Map showing campground location near Lewiston, California

Camper submitted image from Mary Smith Campground

Mary Smith Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Swimming, paddleboarding, and tubing draw campers to Mary Smith Campground on the western shore of Lewiston Lake, where a short path from several sites leads directly to the water. The campground sits within Trinity National Forest, managed by the US Forest Service, and holds just 17 sites spread across sloped terrain above the lake. That modest size keeps things low-key, and multiple reviewers note the water here tends to stay noticeably cold, fed by the upper reservoir system, making tubes and paddleboards a more practical choice than long swims on all but the hottest days.

The layout requires some effort. Sites are set on a hill, so campers should expect to carry gear up or down depending on their spot. Tent platforms are available at some sites, and upper sites face open sightlines toward the lake and the Trinity Alps in the distance. Birds and frogs are active around the water's edge, particularly in spring. Kinney Camp and Cooper Gulch Campground sit close by for those traveling with a group that needs more space.

Toilets are on-site, including flushable facilities near the campground entrance, though neither bathroom has lighting. There is no camp store. Firewood and ice are available roughly ten minutes away at a gas station in Lewiston, and Pine Cove Marina, about ten minutes past the campground, rents boats and kayaks at reasonable rates. Reservations are available, and pets are welcome. "Birds and frogs were in abundance," noted Karen O. on a quiet spring visit. Campers who come mid-week or early in the season may find the place largely to themselves.

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Map & DirectionsMary Smith Campground is located in California near Lewiston

Public Campground

Coordinates

40.73158465 N
122.8085734 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

41 min from Redding, CA
5 hrs 5 min from Medford, OR

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Mary Smith Campground

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5 Stars

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1 Star

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the quiet, intimate setting with beautiful lake views and peaceful atmosphere. Some visitors noted the hilly terrain requires hiking to sites and restrooms lack lighting.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Karen O.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 24, 2025

Tent camping on Lewiston Lake

We had the campground to ourselves as they hadn’t put up the glamping tents yet. We set our tents up on the platforms and had a great view of the lake and trinity alps in the distance. Birds and frogs were in abundance. The lake was too cold for swimming and the fish were hanging out in deep water so no swimming or successful fishing. This campground is hilly and one must pack gear down or up to one’s spot which was a pain but once settled it was a fun and relaxing time, pre-season.

Site3

Month of VisitApril

Ann W.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2022

Quiet

Very quite campground mid week. Had the place to ourselves. Great little hiking trail steps from our site. Easy access to the water for some swimming. Smoke blew in from wildfires. Visibility very low but still beautiful.

Site16

Month of VisitAugust

Meesh C.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2020

Great campground

Beautiful, quiet campground with nice views of Lewiston Lake. The glamping units have the best view so I hope to check those out next time.

Azizah T.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 29, 2020

Peaceful and quiet

Stayed here this last weekend and wasn’t sure how hot it would be. Luckily the weather was so amazing especially being right next to this beautiful clear clean lake. We stayed at site 14, across from us was a small path that lead you down to the water. We took tubes out and laid in the water and soaked up the sun, it was so nice. It’s especially so calming because there isn’t a million boats on the lake partying and such it’s just quiet and calm water. You do have to do a light hike up the the campsite, cause the sites are sloped. It’s not bad though. The views are incredible as the sun is rising, peaking through the mountains glistening over the lake. There’s a bathroom in front of site 12, but doesn’t have light. And there are flushable toilets near the entry of the campground but also no lights. There isn’t a camp store, so you do need to buy firewood and ice up the street from Lewiston gas station. About 10 minutes passed the campground is pine cove marina where you can rent out boats, and kayaks. They have very reasonable prices! The water down this part of Lewiston lake was definitely a lot colder, like icy cold. But since it was super warm when we went out (96 degrees) the water was very enticing, on a tube! Overall, this campground is so beautiful and peaceful. There is a campground host but they mostly keep to themselves. I liked that the campground only had 17 sites, it made our experience feel more personal.

(9) View All

Tyna B.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2018

awesome

So pretty. Did the normal tent camping which is nice at the upper campsites, got a paddle board and pretty much had the whole lake to ourselves

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Mary Smith Campground?

Mary Smith Campground offers both traditional tent sites and glamping platforms with scenic views of Lewiston Lake. The upper campsites are well-suited for tent camping, while the glamping units provide premium lake views. The campground features access trails to Lewiston Lake, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing during warmer months. There are hiking trails accessible directly from the campsites, allowing for quick nature excursions. While the campground is relatively quiet and rustic, it provides the essential amenities needed for a comfortable outdoor experience in a beautiful lakeside setting.

Where is Mary Smith Campground located and how do I get there?

Mary Smith Campground is situated on the shores of Lewiston Lake with views of the Trinity Alps in the distance. The campground provides easy access to the lake via small paths that lead from the campsites down to the water's edge. Site 14 specifically has a convenient path across from it leading to the lake. The location offers a peaceful setting that's typically quiet, especially during midweek stays. For specific directions, contact the campground management or check with the local forest service office before your trip.

What do visitors say about their experience at Mary Smith Campground?

Visitors to Mary Smith Campground consistently highlight the beautiful setting with clear views of Lewiston Lake and the Trinity Alps in the distance. Many appreciate the peaceful, quiet atmosphere, particularly during midweek stays when the campground is less crowded. The lake access is a major highlight, with campers enjoying swimming, paddleboarding, and tubing in the clean, clear waters. Wildlife observation opportunities abound, with birds and frogs creating a natural soundtrack. While summer offers ideal weather for water activities, spring visits may find the lake too cold for swimming. The glamping platforms receive special mention for having the best views of the lake, while the hiking trails accessible from the campsites add recreational value to the experience.

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