Patrick Creek Campground

When I found this campground it was a last moment find.    Originally I had intended on staying a little further up the road, but as the evening set in and signal was sparse I had discovered another camper pulling in at this location.     

Unlike other campers which have reported on this campsite about a pay station, there was not one in tact when I entered.   Upon further review of the site I also noted it is listed as a free campsite on other campsite services, so I am not entirely sure about the payment for the camp itself.

Sites were simply pull offs from the main gravel road, this area is frequented by those wanting to fish in the creek and campers who enjoy larger sites for rigs to be off grid.    I spoke to a neighbor after arriving they mentioned it was a personal favorite for weekends to avoid the larger crowds which frequent the state campgrounds along the same stretch of highway.

Nothing to significant about the sites themselves.   Many were primitive with only fire rings constructed by others of rock.   I wasn't fortunate enough to find a location near a vault toilet, so being self sufficient I would say is a must when it comes to staying here.

The views themself were pretty spectacular when I woke in the morning to a light fog and overcast sky which seemed to waft down the side of the forest covered mountainous regions beside me.     I was very excited by how, despite not having any frills whatsoever it was a very nice place to stay for an evening.

When I awoke the next morning I took a drive through the entire roadside camp and noticed the location seemed to continue to go on for quite some distance with some pull outs offering options for several camps at once and others being more allocated for single camps.    The road was a bit bumpy in some places in a smaller car but with slow driving and smart driving you can make it with ease.

My 12 y/o son and I made a spontaneous trip to the coast Redwoods. All the state park campgrounds were full and we were able, with the help of the Patric Creek hosts, to obtain a site for the weekend. The first night we had one site, and they were supposed to be booked for the rest of the weekend but the hosts helped us snag a different site that people had bailed on their reservations for. The campground was nice and clean, we were situated on the river side with the Smith River in our backyard. The second site we stayed at had trail access to the river. There is also adjacent picnic area access to the river separate from the campground and the river is LOVELY. The campground has had a water system failure and does not have potable water this season (2018) so head in to nearby Gasquet or Crescent City (20 miles west) for water needs. Located in the Smith River Recreation area with lots of nearby river access. Also just outside of Jedediah Smith Redwood state park. What a lovely area. Nearby trails for Redwoods adventure await and are absolutely serene even during busy times as long as you’re willing to get up early to beat the crowds. I loved this campground, and and area and plan to return.

The only negative experience I had was the fact that the forest service didn’t seem to “understand” that I had over- paid for my site (by $2 because I had no change) and though the dates were clearly written on my self pay ticket, and the amount of $30 ($14 per night) they gave away my site after he second night even though I had clearly paid for a third night. We had gone hiking and came back to a clean campsite with missing firewood and cast iron skillet. Fortunately the hosts had my skillet and explained what had happened. They told me to try one of the other nearby campgrounds and take a site (and explain to the hosts) if available, since I already paid, but it was a busy weekend, Saturday, and I was sure they’d be full. Instead of driving 7 miles the opposite direction, we headed back home to Washington. Didn’t spoil my trip by any means but I wasn’t very happy about the forest service yanking my site away from me and essentially stealing my money and robbing me of a nap before my long drive.