Reynolds Wayside Campground
🌤 Weather at Reynolds Wayside Campground 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, 13 mi away, elevation 413 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Redwood Country Campground — Small wayside campground among coastal redwoods in Humboldt County
Reynolds Wayside Campground is a small roadside campground nestled among coastal redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt County. The campground provides a simple overnight stop for travelers exploring the Humboldt Redwoods region, with sites shaded by towering old-growth redwoods along the South Fork Eel River.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Humboldt County, CA (Avenue of the Giants) |
| Camping Fee | $15-25/night |
| Sites | Small, first-come first-served |
| Setting | Old-growth redwood canopy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reserve a site?
Reynolds Wayside is typically first-come, first-served. The small campground fills early during summer. Consider having a backup plan during peak season.
How old are coast redwoods?
Individual coast redwoods can live 2,000+ years — some trees standing today were saplings during the Roman Empire. They’re the tallest organisms on Earth, reaching 380+ feet. They reproduce both by seed and by sprouting from their root systems — creating “fairy rings” of younger trees around ancient stumps.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Humboldt Redwoods State Park (a short drive away) and Humboldt Redwoods State Park (a short drive away).
⛺ Visit Reynolds Wayside Campground
Sleep under old-growth redwoods — small campground on the Avenue of the Giants.
About Reynolds Wayside
Reynolds Wayside Campground is a small, primitive camping area along the Smith River in Del Norte County — California’s far northwest corner. The Smith River is the state’s last major undammed river, running crystal-clear through old-growth redwood forest. The water is so pure it appears turquoise-blue.
Things to Do
Camping (primitive sites), fishing for steelhead and salmon in the Smith River (one of California’s premier fishing rivers), swimming in the clear river pools, and kayaking. Jedediah Smith Redwoods and Redwood National Park are minutes away.
Insider Tips
Redwood camping: Reynolds Wayside offers primitive camping among towering coast redwoods in Humboldt County. Pro tip: The campground sits along the Avenue of the Giants — the legendary 31-mile drive through old-growth redwood groves. Old growth: These trees can be 2,000+ years old and over 350 feet tall — walking among them is one of the most humbling experiences in nature.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Warmest and driest. Fall: Mushroom season in the redwood duff. Spring: Rhododendron bloom under the redwoods. Winter: Fewer visitors — dramatic atmosphere in rain.
Wildlife & Nature
Reynolds Wayside Campground — along the North Coast in Humboldt County — provides basic camping in a redwood and Douglas fir forest. The campground — a simple roadside stop — offers a peaceful forest experience. Steller’s jays are bold campsite visitors. Gray squirrels forage for acorns. Pileated woodpeckers drum on the tall conifers. Black bears may visit (store food properly).
Nearby Attractions
Humboldt Redwoods SP — nearby — has the Avenue of the Giants (31 miles through old-growth redwoods). Garberville — nearby — has the gateway to the Lost Coast. Eureka — 40 miles north — has Victorian Old Town. Ferndale — 35 miles north — has “The Cream City” Victorian architecture.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Reynolds Wayside Campground
- 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.
Are dogs allowed at Reynolds Wayside Campground?
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
Park Location
Plan your gear for Reynolds Wayside Campground
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Mendocino
from $175
from $65
from $286