Redwood Valley Campground: A Family Camping Adventure Among Giants (Review by The Wandering Wheels)

Remember that time we accidentally left a bag of marshmallows unattended, and a raccoon made off with the whole thing? That was our first night at Redwood Valley Campground, and it perfectly encapsulates our newbie family camping experience: a mix of awe-inspiring beauty, hilarious mishaps, and lessons learned the hard way. As The Wandering Wheels – that’s me, my husband, and our two kids (ages 5 and 7) – we’re relatively new to this whole camping in California thing, but we’re determined to explore every corner of this amazing state. Our recent trip to Redwood Valley Campground near Eureka California, was a resounding success, and we're excited to share our experience with you! Get ready to immerse yourselves in the magic of the redwoods!

Finding Our Way: Location and Accessibility

Getting to Redwood Valley Campground was surprisingly easy. We punched the address into our GPS, and it guided us directly to the entrance without any issues. The signage was clear and visible from the main road, Highway 101. The road leading up to the campground was paved and well-maintained, making for a smooth and comfortable drive, even with our heavily packed minivan. No bumpy dirt roads to contend with here, which was a relief after a long drive!

Setting Up Camp: A Family Affair

Our campsite was number 23, and we were pleasantly surprised by its size. It was plenty spacious, easily accommodating our large family tent and our car. The ground was mostly level, which made pitching the tent a breeze. This is always a huge plus when camping with kids! We had electric hookups, which were conveniently located and worked perfectly, allowing us to charge our devices (a must for capturing all those amazing photos!) and run a small fan at night. The water spigot was also close by, making it easy to fill up our water bottles and wash dishes.

Watching the kids "help" set up the tent was both heartwarming and chaotic. Our five-year-old was in charge of holding the tent poles (sometimes), while our seven-year-old considered herself the supervisor, offering (often unsolicited) advice. There were definitely some moments of frustration, but ultimately, we all worked together, and the feeling of accomplishment when the tent was finally up was incredibly rewarding.

Rules and Regulations: Keeping the Peace

Redwood Valley Campground had a clear set of rules and regulations, which we appreciated. Quiet hours were from 10 PM to 8 AM, and they seemed to be strictly enforced. We didn't hear any loud music or disruptive noise after 10, which made for a peaceful night's sleep. Campfires were allowed in designated fire rings, and we made sure to follow all safety precautions. The campground also had a strict pet policy – dogs were allowed, but they had to be kept on a leash at all times and cleaned up after. We didn't bring our dog this time, but we saw plenty of other families with well-behaved furry companions. Generator use was limited to certain hours, which helped maintain the tranquility of the campground.

Creature Comforts: Bathrooms and Showers

Let's be honest, bathroom facilities can make or break a camping trip. Fortunately, Redwood Valley Campground exceeded our expectations. The bathrooms were clean, well-maintained, and stocked with plenty of toilet paper and soap. There were no separate family bathrooms, but the individual stalls were spacious enough to accommodate a parent and child. The showers were hot and easily accessible, which was a welcome treat after a long day of hiking. We did have to wait in line for a few minutes during peak hours, but it wasn't too bad. Overall, we were very impressed with the cleanliness and functionality of the bathroom and shower facilities.

Adventures Await: Activities and Attractions

The majestic Redwood National and State Parks near Redwood Valley Campground, beckoning families to explore their ancient wonders. The dense foliage and towering trees offer an immersive experience in nature's grandeur.

Redwood Valley Campground itself offered several family-friendly activities. There was a small playground that the kids loved, complete with swings, slides, and a climbing structure. We also enjoyed exploring the nearby creek, where we skipped rocks and searched for tadpoles.

Of course, the main attraction was Redwood National Park, which was just a short drive away. We spent a day hiking among the towering redwoods, and it was an unforgettable experience. We chose the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, which is a relatively easy and paved trail perfect for young children. The kids were amazed by the sheer size of the trees, and we spent hours taking photos and learning about the redwood ecosystem. Another good option with kids is the Stout Memorial Grove Trail.

Eureka, California, is also worth a visit. It’s only a short drive (approximately 20 minutes) from the campground. We explored the charming Old Town area, with its Victorian architecture and unique shops. We also visited the Sequoia Park Zoo, which was a big hit with the kids.

Visual Appeal: Immersed in Nature's Beauty

The natural beauty of Redwood Valley Campground and the surrounding area is simply breathtaking. Imagine waking up to the sound of birds chirping and the gentle rustling of leaves in the towering redwood trees. The campground is nestled among these giants, creating a sense of awe and wonder. The air is fresh and clean, and the scent of pine and redwood fills your nostrils. At night, the stars shine brightly through the canopy, creating a magical atmosphere. We spotted several deer wandering through the campground, and we even heard the hooting of an owl one evening. The whole experience was truly immersive and rejuvenating.

The enchanting Berry Glen Trail offers a family-friendly hike through Redwood National Park. This moderate trail provides an opportunity to observe the unique ecosystem and diverse plant life that thrive beneath the towering redwoods.

Family Fun Factor: Our Verdict

Overall, we would highly recommend Redwood Valley Campground to families with young children. We give it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. The highlights of our trip were definitely the proximity to Redwood National Park, the clean and well-maintained facilities, and the peaceful atmosphere. It's a fantastic option for family camping near Eureka California.

A breathtaking sunset casts a warm glow over the Redwood National and State Parks. The play of light and shadow on the ancient trees creates a captivating scene, epitomizing the serene beauty of the park.

One thing that could be improved is the availability of family bathrooms. While the individual stalls were spacious, having a dedicated family bathroom would be a welcome addition. Also, more signage within the campground directing visitors to amenities would be helpful.

Despite these minor drawbacks, we had an incredible time at Redwood Valley Campground. It was the perfect introduction to camping with kids, and we created memories that will last a lifetime. We’re already planning our next adventure!

Ready to experience the magic of the redwoods for yourself? Book your camping in California adventure at Redwood Valley Campground through VistaLocation.com today! [Link to Redwood Valley Campground on VistaLocation.com]