Humboldt Redwoods State Park has several day use areas for picnicking, swimming, or simply relaxing. Some areas are open throughout the year while others are open during the summer and fall only.

The Big Trees Area, located on Mattole Road 4 miles west of the Avenue of the Giants, is the perfect place for a picnic or a chance to cool off in Bull Creek. This area offers picnic tables, chemical toilets, wading, and access to many miles of hiking trails. Open year 'round.

Blue Slide day use area, located on Mattole Road 3.5 miles west of the Avenue of the Giants, offers picnic tables and a view of Bull Creek. Open year 'round.

Dyerville Overlook, located on the Avenue of the Giants 4.25 miles north of the Visitor Center, offers picnic tables and expansive views of the South Fork and Main Stem of the Eel River. Open year 'round.

The California Federation of Women's Clubs Grove, located on the Avenue of the Giants 3 miles north of the Visitor Center, offers many day use activities as well as a glimpse into history. This day use area has picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, river access with a swimming hole, and a hiking trail. In addition, the Hearthstone or four fireplaces structure, is located in this grove. The Hearthstone was designed by architect Julia Morgan as a tribute to the women who worked so hard to preserve the redwoods in this grove and the surrounding area. Today this structure offers great photo opportunities, historical significance, and visitors can still have fires in the fireplaces. Due to storm damage and erosion, a section of the day use area and the parking lot continues to wash away. Vehicles longer than 16 feet are no longer allowed in the Day Use parking area as the turnaround and more parking area has washed away. Day Use space is open on a first-come first-served basis with a reduced parking lot and temporary barricades.

Adjacent to the Visitor Center is a large lawn that is great for day use. This area has picnic tables and restrooms, and it's perfect for throwing the frisbee, walking your dog, or relaxing in the sun. The Visitor Center also has a deck with picnic tables and shade. Open year 'round.

Garden Club Grove, located on the Avenue of the Giants 2 miles south of the Visitor Center, offers limited picnicking, a chemical toilet, and access to a great swimming hole. Open seasonally.

Williams Grove, located on the Avenue of the Giants 3 miles south of the Visitor Center, is a large day use area. This grove requires a $8.00 day use fee per vehicle and offers sunny and shaded picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, and river access. In addition, there is one group day use area that can be reserved for family gatherings/birthdays, weddings or other special events. Only a small section of Williams Grove remains open during the Fall, Winter, and Spring.

To reserve Williams Grove Group Day Use Area for for family gatherings/birthdays/get-togethers please use the designated reservation form and contact park staff at (707) 946-1811 to ensure the date is available.