Florence Keller County Park & Campground

For Californians seeking a tranquil escape into the majestic redwood forests of the North Coast, Florence Keller County Park & Campground in Crescent City offers a truly enchanting experience. This hidden gem, often described as a "miracle" by those who've discovered it, provides a peaceful and quiet haven amidst towering trees, making it the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s a delightful find for locals looking for an authentic and affordable camping adventure right in their own state.

Unlike some of the more well-known (and often fully booked) state and national park campgrounds, Florence Keller maintains a more laid-back, first-come, first-served approach, often having sites available even during busier seasons. This accessibility, combined with its welcoming atmosphere and surprisingly spacious campsites, makes it a favored spot for those in the know. Whether you're pitching a tent, bringing an RV, or driving a camper van, you'll find a comfortable spot to unwind and breathe in the fresh, redwood-scented air.

This comprehensive article will explore everything Florence Keller County Park & Campground has to offer, from its convenient location and excellent accessibility to its key services, unique features, and important contact information. We aim to equip you with all the details you need to plan a memorable and serene retreat to California's magnificent Redwood Coast.

Florence Keller County Park & Campground is ideally situated at 3400 Cunningham Ln, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA. This prime location places it just outside the boundaries of the renowned Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, which is part of the larger Redwood National and State Parks system. While it feels wonderfully nestled in the forest, it offers excellent accessibility.

The campground is located approximately three miles north of Crescent City, right off U.S. Highway 101. Signs along the highway will direct you to Elk Valley Crossroad, and from there, you'll easily find the park. Its proximity to Highway 101 means it's a convenient stop for those traveling the scenic Redwood Coast. Despite being in a "neighborhood," as some reviewers note, the dense surrounding trees create an immediate sense of being deep within the forest, offering a remarkable blend of convenience and immersion in nature.

The paved roads within and leading to the campground are well-maintained, accommodating both cars and recreational vehicles. While the park is set among a lush, dense second-growth redwood grove, making it feel secluded, the proximity to Crescent City means essential services, groceries, and dining options are just a short drive away. This balance of being "tucked away in the trees" while remaining easily accessible makes Florence Keller County Park a highly practical and appealing destination for a California camping trip. The park also provides ample parking for campers.

Florence Keller County Park & Campground is well-regarded for providing essential and well-maintained services that enhance the camping experience, particularly for a county-run park with its affordable rates.

Services Offered:

• Flush Toilets: A significant amenity, the campground features flush toilets that are consistently praised by visitors for being clean and well-maintained. This is a considerable comfort for campers.
• Potable Water Spouts: Water spigots are conveniently scattered around the camp, providing easy access to potable water for all campers.
• Spacious Campsites: Reviewers frequently highlight the generous size of the campsites, offering "tons of room to spread out" and "not feel crammed up next to anyone." Sites are mostly level, accommodating both RVs/camper vans and tents.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and evening campfires.
• Camp Host: A friendly and welcoming camp host is typically on-site, providing assistance, maintaining the grounds, and often selling firewood.
• Self-Serve Payment System: The campground operates on a self-serve payment system using cash or check (as of recent reviews), offering flexibility and ease of check-in without the need for advance reservations.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at the campground, provided they are kept on leashes, making it a great option for those traveling with their furry companions.
• Playground: A large playground area is available, which is part of a bigger group picnic area, providing entertainment for families with children.
• One RV Hookup Site: There is at least one site (Site 14) that offers RV hookups (electric), available at a slightly higher rate. However, there is no dump station on-site.

It's important to note that while there are flush toilets, there are no showers at the campground. Also, cell service can be spotty depending on the site and carrier, offering an excellent opportunity to truly disconnect.

Florence Keller County Park & Campground stands out for several appealing features and highlights that contribute to its popularity and make it a cherished spot for campers.

Features / Highlights:

• Redwood Grove Setting: The campground is beautifully nestled within a lush and dense second-growth redwood grove. This provides deep shade, a cool environment even in summer, and an incredibly scenic backdrop for camping.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its proximity to a neighborhood and Highway 101, the campground maintains a remarkably peaceful and quiet ambiance, allowing visitors to truly relax and enjoy nature. This is a consistent highlight in customer reviews.
• Affordable Rates: At typically $20 per night for standard sites (and $30 for the single hookup site), Florence Keller offers an excellent value, especially given its amenities and location near major redwood parks.
• Friendly and Welcoming Camp Host: The positive experiences with the camp host, described as "super friendly" and "welcoming," significantly enhance the overall feel of the campground, making campers feel "right at home."
• First-Come, First-Served Availability: While some prefer reservations, the self-serve, first-come, first-served system means that sites are often available even when other nearby campgrounds are fully booked, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips.
• Proximity to Redwood National and State Parks: The campground's location just outside Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park provides easy access to some of California's most iconic old-growth redwood trails and attractions.
• Walking Trails On-Site: There are several easy-walking trails that meander through the redwood grove directly within the park, perfect for a leisurely stroll and appreciating the towering trees and lush ferns. One trail is even wheelchair accessible.
• Outdoor Recreational Facilities: Beyond camping, the park offers a large group picnic area with horseshoe pits, a volleyball court, tetherball, and swings, providing additional recreational options.

These features, particularly the stunning natural setting and the friendly, well-maintained environment, solidify Florence Keller County Park & Campground as a fantastic choice for a memorable California camping experience.

For inquiries or additional information about Florence Keller County Park & Campground, here is the contact information:

Address: 3400 Cunningham Ln, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Phone: (707) 464-7230 (This number typically connects to Del Norte County Parks, which manages the campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 707-464-7230

As the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most sites, reservations are generally not taken, offering a flexible option for spontaneous travel. However, it's always a good idea to call ahead, especially during peak seasons, to inquire about current conditions, availability, and any specific operating procedures. For renting the large or small picnic areas, direct reservations are required through Del Norte County Parks, using the provided contact number.

For the most up-to-date details on park rules, fees (which are subject to change), and any potential alerts (like fire restrictions or temporary closures), contacting the Del Norte County Parks office directly is the best course of action. This ensures you have the most accurate information for a smooth and enjoyable visit to Florence Keller County Park & Campground.

For Californians, Florence Keller County Park & Campground is an absolute gem that perfectly encapsulates the allure of the state's iconic North Coast. Its location, nestled within a beautiful redwood grove just minutes from Crescent City and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, makes it an incredibly convenient yet immersive escape into nature. This accessibility means less time on the road and more time enjoying California's unparalleled natural heritage.

The campground offers remarkable value, providing flush toilets, water spouts, and spacious sites at an affordable price point of typically $20 per night. This budget-friendly aspect, combined with its first-come, first-served policy, offers flexibility that many locals appreciate, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips without the hassle of advance reservations that are often required at other popular parks. The welcoming presence of a friendly camp host further enhances the experience, making campers feel truly at home in this serene setting.

Moreover, the sheer beauty of being surrounded by towering redwoods provides an instant sense of peace and tranquility, a much-needed respite from daily life. The on-site walking trails invite gentle exploration, while the proximity to world-class redwood parks opens up endless possibilities for hiking, exploring, and connecting with some of the oldest living things on Earth. Florence Keller County Park & Campground is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a portal to the heart of California's stunning North Coast, offering an accessible, affordable, and deeply rewarding experience for any local seeking to embrace the Golden State's natural splendor.

Florence Keller County Park & Campground

3400 Cunningham Ln, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA