SUMMER SALE 50% off The Dyrt PRO — just $2.49/moGet now
SALE: PRO just $2.49/mo

middle fork smith river

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Anglers and swimmers gain direct access to the Middle Fork Smith River at this dispersed camping area located along a dead-end road near Gasquet. The site features a large, circular turnaround that accommodates big rigs and provides ample space for multiple camping setups, though privacy between sites remains limited.

A trail leads directly down to the river, where campers find room for both fishing and swimming activities. The road access proves straightforward for any vehicle type, making this a practical overnight stop. Sound from the nearby river provides natural background noise, while an overlook at the road's end offers views of the water below. For those wanting developed facilities, Grassy Flat Campground sits just west of this location.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & Directionsmiddle fork smith river is located in California near Gasquet

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

41.8559873295922 N
123.88695177078374 W

Open in Google Maps

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Features

For Campers

  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews3 Camper Reviews - middle fork smith river

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

34%
0%
33%
33%
0%

3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2026

Easy for all size ...Warning

Great spot. But be aware there were 2times trucks came into campground and did donuts by the campers and truck. 1time was friday night around 1230 am. And the second time was monday evening around 9pm And there was a family with child setting up tent besides us when this happensd. I tried to get video but with rock the size of baseballs and a dust cloud for 5 min. The truck had sand in the wiper and top of truck was coated in sand . Would not stay again. Didnt feel safe. I did end up contacting the gasquest ranger station about this .
There was an amazing swimming hole beside this campground. Just go over the hill . Kinda a little scramble down. But crystal clear water and a rock to jump off of. Would have loved to stay

Siteleft of entrance backed in beside the the row of trees .
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2025

Spot to Sleep

There is nothing great about this spot; just a spot if you are tired. Easy to get to. It is a circular turn around that has space to set up a camp. Very large spot but luckily we were the only there; offers no privacy otherwise. The plus to this spot was the sound of water and night sky.

Very easy drive in; any vehicle can handle it.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of middle fork smith river by Crispin S., October 19, 2025
Reviewed Sep. 2, 2025

Middle Fork Smith River

This is a cute spot and we stayed here for 3 nights. Plenty of space between the other campers (up to 5 one night). There is an overlook to the river at the dead end of the road and you can hear people enjoying that view but nothing that would really disturb you. There is a trail that leads straight down to the river! Plenty of room for swimming and fishing. Would definitely stay here again. It’s about a 15 min. drive to the Jedediah Redwoods, which if you haven’t seen…IT’S A MUST!! We dropped our trailer at the information center for the Redwoowds, visited in the forest for a few hours, picked up the trailer and came right back to this spot with no problems.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Play button icon
  • Play button icon
  • Play button icon
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at middle fork smith river?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at middle fork smith river, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.