Richardson Grove State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Richardson Grove State Park — A beloved old-growth redwood park in southern Humboldt County, California, featuring ancient coast redwoods (300+ ft tall, thousands of years old) along Highway 101, camping beneath towering groves, swimming and relaxing on the South Fork Eel River, and easy hiking trails through some of the most accessible old-growth redwood forest in the state.
Richardson Grove State Park is the first old-growth redwood experience for travelers heading north on Highway 101 — a magical “gateway to the redwoods” where the highway narrows to thread through ancient trees, some over 300 feet tall and thousands of years old. The park’s accessible campgrounds and river frontage make it one of the most popular redwood camping destinations in California.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern Humboldt County — Highway 101 |
| Trees | Old-growth coast redwoods — 300+ ft, 1000+ years |
| River | South Fork Eel River — swimming, wading |
| Camping | Three campgrounds among redwood groves |
| Reservations | ReserveCalifornia — strongly recommended summer |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Easy trails through old-growth redwood groves |
| Camping | Three campgrounds — tent + RV beneath giant redwoods |
| Swimming | South Fork Eel River — unguarded, seasonal |
| Fishing | Eel River — steelhead (seasonal, check regs) |
| Nature Walks | Self-guided grove walks among ancient trees |
| Picnicking | Shaded areas among redwoods |
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are the redwoods at Richardson Grove?
The old-growth coast redwoods at Richardson Grove include trees over 300 feet tall and thousands of years old. They are some of the most accessible old-growth redwoods in California, located right along Highway 101.
Can I drive a large RV through Richardson Grove?
Highway 101 narrows significantly through the park, with tight curves between massive redwood trees. Large trucks and oversized RVs may have difficulty navigating this section. Check with Caltrans for current vehicle restrictions before driving through.
