, not an invented reservation system.

Frequently asked questions

Where do you make Redwood camping reservations?: Reservations for the four developed state-park campgrounds in Redwood National and State Parks are made through ReserveCalifornia. The National Park Service directs visitors there for both availability questions and reservations, so do not assume Recreation.gov operates every campground in the park complex.
How far ahead can you reserve a Redwood campground?: The NPS says developed campground reservations can be made up to six months in advance and, depending on availability, as late as two days before arrival. Confirm the current opening date and site rules in ReserveCalifornia for the particular campground and trip dates.
Do you need a permit to hike Fern Canyon from Gold Bluffs Beach?: Yes, during the seasonal permit period. The National Park Service says the Gold Bluffs Beach Day-use Area, including Fern Canyon Trailhead, requires a free permit from May 15 through September 15. A campground reservation does not automatically cover that day-use access.
Do you need a permit for Redwood backcountry camping?: Yes. Redwood National and State Parks requires a free permit for camping at all designated backcountry camps. Obtain it at least 48 hours before the trip and use the park’s current backcountry guidance for route, conditions, and site-specific requirements.