Best Dispersed Camping near Hiouchi, CA
Several dispersed camping options exist along the Smith River near Hiouchi, California. Sand Camp provides a gravel parking area with pit toilets and a short walking path to tent sites along the river. While official signs prohibit camping in the parking lot, the riverside tent sites offer quiet surroundings and excellent stargazing opportunities. Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping includes multiple roadside pull-offs with creek access, suitable for both tents and RVs. The sites are easily accessible for most vehicles but can fill quickly during summer weekends.
The Middle Fork Smith River area offers additional dispersed sites with river access and relative privacy. Most dispersed locations in the region are free, with fires generally permitted outside high fire danger periods. Visitors should note that many sites lack facilities beyond basic pit toilets, and water must be brought in or filtered from rivers. As one camper shared, "There are numerous dispersed sites along the forest road up the river to choose from. Super epic and remote." Cell service is limited throughout the area, so preparation is essential when camping in this section of northern California's coastal forest region.
