Named for the herds of Roosevelt elk that regularly graze the open meadow right beside the campground, Elk Prairie offers one of the most reliable wildlife-viewing experiences in the entire redwood complex, often visible without leaving camp at all. Sites offer flush toilets, potable water, and hot showers, with easy access to the Prairie Creek and James Irvine Trails, both genuinely spectacular walks through dense old-growth forest and fern-covered canyons. Its central location within the complex, along with the elk-viewing draw, makes this one of the most popular campgrounds in the entire Redwood parklands — book well in advance for summer dates.