Elk Prairie Campground

Kathleen Dent

2024-04

Absolutely beautiful campground in the heart of the redwoods. The campsites are set next to a meadow and also in the trees. There are numerous hiking trails that start right from the campground. We took the redwood access trail to THE BIG TREE. About 5 miles round trip through primeval forests and next to prairie creek. Sooo beautiful. The campground host, Fred, was very friendly and helpful. The bathrooms and showers (quarter operated) were clean. We had a great stay!

Z's Account

2024-03

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Lissy “LuLu” Webber

2024-01

Absolutely amazing, everyone needs to camp here at least once!! You can pay either online or in person depending on when the busy season is. If the only option is in person you can only pay cash or check there is no credit card option. Bathrooms are available and close to all camp spots, I camped in #53 if I remember right. It had 2 big trees to the right, mossy tree to the left and a calm river in front. This site was so wonderful, I loved all the wildlife too, birds chirping and elk in the fields. There is a parking spot, fire pit, table and bear proof container for food. It was fairly cold when I was there in middle December and it had rained previously so the trees were constantly dripping water so keep tent and firewood dry. There is even a trail that goes through the forest nearby.

Ian Maye

2023-12

This is a beautiful campground with lots of huge old growth trees. We were right next to a stream. Fire pit and bear box. Negatives 35.00 per night is steep. Be that as it may I feel like the shower should not cost additional money where no change is provided. Just make sure it works before yourself naked cold and changeless...besides that awesome campground..Nearby activities: Redwood national ParkWalkability: It will be a long walkFood & drinks: Bring everything you need. No stores or services here.

Jackie Hamer

2023-11

Our camping spot was small but adequate for our 21 ft trailer and van right off the road. It was a5 mile hike to the beach with lovely hikes. The bathrooms were clean but not even an air dryer or paper towels for hands. The men’s bathroom had lights that didn’t work. The camping sites down below were wet and dark.

Lindsey Smith

2023-09

Nice place to spend a few days camping, regardless of whether you are looking to go hiking in the area or just relax at camp.Many of the sites are extremely exposed to the road view so be prepared to say hello every few minutes to people walking around. There's not much car traffic though and there's so many huge trees that you still feel ntimate and tucked in to nature.We stayed in site 50, which was tiny and extremely exposed to the road, but we set up some canopies with walls, which gave us enough privacy for it to feel comfortable. Also, the river was right against the site so we spent much of the day hanging out in our chairs next to the water and enjoying some drinks. Absolute relaxation!As for the campground overall, I love how the nearby trails (walkable from camp) were filled with enormous redwoods. So if you're feeling lazy (or too tipsy to drive...whoops), you can take a little walk from camp through some redwood groves.

Chris E

2023-06

We spent Memorial Day weekend camping at Elk Prairie campground in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Nice campground. The site we had had lots of trees and bushes for a sense of privacy. A fire pit (really more like a barrel), picnic table and a bear box for food storage, as well. We also happened to have a water spigot right next to our site. The bathroom was a little far away, but it wasn't inconvenient. There were showers also that were pretty clean and had plenty of hot water. At least whenever I showered, I didn't have any problem with having hot water. We really enjoyed camping here. Lots of hiking trails close by. We hiked out to Fern Canyon one day. Other than the first night, when our neighbors were a bit noisy late into the night, the campground would quiet down by about 10 and we slept well. I would like to come back. Of course, to get a popular weekend campsite, you have to make a reservation 6 months ahead of time. Great place to camp in my opinion.

Hilary Neilson

2024-04

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Valerie Gray

2023-05

We spent three nights and every morning and evening the elk came within 10 feet of our trailer. We were in site #75, this section is in the grass with no trees (Starlink worked well). The sections by the stream are beautiful, but heavily wooded and better for tent camping. We have a 23 ft trailer, it was almost too big for the space but we managed. If you come here don’t miss the fern canyon hike, it’s magical :)Nearby activities: Hiking, wildlife viewingNoteworthy details: Tons of elk

V Koneal

2023-10

Full timer here who needs internet for work and entertainment: I spent a few days in the park and I love the easy access to awesome trails. It's dry camping only but there is water available all over the park. No dump station. Sites are pretty close together but down in the wooded area many has more privacy. There is no reception in the campground, if you have Starlink, and solar these sites have open sky: 5,6,7,71,72,73,74,75,76. My SL points West. It still cuts out though every few minutes. If you want to see the campground, Google Map allows you to drive around (street level). A big part of the park is in the woods. I enjoyed my stay, it got a bit chilly at nights and mornings. The campground is 5 star but the reservation system and efficiency gets 3 stars. Many no show. On the reservation website now in October (camp hosts are gone) the campground looks absolutely booked solid for weeks The large loop of the campground is closed for the season. When I walked around at 7pm, 7 sites were sitting empty out of 35. All had reserved signs. I don't understand. I noticed also that not all sites are on the reservation site. Some are skipped. How do people reserve those? Doesn't make sense.

Chloe Campbell

2023-09

Stayed here in a campervan in Aug. Location was ideal - close to trailheads and saw lots of wildlife in the two days we were there. Facilities were good - lots of bathrooms and decently priced showers.Rangers and staff were very present - v. much enjoyed Ranger Sam's Redwood quiz at the bonfire. Would deffo stay here again and recommend!

Lenny Nunez

2023-05

Got in late to park and was happy to see camping ground marked reserved with our name on it. Wasn't able to really see how beautiful the park was until we woke up the next morning! The bull elks grazing in the field across from camping spots was an amazing experience. Camp grounds are nicely spaced. Bear lockers are sturdy and metal. Overall I had a great stay and enjoyed the hiking trails attached to campgrounds. Highly recommend.

pat fisher

2023-05

Nice, clean campground. Bear boxes. Some first come first serve. Short hikes from the park that lead to other parks. Some campsites are really pretty, big trees, but somewhat lacking privacy. Some spots are secluded, but not as nice, but just fine. Pick your poison. Restrooms, showers. Nice hike at south end that goes to Elk Grove. No cell service. Pay phone at ranger station. 4.7 stars. My one night site wasn't the prettiest and cars drove by above, but it was secluded. 19?

Michael Barton

2023-05

Elk Prairie Campground makes you feel like you're in the depths of an ancient forest despite being near the highway. You'll be covered by beautiful Redwoods and twisted mossy trees. Get a campsite along the creek for the best scenic experience. Showers are available but their temperature is lukewarm at its hottest. You're guaranteed to see elk and fog in the nearby meadows. Be careful if you arrive at night because elk may be on the roads.Playground: There is no playground.Restrooms: Showers are available but the water is only lukewarm at its hottest.

Richard Bailey

2024-04

Nice area but the sites are small and close together. The amenities need updating as well.

Chinmay S

2023-05

Absolutely perfect location! Our site was pretty compact, but not too bad for two people. Easy access to elk viewing, we saw elk herds every morning! The only downside is that maintenance could be better. The restrooms and showers on our side of the campground were broken on day 1, so we ended up walking to the other side of camp. Tbf they did fix it promptly by the next day. Mild inconvenience but manageable. I highly recommend it, especially for the location and staff.

Ashley Hager

2023-05

This campground has incredible natural beauty but sadly isn't very well maintained. The picnic table in our site was very worn out and we found several tent stakes, nails, and other trash left in our site when we showed up. The nearby water spigot worked well but the drain next to it didn't drain at all so there was a huge puddle around it at all times. The bathrooms were mostly clean, but only one of the showers in the entire campground was actually working, but only after a ranger switched it to free-mode after it ate my husband's quarters. Later my husband met the maintenance worker and learned that he is actually quitting soon due to there being no budget at all for maintenance. It's very sad to see such a beautiful park not being given funds to maintain the facilities.Other than that, it is a very beautiful park. There was a Jr Ranger program for the kids. A handful of gorgeous hiking trails. Some campsites have better separation and privacy than others, and they vary in size. We had a great time overall. Just wish that California took better care of these lovely places.

Sarina Collins

2023-05

Sadly no elk while visiting in October.Don't expect cell phone reception.Wood can be purchased from the camp host.Recommend campsite 35 for tent campers -it's very private and right on the creek. However, it's small and will only fit one tent (we had a 4-man tent).Campground was surprisingly peaceful for being kinda cramped. No soap in the bathrooms but they do have showers (quarters only). The Prairie Creek visitors center is right outside the campground and there are miles of trails accessible from it, including a long hike to Fern Canyon.Have a few hours to spend in the deep forest amongst some of the most beautiful trees in the world? I'd recommend an easy 7 mile loop hike from the visitors center: James Irvine Trail to Clintonia Trail to Miner's Ridge Trail (with an optional 3 mile detour to Fern Canyon from this loop).

Holly G.

2023-05

Quiet, well maintained campground with friendly rangers at the trailhead. Had a wonderful experience at this park and campground- 10/10⭐️ recommend. Went mid-April 2023 and was cool and wet…happy to be in camper so tenters be prepared for some cool evening temps. Grab some firewood from the host and all is good. Can’t beat the scenery! It’s unmatched anywhere.

Jennifer Scribner

2022-05

This campground is really nice! We stayed three nights in a spacious tent spot near the meadow, which was all that was left. We thought we were getting a poor site, but when we woke in the mornings we walked up the small ridge to see deer and Roosevelt elk grazing. Quail and rabbits were hopping around a thicket next to us too.I was surprised that the bathrooms had heat and warm water for washing, which was such a blessing with the cold early-Spring temps.The camp hosts were really friendly. Trails right from the park are lovely and it's a short drive to many other beach and trail areas. We felt like this was an excellent central location to explore from and we'd definitely stay here again.

Dave Herzstein

2023-10

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Kaylee La Spisa

2023-05

Very grown in which is super nice, reasonably private, if small, sites. Could use some picnic table updates, they are pretty rotten and ancient. Hot, private showers though for a quarter a minute. As far as we are aware, there are no quarter machines on site. Was quiet though and the campground is in a great location.

Chrissy

2020-05

We wanted to explore the redwood state & national park areas and heard that Elk Prairie had the most hikes with access from the campground itself so we were pretty tempted to camp here. We knew it was mostly a reservation site so we called ahead on the day to find out if they had any availability. Luckily, they had two and managed to grab the last spot when we arrived there. The campsite itself did not disappoint with all their trail access from the campground. The redwood forests are incredible and the hikes are mind blowing. The campsite itself was pretty beautiful, they had clean flush toilets, water, and even coin operated showers too. There were 2 trails going right from the campground and loads more from nearby trail sites. The sites were a good size and they all had their own bear proof boxes which was handy. Not as much privacy but the beautiful trees and atmosphere makes up for it! Also, the visitor center is located right next to the campsite. The price is average for California so it was sort of worth it to be able to sleep right in the heart of the redwoods! Btw i highly recommend a drive through 'The avenue of the giants' if your near here. It's absolutely incredible! They also have 2 great campsites there too.

Leana Hardgrave

2021-05

I really liked this campground and the many beautiful trails that started/ended right near it. Each campsite had a nice table, fire ring, and large bear box; the bathrooms were clean and heated (a major bonus for the cold nights!), and the camp hosts were friendly and helpful.We camped right next to the prairie, which had a beautiful open feel, but I would recommend the campsites in the Redwoods near the river - we took a walk around there and it was gorgeous!! Being out by the prairie meant that there was no separation or privacy between the campsites, which I would prefer.

Stephanie L.

2023-05

Much too expensive campsite in a beautifull park with restrooms in bad chape from the sixties or even older. Only cold water instead of hot showers although you have to pay for it until you realize that the water doesn't turn hot at all. And no sinks at all to wash any dishes. The bored staff at the entrance don't accept any reservations and check-ins before 2 pm. So what are they paid for and doing until then? Having small talk in the office with their colleagues and doing not much as it seems. But you are allowed to check the availibality of the campsites yourself but you can not depent on the signs in front of the places because some were already reserved though it said available! So even that does not function. But of course you are allowed to pay a reservation fee of $7 for online booking. It looks like the Park Management or State Government looks for any ways to increase their income without offering any value or adequate service for money. This campground is truly not to recommend.

Charlene combs

2022-05

I gave only 3 stars bc the campgrounds were SMALL. Barely enough room for a two man tent. And as you can see, you’re right on the road. Good thing my friends didn’t show up bc there wouldn’t have been room for another small tent. So keep in mind if you like privacy this is not the place to camp. Otherwise, it was very pretty and the elk was a lovely sight to see. The bathroom was well-maintained and heated

Nathan Garrett (Nathan Garrett)

2022-05

The campground and surrounding areas are absolutely beautiful and stunning. There is plenty of wildlife to see, from a distance of course. I am removing 1 star simply because of the bathroom/shower facilities. They were very rundown as if they haven't been maintained for quite some time. I remember coming to this campground twelve years ago and their facilities were quite nice. Again, don't let the bathroom situation deter you from this campground. I would still come back if I had the chance.

kayla graham

2023-05

Overall the campground was okay. You have to make a reservation two days ahead of time, the showers take quarters one quarter one minute which never got hot. The site I stayed in was said to be 27 feet which was wrong. The site when I got there was about 20 feet which was upsetting because my trailer is 22 feet long so I had to smash it against some bushes. 35$ a night for the wrong side site, cold showers was not it for me.

Forrest

2020-05

Great spot with excellent trails through spectacular redwoods right next to the camp ground. The Ranger talks in the evening were really good. However, the showers and bathrooms were not all that clean, but hey, at least the water in the shower was nice and warm. Note: the quarter-machine shower water timer didn't seem to work correctly and the shower water valve didn't seem to turn off the water, so it would continue running flooding the floor...odd considering the stressed not to waste water.

Hannah Haines

2022-05

Stayed 5 nights with my boyfriend and parents in cabin 1, it was perfect! Close enough to the general store to run out and pick things up, beautiful trails for all levels just outside the campgrounds, and a gorgeous visitors center with lots of great affordable finds. Just know to bring your own bedding and chairs