How much does camping cost at Johnson Trail Campground?

Camping fees at Johnson Trail Campground are $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Johnson Trail Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Johnson Trail Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served, no reservations accepted.

Can I see photos of campsites at Johnson Trail Campground before I book?

Yes! Johnson Trail Campground has 36 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Johnson Trail Campground?

Johnson Trail Campground is open June to September is peak season for the park with summer footbridges installed.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Johnson Trail Campground?

Johnson Trail Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Johnson Trail Campground?

Fire policies at Johnson Trail Campground: Fires are prohibited at trail camps.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Johnson Trail Campground have?

Johnson Trail Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Johnson Trail Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Johnson Trail Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Johnson Trail Campground?

Johnson Trail Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Johnson Trail Campground?

Popular activities at Johnson Trail Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Johnson Trail Campground

0 review

17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott, CA 95571

Featured in:Mountain Camping California

Quick Facts

1,600 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on ReserveCalifornia Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

1,600 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on ReserveCalifornia Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Johnson Trail Campground

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for trail campsites such as Johnson Trail Campground are $15 per night. Additional vehicle fees apply.

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · Premium adds 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

707-946-2409NoCoastRedwoodsInfo@parks.ca.gov

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Johnson Trail Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott, CA 95571

Johnson Trail Campground

17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott, CA 95571

Nearby places

Eureka (45 miles, ~1 hour), Garberville (20 miles, ~30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Supplies available in Garberville (~20 miles) for groceries, camping gear, and fuel.

Weather at Johnson Trail Campground

Current alert: None currently reported for the trail camp area.

Best Time to Camp at Johnson Trail Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach 70–90°F with cool nights around 50°F. Morning fog is common. Dry weather makes hiking and accessing nearby waterways easier. Insect pressure drops as summer progresses. Winter sees 50–60°F days and 20–30°F nights, with 60–80 inches of rain between October and May. The remote location means fewer crowds even in peak season.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is most reliable; bridges installed improve access though morning fog and early-season mosquitos occur.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June to September is peak season for the park with summer footbridges installed.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Trail camps are open year-round.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Johnson Trail Campground

Johnson Trail Campground is one of five primitive trail camps in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, accessible only on foot. The five tent sites sit at 1,600 feet elevation among old-growth redwoods near Weott. Sites cost $15 per night and include vault toilets and bear lockers. Early season visitors face heavy mosquitoes.

Johnson Trail Campground caters to primitive camping enthusiasts seeking a rugged, backcountry experience.

Historical Significance

Weathered tie-hacker cabins remain near the campground. These structures mark California's logging era, when workers harvested redwoods and shaped them into railroad ties for westward expansion. The cabins are slowly being reclaimed by the forest.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach 70–90°F with cool nights around 50°F. Morning fog is common. Dry weather makes hiking and accessing nearby waterways easier. Insect pressure drops as summer progresses. Winter sees 50–60°F days and 20–30°F nights, with 60–80 inches of rain between October and May. The remote location means fewer crowds even in peak season.

ElevationPerched at 1,600 feet above sea level, Johnson Trail Campground enjoys a sweet spot in the coastal mountains where temperatures remain pleasantly moderate. This elevation gifts campers with noticeably cooler nights—perfect for deep sleep under star-filled skies—while daytime temperatures stay comfortable for hiking and exploration without the intense heat found in lower elevations.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient redwoods tower above the campground, some over a thousand years old. Morning fog drifts through the canopy during summer months. The forest floor stays dim and cool even on warm days. The campground sits in Northern California's coastal range near the Mendocino Triple Plate Junction, where tectonic activity and heavy rainfall created conditions for these massive trees to thrive.

Geological RegionJohnson Trail Campground sits atop one of Earth's most geologically dynamic regions. Nestled in Northern California's coastal range, the campground rests near the legendary Mendocino Triple Plate Junction, where three tectonic plates converge in a slow-motion dance that has shaped this dramatic landscape over millions of years. This seismic activity, combined with abundant rainfall, has created the perfect conditions for the old-growth redwood forests that define this remarkable ecosystem—a living testament to the power of geological forces and time.

Scenic ViewsThe campground is surrounded by old-growth redwoods, providing a dense forest canopy and scenic views.

Lodging & AccommodationsJohnson Trail Campground does not provide lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges.

Programs & ActivitiesDuring summer, Humboldt Redwoods State Park offers interpretive activities, including nature walks and campfire programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 15 nights for individual sites
hike and bike campsites are limited to 2 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy per campsite is 8 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFive primitive sites scattered among old-growth forest. Spacing and exact layout aren't specified, but the remote location and small site count suggest decent separation.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; reservations are not accepted for trail camps.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, no reservations accepted.

Cancellation PolicyReservations not applicable for the Johnson Trail Campground; all sites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityAccessibility features specific to Johnson Trail Campground are not mentioned.

Site SizeJohnson Trail Campground offers basic trail sites for backpackers, sizes are not specified.

PrivacySites at Johnson Trail Campground are presumed to offer privacy due to their remote location.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid visiting early in the season to minimize mosquito exposure.

Amenities available

Humboldt Redwoods State Park offers varied amenities, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Johnson Trail Campground is a trail camp with limited facilities, including pit toilets and bear boxes. Drinking water is not guaranteed, and campers are advised to inquire about water availability before departure. Fires are prohibited, emphasizing the need for campers to bring alternative cooking methods. Reservations are first-come, first-served.

Food storage lockers

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Johnson Trail Campground

Johnson Trail Campground provides opportunities for hiking and exploring the backcountry. However, activities are limited compared to other campgrounds within Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Hiking4.0/5

Accessible only on foot; several trails lead here; Johnson Camp Trail is strenuous with ~1,400 ft gain.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Roosevelt elk, black bears and marbled murrelets reported within the park; strong wildlife presence.

Fishing3.0/5

Catch-and-release fishing on South Fork/main stem Eel River; salmon/steelhead prominent in fall/winter; limited water at trail camp.

Swimming3.0/5

Swimming encouraged in South Fork Eel River, particularly in designated recreation areas nearby.

Biking3.0/5

Park has multiuse trails for experienced bicyclists, but the campground itself is hike-in only.

Boating3.0/5

Kayaking and canoeing available on the South Fork Eel River for scenic exploration.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Ancient redwoods, foggy mornings and dramatic canopy light create compelling photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh mosquito activity early in the season. Bear activity is possible due to location in bear country.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; pit toilets are the primary restroom facility.

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided at all trail camps to ensure safe food storage in bear country.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFires are prohibited at trail camps.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are accessible in nearby towns; the park is ~20 miles from Garberville Medical facilities.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to store trash in animal-proof receptacles and clean up after themselves to maintain the area's pristine condition.

Water FeaturesTrail camps have limited access to water; visitors are advised to inquire about conditions in advance.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not explicitly mentioned for Johnson Trail Campground.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Johnson Trail Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Johnson Trail Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews consistently emphasize the remote and primitive nature of Johnson Trail Campground. Positive feedback highlights the serene atmosphere and access to challenging hikes.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Positive reviews praise the tranquility of the campground and its proximity to breathtaking redwood forests. Many users appreciate the lack of crowds, allowing for a peaceful escape into nature.

Common Concerns

Complaints often center on the lack of potable water, mosquito prevalence, and the challenging hike required to access the site.

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews are not available for Johnson Trail Campground.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing sufficient water, insect repellent, and sturdy hiking gear. Reviews also suggest timing visits to coincide with the installation of summer bridges for easier access.

Seasonal Insights

Reviews during summer months mention easier access due to bridge installations, while winter reviews highlight the cold weather and potential snowfall. Mosquitoes are a recurring problem in spring...

Camper Quotes

"The hike to Johnson Trail Campground is both rewarding and strenuous. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for mosquitoes early in the season." "I loved the solitude and the towering redwoods. It...

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at Johnson Trail Campground, as mentioned in official sources.

Reviews on Outdoorithm

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Johnson Trail Campground

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for trail campsites such as Johnson Trail Campground are $15 per night. Additional vehicle fees apply.

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · Premium adds 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

707-946-2409NoCoastRedwoodsInfo@parks.ca.gov

Go if

Backpackers willing to earn the approach via the Johnson Camp Trail get rewarded with uncrowded old-growth solitude; aim for mid-June through September when the summer footbridges are in and mosquito pressure has dropped.

Skip if

No potable water on-site, fires are prohibited, and the access hike gains 1,400 feet, car campers, families with dogs, or anyone expecting drive-up convenience will be frustrated before they even unpack.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited