Famous route

Redwood Highway (US 101)

US 101 in northern California links Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the Avenue of the Giants and Redwood National and State Parks. For motorhomes, size limits on side roads and tight campsites are the main issues.

State: California
Road: US 101, SR 254
Length: Avenue of the Giants about 31–32 mi
Best season: Year-round; reserve early for summer

What should you know before visiting Redwood Highway (US 101)?

No toll roads expected for a car.

The Avenue of the Giants (SR 254) is about 31 to 32 miles long, lies between Garberville and Fortuna and was part of US 101 until a bypass opened in 1960. It runs parallel to the highway.
The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is 10 miles long and paved, a 20 to 30 minute drive. Commercial vehicles are not permitted; no length limit for RVs is listed.
Side roads have limits: Davison Road allows motorhomes of 24 ft or shorter and bans trailers; Howland Hill Road is too narrow for motorhomes, and Cal-Barrel Road prohibits them.
At the four developed campgrounds run by California State Parks, reservations are strongly recommended, especially in summer. RV and trailer size limits are strictly enforced.

The drive

Humboldt Redwoods State Park lies in the south: its visitor center is about 20 miles north of Garberville and about 45 miles south of Eureka. The Avenue of the Giants runs about 31 to 32 miles through the park, parallel to US 101. Further north begin Redwood National and State Parks. Signed US 101 exits about 6 miles north of Orick and about 4 miles south of Klamath lead to the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.

Vehicle limits

The National Park Service warns that some routes are steep, narrow or one-way. Howland Hill Road (mostly unpaved): motorhomes and trailers will not fit. Davison Road: motorhomes up to 24 ft, no trailers. Cal-Barrel Road: prohibited, closed to vehicles in winter. Requa Road, Bald Hills Road and the northern Coastal Drive are not recommended. Check the conditions page for current closures.

Camping

Redwood National and State Parks have four campgrounds run by California State Parks. Book through Reserve California and search by campground name, such as Jedediah Smith, not Redwoods. Many sites predate the 1940s and are too small for large vehicles, and size limits are strictly enforced. Hammocks and ropes are not allowed on trees. For backcountry camping, use the park's own information page.

FAQs

Can I drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in a motorhome?

The National Park Service bans only commercial vehicles and lists no length limit for RVs. The road is 10 miles long and paved. Check current closures beforehand.

Which side roads should I avoid with a large vehicle?

Howland Hill Road and Cal-Barrel Road are unsuitable or prohibited for motorhomes. Requa Road, Bald Hills Road and the northern Coastal Drive are not recommended, and Davison Road is limited to 24 ft.

Do I need to reserve a campground in the redwoods?

The park strongly recommends reservations, especially in summer. The four State Parks campgrounds are booked through Reserve California. RV and trailer size limits are strictly enforced.