During our trip to Redwood National and State Parks, we chose to trade a hotel stay for a night surrounded by towering redwoods. We booked a camp site at Mill Creek Campground, near Crescent City, and it turned out to be one of the most peaceful parts of our entire trip.
Located only about 10 minutes from Crescent City, the campground felt wonderfully secluded without being inconveniently remote. We were deep in the forest, under a canopy of giant trees, yet still close enough to town for food, supplies, and cell service when needed.
If you’re planning a full Redwoods trip, check out my complete Redwood National and State Parks itinerary and my list of the top 10 places to visit in the area.
Our Mill Creek Campsite
Mill Creek Campground is seasonal and remains open only during the summer months. It has 145 campsites, and we felt lucky to secure one during the middle of summer. Our site had plenty of room for a four-person tent, although we were using a two-person tent, so it felt especially spacious.
Each campsite includes:
- Space for a tent
- A picnic table
- A fire pit
- A parking spot
- A water tap nearby
The restroom was about a five-minute walk from our campsite. It had two hot-water showers, wash basins, and three toilets. One thing to know before you go: there was no electricity or outlet access in the campground or washroom, so make sure to fully charge cameras, phones, lights, and power banks before arriving.
During our visit, there was also a complete fire ban. We could not use the fire pit or cook at the campsite, but honestly, that gave us a good excuse to explore Crescent City’s local food scene.
A Quiet Trail Through Redwoods
One of the best parts of Mill Creek Campground is that you do not have to go far to feel immersed in nature. The campground has a small trail you can explore, lined with tall redwoods, forest greenery, and seasonal wildflowers.
The morning is my favorite time to wander around a campground. It has become a little travel ritual for me: take a slow walk, listen to the forest wake up, and look closely at the small details that are easy to miss during a busy day of sightseeing.
That morning, I spotted banana slugs, mushrooms, and blue jays, while hearing the calls of many other birds hidden in the trees. I actually woke up to the sound of blue jays, they seemed to be everywhere. I had never seen so many of them in one place.
Stargazing From the Campsite
At night, the campground became completely dark and incredibly quiet. We could see what felt like millions of stars directly from our campsite. It was one of those moments that made camping in the redwoods feel far more special than staying in a hotel.
If you are hoping to photograph or see the Milky Way more clearly, I would recommend driving toward Elk Meadow near Highway 101 in Crescent City. It is only about five minutes from the campground and offers a more open view of the night sky.
Just remember to bring a flashlight or headlamp, warm layers, and a fully charged phone or camera. With no electricity at the campground, planning ahead makes a big difference.
Breakfast in Crescent City
Because of the fire ban and lack of electricity, we headed into Crescent City for breakfast the next morning. We stopped at Good Harvest Cafe, a Native American–themed restaurant popular with both locals and visitors.
The cafe had a lovely ocean view and served a comforting, hearty breakfast plate—exactly what we wanted after a night outdoors. The coffee was more diner-style and a little on the burnt side for my taste, but the overall experience was still enjoyable. It is a solid option if you are looking for a relaxed sit-down breakfast near the coast.
Is Mill Creek Campground Worth It?
For us, Mill Creek Campground was absolutely worth it. Our site cost $43.25 for one night, and I would choose this experience over a five-star hotel any day.
It is peaceful, scenic, and surrounded by the magic of the redwood forest. At the same time, it is close enough to Crescent City that you can easily access restaurants, groceries, and phone service. There is little to no network at the campground itself, but for one or two nights, that can feel like a feature rather than a problem.
If you are visiting Redwood National and State Parks, I highly recommend adding at least one night at Mill Creek Campground to your itinerary. Waking up beneath the redwoods, hearing blue jays in the morning, and watching stars from your tent is the kind of experience that stays with you long after the trip ends.
