Redwood Creek Campground: A Family's Humorous (and Honest) Adventure in Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Hello fellow adventurers! Sarah Anderson here, reporting back after a glorious (and slightly chaotic) weekend of family camping in California's majestic Humboldt Redwoods State Park. My husband, Mark, our two little dynamos, Lily (8) and Tom (6), and I braved the redwoods, the dirt, and the… well, you'll see. We chose Redwood Creek Campground as our basecamp, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on whether it's the perfect spot for your next family camping California escapade. Prepare for an honest review, complete with tales of triumphant tent-pitching and questionable bathroom situations!

The enchanting Albee Creek Trail, not far from Redwood Creek Campground, offered an easily accessible hike even with our two young adventurers in tow.

The Road to Redwood Creek: Are We There Yet?

Getting to Redwood Creek Campground was surprisingly easy. I armed Mark with my meticulously researched directions, but honestly, the GPS worked like a charm. The road signs were clear, and we found the entrance without any marital disagreements (a win in my book!). The drive itself was beautiful – winding roads cutting through forests so lush they looked prehistoric. Did the scenic drive add to the experience? Absolutely! Did the kids ask "Are we there yet?" approximately 74 times? Also, absolutely. We strategically packed plenty of snacks, books, and travel games to keep the "Are we there yet?" chorus to a manageable level. Consider this your official warning: stock up on entertainment if you're tackling this drive with young'uns.

Home Sweet Campsite: (Campsite 27, That Is)

We were assigned campsite 27, and it turned out to be a decent little spot. The terrain was mostly flat, which made tent-pitching a breeze (Mark might argue otherwise, but let's just say he provides the "entertainment" while I provide the instruction manual). We had a good mix of sun and shade throughout the day. In the morning, the sun peeked through the redwoods, giving us a lovely, dappled light. By afternoon, the site was mostly shaded, which was a welcome relief from the California sun.

Space-wise, campsite 27 was adequate. We had enough room for our tent (a six-person dome), a picnic table, and a small "living area." The fire pit was well-maintained, and there was plenty of space for the kids to run around without tripping over tent stakes.

Challenges? Of course, there were challenges! The ground was a bit root-y in places, making it tricky to get the tent stakes in straight. And let's just say that Mark's initial attempt at setting up the tent resembled a wrestling match with a giant piece of nylon. But hey, that's what family memories are made of, right?

Campground Rules: Order in the Redwood Forest!

The campground rules were clearly posted at the entrance and throughout the campground. They were pretty standard – quiet hours, fire safety regulations, bear safety guidelines, etc. I didn't find any of the rules unreasonable, and I appreciated that they were enforced. Nobody wants to be kept awake by noisy neighbors when they're trying to enjoy the peace and quiet of the redwoods.

We did have one minor issue – a rogue squirrel with a penchant for our granola bars. After a frantic chase scene involving Lily, a pool noodle, and a lot of frantic giggling, we learned our lesson and stored all food in the bear-resistant lockers provided. The campground host was very helpful and offered some excellent tips on deterring furry bandits.

Creature Comforts (or Lack Thereof): A Bathroom Odyssey

Okay, let's talk bathrooms. This is where things get a little… rustic. The bathrooms were relatively clean, considering we were in the middle of the forest. However, "relatively clean" doesn't mean sparkling. Let's just say I was grateful for the hand sanitizer I packed.

Hot water in the showers? Yes! Water pressure? Let's just say it was more of a gentle suggestion than a forceful blast. But hey, hot water is hot water, and I wasn't complaining.

Would I recommend bringing shower shoes? Absolutely, 100%, without a doubt. Trust me on this one. You'll thank me later. Also, maybe pack a small squeegee to wipe down the shower walls after your… invigorating… shower.

Family Fun: Adventures Among the Giants

Redwood Creek Campground and the surrounding Humboldt Redwoods State Park are a paradise for kids. There's so much to see and do!

First and foremost, we drove the Avenue of the Giants. Wow. Just wow. Towering redwoods lining the road, creating a cathedral of nature. We stopped at several pull-offs to take photos and simply soak in the majesty of these ancient trees. Lily and Tom were suitably impressed, although Tom did ask if the trees were "bigger than his Lego tower."

The unforgettable Cathedral Trail at Redwood National Park. The awe-inspiring majesty of these giants must be seen to be believed.

We also hiked a portion of the Founders Grove Nature Trail, an easy 0.5-mile loop that's perfect for little legs. The kids loved spotting banana slugs and learning about the different types of trees. We even managed to convince them that hugging a redwood tree brings good luck. (Don't tell them I made that up.) We also took the kids on a portion of the Albee Creek Trail, hiking about 1.5 miles before turning back. It was easily manageable for them and the scenery was breathtaking.

Lily and Tom were thrilled to participate in the Junior Ranger program. They completed their activity books, attended a ranger talk about redwood ecology, and earned their Junior Ranger badges. It was a fantastic way to engage them with the natural world and teach them about conservation.

Unfortunately, Redwood Creek Campground doesn't have a dedicated playground. However, the kids were perfectly content playing in the dirt, building forts out of fallen branches, and exploring the creek. Who needs swings and slides when you have an entire redwood forest to play in?

Redwood Reverie: A Sensory Symphony

The Humboldt Redwoods State Park is a feast for the senses. The towering redwoods, of course, are the stars of the show. But it's the little details that truly made the experience special. The gentle sound of Redwood Creek babbling nearby, the earthy scent of damp soil and redwood needles, the feel of cool, mossy bark under our fingertips.

At night, the sky exploded with stars. Living in the city, we rarely get to see the Milky Way. But here, in the heart of the redwood forest, it was a dazzling display of cosmic beauty. We lay on our backs, wrapped in blankets, and marveled at the vastness of the universe. It was a moment of pure magic.

One unforgettable memory was waking up early one morning to a thick fog blanketing the campground. The redwoods loomed like ghostly giants, their tops shrouded in mist. It felt like stepping into a fairytale.

The Verdict: Would We Go Back?

So, would the Anderson family recommend Redwood Creek Campground to other families with young children? Absolutely! Despite the slightly rustic bathrooms and Mark's tent-pitching struggles, we had an incredible time. The beauty of the redwoods, the sense of adventure, and the opportunity to bond as a family made it all worthwhile.

We give Redwood Creek Campground a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It's not perfect, but it's a fantastic basecamp for exploring the wonders of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Just remember to pack your shower shoes, your sense of humor, and your bear-resistant food containers! And get ready for an unforgettable camping with kids adventure amidst the giants. You won't regret it!

Even the fallen trees in Albee Creek area were magnificent.

We hope you enjoyed our review. Happy Camping!