Elk Prairie Campground is at the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park north of Eureka. Visitors to the park enjoy watching and photographing Roosevelt elk, exploring 75 miles of trails through old-growth redwoods, strolling along miles of scenic beach, and viewing wildflowers in bloom in late spring. Among the facilities are a visitor center and a nature store. Junior Ranger activities are available for chidren 7-12 years old.
A short drive leads to Gold Bluff Beach and the popular Fern Canyon Trail. (Reserve your permit ahead of time.)
Elk Prairie Campground has 75 campsites. Twenty-one of the sites are designated for tents only. One site is labeled for RV or trailer only. The other 44 campsites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. There is also a Hike & Bike site.
Four rental cabins are available:
◊ ADA accessible, located in the Elk Prairie Campground.
◊ Electricity, heaters, and lights, but no kitchens or bathrooms
◊ Maximum occupancy 6, with 2 bunk beds, each with a twin over a double in size, no mattress pads.
Guests supply their own bedding.
◊ Space outside for small tent for 2.
◊ No pets, smoking, cooking, or open flame inside; outdoor BBQ, fire pit, bear box, and picnic bench.
| Elk Prairie Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Elk Prairie Campground Location: | On Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, 1 mile from Highway 101, 5 miles north of Orick |
| Elevation: | 110 feet |
| Camping Season: | Open year-round |
| Number of Sites: | 75 |
| Max. People per Site: | 8 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle or trailer (fee per night for additional vehicle) |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Operated by | California State Parks |
| Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park Headquarters: | (707) 488-2039 |
| Reservations for Elk Prairie Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations "strongly recommended": | Elk Prairie Campground reservations are available for camping dates from January through September. October through December, all sites are first come, first served. |
| Booking Window: | Reservations can be made from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date. |
| Maximum Vehicle Length: | Trailers - 24 feet, RVs - 27 feet |
| Wheelchair accessible sites: | #6, 22, 23, 69 |
| Fees: | $35 per night
Hike & Bike - $7 |
| Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: | Elk Prairie Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM |
| Check-in, check-out: | Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: Noon |
| Elk Prairie Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire grill, food storage locker; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, amphitheater |
| Showers: | Yes, 25 cents for 2 minutes |
| Dump Station: | No |
| Campground Map: | Elk Prairie Campground Map |
| Attractions near Elk Prairie Campground: | Hike the Davison Trail and the Elk Prairie Trail. Tour the Visitor Center and stop in to the Nature Store. Stroll along the Revelation Trail. View wild Roosevelt elk. Drive out to Gold Bluff Beach follow the trail up beautiful Fern Canyon. |
| Updates | Last Updated August 2025 |
Roosevelt Elk
Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation site, check to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Elk Prairie Campground
The Redwood Empire includes a number of state and national parks with magnificent groves of old-growth coastal redwoods. Visitors to Elk Prairie Campground in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park are rewarded with beautiful meadow views and often views of grazing Roosevelt elk. Other attractions await around the Redwood Empire.
Check for any park or campground updates:
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Reviews from Previous Campers
2023 - 2024