Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park Mill Creek Campground
4.5026 reviews1111 Second Street, Crescent City, CA 95531
Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park Mill Creek Campground
$35.00 - $35.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$35.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Reservation fees are $35 per night, with an additional $8.25 reservation charge. The fee covers one vehicle, and additional charges apply for extra vehicles.
About this campground
Escape into a cathedral of ancient giants at Mill Creek Campground, where 145 thoughtfully placed campsites disappear into groves of towering old-growth redwoods. Each site comes fully equipped with everything you need for the perfect forest retreat: sturdy picnic tables for memorable meals, bear-proof food lockers for peace of mind, and fire rings where stories come alive under starlit canopies. Winding trails beckon from your tent flap, leading deep into this enchanted forest where time seems to slow and the modern world fades away into blessed silence.
Mill Creek Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping (limited to vehicles up to 28 feet), and hike/bike camping. Group camping is not mentioned.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of the Tolowa and Yurok peoples who called this land home for thousands of years, sustainably harvesting from both the bountiful ocean and the rich inland forests. Though the roar of logging saws once threatened to silence these ancient groves forever, dedicated conservation efforts have breathed new life into Mill Creek, restoring this precious ecosystem to its former majesty and ensuring future generations can experience the same sense of wonder that has captivated humans since time immemorial.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's own climate control system, where summer days dance between a refreshing 40°F at dawn and comfortable 80°F afternoons, all wrapped in the mystical embrace of morning and evening fog that rolls in from the Pacific. When winter arrives, the forest transforms into a rain-soaked wonderland, with temperatures hovering between 30-55°F as up to 100 inches of rainfall nourish these ancient groves, creating the perfect conditions for the world's tallest trees to thrive.
ElevationJourney through a dramatic landscape that rises from the crashing waves at sea level to soaring ridgetops at 1,277 feet, where every switchback and steep trail rewards hikers with new perspectives on this vertical wonderland of forest and fog.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in one of Earth's most magnificent ecosystems, where colossal redwoods stretch skyward through veils of mist while a rich tapestry of ferns, sorrel, and moss carpets the forest floor. Beyond the campground's protective canopy, rugged coastline meets ancient forest in a spectacular collision of ecosystems, offering endless opportunities to explore both the thunder of Pacific waves against steep cliffs and the hushed reverence of redwood cathedrals.
Geological RegionDiscover the breathtaking Del Norte Coast, where primeval coast redwoods stand sentinel along dramatic cliffs that plunge into the Pacific's endless blue. This unique ecosystem weaves together a living tapestry of tanoak, madrone, red alder, big leaf maple, and aromatic California bay, creating a multi-layered forest that changes with every bend in the trail and shift in elevation, from windswept coastal bluffs to sheltered inland valleys.
Campsite details
AccessibilityMill Creek Campground includes six accessible campsites dispersed across both campground loops. These sites feature paved pads and accessible restrooms with showers. For more information, visitors are encouraged to contact the Accessibility Division.
Sites SizeThe parking spaces for campsites typically accommodate camper vehicles within specified sizes, with some sites having a pad length of 24 feet and width of 13 feet.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews frequently note that despite the large number of campsites, the campground feels private due to the abundant trees and plant life dividing the sites: "Over 100 spots but there are so many trees and fauna that it feels private."
Total Campsites145 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsites with more privacy and better views include 6, 14, and 140. Sites 126 and 136 are highly rated for accessibility.
Best Campsites6, 14, 26, 32, 35, 37, 38, 46, 63, 66, 81, 109, 126, 136, 140.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
The maximum number of consecutive nights is 8.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Eight people maximum per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground is divided into north and south loops, with accessible facilities dispersed throughout.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 through September 30. Closed during fall and winter.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through ReserveCalifornia (www.reservecalifornia.com) or by phone at 1-800-444-PARK (7275).
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not assured; campers are advised to book reservations in advance.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made through the ReserveCalifornia platform, and campers without reservations must contact the entrance station before 10 AM on the morning they are due out.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Mill Creek Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and cultural programs. Coastal activities such as tidepool viewing are available at nearby Wilson Beach.
HikingThe campground provides access to several trails, including the Damnation Creek Trail (2 miles, steep), Trestle Loop Trail (1.1 miles, easy to moderate), and Saddler Skyline Trail (1.7 miles, moderate). User reviews describe these trails as well-maintained but often strenuous: "Easy walk nice maintained trail," noted one user, while another described Damnation Creek Trail as steep but rewarding.
FishingFishing is permitted within the park, although specific fish species and conditions are not detailed. Nearby Smith River offers high-quality fishing opportunities according to user reviews.
BikingBicycles are allowed only on paved roads within the campground. "Great for biking, hiking, rafting or kayaking," mentioned one review.
Wildlife viewingThe park is rich in biodiversity, with wildlife like pelicans and cormorants visible along the coast. Campers frequently emphasize the enchanting experience of observing ancient redwood ecosystems: "Magical. Spiritual. Whatever your creed, you will feel a swelling in your soul when you walk among these ancient, living monuments!"
Beach activitiesBeach activities are limited to walking and tidepool viewing at Wilson Beach. "You can walk beside the glistening water, gaze at the sea stacks along the coast," stated one visitor.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Mill Creek Day Use Area features interpretive exhibits and restoration science projects. On summer weekends, campfire programs enrich visitor knowledge of the park’s natural and cultural history.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings and must be attended at all times. Firewood must be purchased from camp hosts.
- Quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is common, necessitating proper food storage. Steep cliffs and rocky coastal areas pose risks, especially on trails like Damnation Creek Trail.
Active alertsAreas of the park currently closed due to road construction and forest rehabilitation. Damnation Creek Trail is closed near the bridge at the trail's end.
Weather forecast
54
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 100%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 1.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Foggy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Redwood National and State Parks Information Center, Crescent City, 1111 Second Street. Telephone: 707-465-7335.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day to Labor Day weekends.
Trash and recyclingTrash must be placed in animal-proof garbage cans, as emphasized by the park's 'Keep it Crumb Clean' initiative to protect wildlife. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Mill Creek, with access to streams and the Pacific coastline nearby. Not safe for swimming but offers tidepool viewing and scenic walks.
Common complaintsComplaints include seasonal trail closures, issues with restroom cleanliness, and limited local supplies.
HostCamp hosts are available and also sell firewood to support park programs.
Campground Map
1111 Second Street, Crescent City, CA 95531
Driving directions7 miles south of Crescent City, CA turn east on the campground road. The camp is 2 miles east of the highway.
The campground is accessible by a paved road, and its entrance is located 2 miles east of Highway 101, about 7 miles south of Crescent City.Nearby places
Crescent City - 7 miles, approximately 15 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Crescent City, including stores like Walmart and Safeway, which are noted to have limited options in user reviews.
Camper Reviews
4.5
26 reviews
Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park Mill Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mill Creek Campground is widely praised for its beauty, cleanliness, and proximity to old-growth redwoods. Reviews highlight its serene environment, well-maintained facilities, and unique hiking opportunities. Some complaints include seasonal closures and lack of internet or cell service.
Review Summaries
Reviews frequently praise the campground’s beauty, privacy, and cleanliness. "An amazing campsite right in the middle of the redwoods!" noted Jaclyn LaMar. "Showers and bathrooms were clean,"...
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Some users expressed dissatisfaction with limited activities during seasonal closures and the absence of day-use facilities: "Pretty much just a campground, not much for day-use visitors," noted one...
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Reviewers recommend stocking up on supplies before arrival and preparing for weather variations. "Dress in layers as the hike back up can get warm," advised one user. Another recommended buying a...
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Summer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing hiking trails and campfire programs. Winter reviews frequently mention trail closures and limited activities: "Seasonal trails closed in winter...
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"Magical. Spiritual," wrote Samson Leonard. "What a beautiful place! Just amazing the coastal redwoods," shared Lisa Fozo. "Bathrooms were super clean," mentioned Katie Novosselov.
Best campsites include #6, #14, #26, #32, #35, #37, #38, #46, #63, #66, #81, #109, #126, #136, and #140.
Accessible features such as paved campsite pads and accessible restrooms with showers are applauded by users. "Six accessible campsites with paved pads are dispersed over the campground loops," noted...
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Pets are permitted in the campground but must be kept on a leash and are not allowed on trails. "Dogs must be kept on a 6-foot-maximum leash and may not be left unattended," emphasized park rules.
Last updated July 20, 2025