🌤 Weather at Humboldt Redwoods State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41–65 °F | 50–73 °F | 40–72 °F | 38–52 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Grizzly Creek State Park, 9 mi away, elevation 413 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Humboldt Redwoods State Park — Home to the largest remaining old-growth coast redwood forest on Earth — 17,000 acres of ancient trees in California’s Humboldt County, including the legendary Avenue of the Giants and the Rockefeller Forest.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park protects 17,000 acres of old-growth coast redwoods — the largest contiguous stand of ancient redwoods remaining on the planet. The park’s 53,000 total acres span the Eel River Valley in southern Humboldt County, anchored by the world-famous Avenue of the Giants — a 32-mile scenic highway that passes through cathedral-like groves of trees over 300 feet tall and 2,000+ years old.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Humboldt County, CA (between Garberville & Fortuna) |
| Total Acreage | 53,000 acres |
| Old-Growth | 17,000 acres — largest on Earth |
| Avenue of Giants | 32 miles — scenic drive through redwoods |
| Campgrounds | 3 main + environmental camps |
Must-See Groves
| Grove | Highlights | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Rockefeller Forest | Largest old-growth redwood forest — “Giant Tree” | Short drive from Avenue |
| Founders Grove | Dyerville Giant (fallen 362-ft tree) | Easy loop trail off Avenue |
| Williams Grove | River access, swimming hole | Off Avenue of Giants |
Camping
| Campground | Features | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Burlington | Old/second-growth, near visitor center | Year-round |
| Hidden Springs | Along Avenue of Giants | Memorial Day–Labor Day |
| Albee Creek | Near Rockefeller Forest, popular trails | May–Labor Day |
Note: None of the campgrounds have electrical hookups or dump stations. Proper food storage is required — this is bear country.
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Scenic Driving | Avenue of the Giants — 32-mile old-growth corridor |
| Hiking | 100+ miles of trails through ancient forest |
| Camping | 3 campgrounds — no hookups, reservations required |
| Swimming | Eel River — summer swimming holes |
| Cycling | Avenue of Giants — world-class bike route |
| Fishing | Eel River — steelhead, salmon (seasonal) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Avenue of the Giants?
The Avenue of the Giants is a 32-mile scenic highway (old Route 101) that runs through the heart of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It passes through cathedral-like groves of old-growth coast redwoods, with numerous pullouts, trailheads, and picnic areas. It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
What is the Rockefeller Forest?
The Rockefeller Forest is the largest remaining old-growth coast redwood forest on Earth — purchased with donations organized by the Save the Redwoods League with funding from John D. Rockefeller Jr. The “Giant Tree” within the forest is one of the largest coast redwoods by volume. A 0.5-mile loop trail provides easy access.
Do the campgrounds have electrical hookups?
No. None of the campgrounds at Humboldt Redwoods have electrical hookups or dump stations. Burlington is the only year-round campground. All campgrounds require bear-proof food storage. Reservations through ReserveCalifornia are highly recommended, especially for summer visits.
Can I swim in the Eel River?
Yes — during summer months, the South Fork Eel River provides popular swimming holes within the park. Williams Grove is a favorite access point. Water levels drop significantly in late summer, creating calm pools. The river is cold — even in summer. Always check current conditions as winter flooding can change the riverbed.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Reynolds Wayside Campground (a short drive away) or Humboldt Redwoods State Park (a short drive away).
⛺ Camping at Humboldt Redwoods State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 251 sites — Burlington Campground: 57 sites, open year-round, near the park headquarters/visitor center on the Avenue of the Giants, 1.5 miles south of Weott. Albee Creek Campground: 40 sites, open early May through Labor Day, 5 miles west of the Avenue of the Giants on Mattole Road. Hidden Springs Campground: 154 sites, usually open Memorial Day through the end of September, 5 miles south of the visitor center near Myers Flat. RVs and trailers are limited to 24 feet park-wide; there are no RV hookups or a dump station anywhere in the park. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring and holds up to 8 people; flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers are available. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Dogs are not allowed on park trails, per the park's official information. |
| Reservations | Reservations via ReserveCalifornia.com or 1-800-444-7275, available up to six months in advance or as late as 48 hours before arrival. Maximum stay is 15 nights per individual site; hike-and-bike sites are limited to 2 consecutive nights. |
| Special sites | The park also offers an equestrian camp (Cuneo Creek Horse Camp), a group camp (Williams Grove Group Camp), and hike-and-bike sites, in addition to the three main family campgrounds. |
| Season notes | Burlington Campground operates year-round. Albee Creek Campground is open early May through Labor Day. Hidden Springs Campground is usually open Memorial Day through the end of September. |
Camping questions about Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Can you camp at Humboldt Redwoods State Park?
Yes. Humboldt Redwoods State Park has 251 campsites. Burlington Campground: 57 sites, open year-round, near the park headquarters/visitor center on the Avenue of the Giants, 1.5 miles south of Weott. Albee Creek Campground: 40 sites, open early May through Labor Day, 5 miles west of the Avenue of the Giants on Mattole Road. Hidden Springs Campground: 154 sites, usually open Memorial Day through the end of September, 5 miles south of the visitor center near Myers Flat. RVs and trailers are limited to 24 feet park-wide; there are no RV hookups or a dump station anywhere in the park. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring and holds up to 8 people; flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers are available.
How do you reserve a campsite at Humboldt Redwoods State Park?
Reservations via ReserveCalifornia.com or 1-800-444-7275, available up to six months in advance or as late as 48 hours before arrival. Maximum stay is 15 nights per individual site; hike-and-bike sites are limited to 2 consecutive nights.
Are pets allowed at the Humboldt Redwoods State Park campground?
Dogs are not allowed on park trails, per the park's official information.
Source: parks.ca.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Humboldt Redwoods State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
- Dogs & wildlife
- Dogs must stay on a leash no longer than six feet, are not allowed on trails, and must be confined to a tent or vehicle at night — store pet food with your own.
Are dogs allowed at Humboldt Redwoods State Park?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Humboldt Redwoods State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: The official park brochure lists black-tailed deer (watch for tracks), chipmunks, raccoons, and skunks, with river otters playing in the Eel River. Bobcats, coyotes, and black bears occasionally leave tracks or scat along sand bars and river beaches, and birders can spot red-tailed hawks, wild turkeys, ospreys, and bald eagles among the redwoods.
Watch out for: Black bears are present but rarely seen; California State Parks tells visitors to store all food and scented items when not in use and put trash in the receptacles provided, and the park's environmental campsites and trail camps have bear-resistant storage. Feeding wildlife is prohibited — the park also asks visitors to keep a clean camp and not drop food while hiking, because food scraps attract ravens, crows, and jays that prey on endangered marbled murrelet chicks and eggs.
Are there bears at Humboldt Redwoods State Park?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov.
Park Location
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