Hiouchi, California sits at the junction of Highway 199 and the Smith River, surrounded by coastal redwoods at approximately 130 feet elevation. The area experiences mild summers with daytime temperatures typically between 65-75°F and foggy, rainy winters. Seasonal flooding occasionally impacts lower campground areas during winter months, while summer drought conditions can lead to campfire restrictions at certain sites.
What to do
Kayaking the Smith River: Access points near Redwood Meadows RV Resort offer opportunities for paddling the clear waters of Smith River. "We drove Howland hill road and did short hikes and did a horseback ride up into the redwoods with Crescent Trail rides. Cafe across the street is very popular as well," notes Ken C., highlighting alternative activities.
Horseback riding tours: Book guided rides through Crescent Trail Rides located 5 miles from Hiouchi. "A short drive up the road for a river day," mentions Lindsey F., who found the location perfect for multiple adventure options.
Redwood hiking loops: Many campgrounds offer private hiking trails through old-growth forest stands. At Mystic Forest RV Park, "There is a hiking trail around the RV Site through the woods which is fantastic. Despite the rain we had a great time here," reports Thomas R.
Beachcombing at ocean access points: Drive 15-20 minutes from inland Hiouchi campgrounds to reach coastal areas. "A short drive to Brookings and a short drive to Crescent City and the beach adventures," adds one visitor.
What campers like
Proximity to multiple attractions: Many campgrounds serve as hubs for exploring the entire region. At Kamp Klamath RV Park and Campground, visitors appreciate the central location. "The ocean is about 1 mile away right at the mouth of the Klamath river with an awesome beach. Good fishing, beach combing, kite flying etc," notes Tammy H.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: River corridors and forested areas provide habitat for diverse wildlife. "We even saw a bear across the Klamath river!" reports Hattie R. at Klamath River RV Park, highlighting the natural setting.
Community atmosphere: Several campgrounds host social gatherings that enhance the camping experience. "Saturday nights in the summer are the best as they do a salmon cook out with live music," explains one Kamp Klamath visitor.
Clean facilities: Maintaining bathrooms and showers ranks high in camper satisfaction. "Bathrooms and showers were okay—but we usually use our own bathroom/shower," reports one camper, while another notes, "Clean bathrooms with hot shower and acceptable water pressure."
What you should know
Variable cell service: Coverage differs significantly between campgrounds even within short distances. At Ramblin' Redwoods Campground & RV Park, "Cell service with Verizon was OK. 5G jet pack makes it possible," according to Gregory M., while others note limited connectivity at more remote sites.
Reservation timing: Summer months require advance planning, especially for riverfront or premium sites. "Originally planned to stay for 4 days but ended up extending the trip a few extra days. Management was extremely helpful, polite, and accommodating," shares Lindsey F.
Weather patterns: Coastal influence creates microclimates with significant variation. "The campground is far enough inland way from the coast that the marine layer burned off much quicker so we had beautiful sunny days with a nice cool breeze," notes one camper.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects sound levels at some rv parks near Hiouchi. "Although this place is right on the highway the noise is not too noticeable and quiet later in the evening," mentions Kristen F., who stayed at a platform tent site.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playground equipment and open space. At Beachfront RV Park in nearby Brookings, families enjoy beach access. "Whether it is being in the beach, watching the sunset, seeing boats come in, or building forts out of driftwood, this campground is just great," shares Julie.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide nature programs during summer months. "We've been RVing for about a year and have been in quite a few campgrounds so far. This one was our favorite!" reports one visitor who enjoyed the interpretive programs.
Laundry facilities: Extended stays with children benefit from on-site laundry. "Laundry machines and showers on site were ok," notes one visitor, while another mentions, "$1.25 to wash & $.25 to dry."
Off-peak timing: Weekdays during shoulder seasons offer quieter experiences for families with young children. "We stayed here on a Saturday night in mid August and had no problem getting a spot," explains one visitor, noting that weekends fill up faster.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose campgrounds based on rig size requirements. At Chinook RV Resort, "Campground with large, grassy, shaded sites. Some back-ins sites are shaded," notes Kathy S., providing useful information for larger vehicles.
Hookup variations: Full hookups aren't universal across all Hiouchi area rv parks. "Level full hook-up sites in large grass field. Each site has approximate 10x10 concrete pad for chairs, BBQ, etc," reports Leonard H. about one oceanside location.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have tight turns or narrow approaches. "The spots can be a little tricky to get into and those with larger rigs should contact the management office to ensure they can fit and maneuver properly but we saw plenty of huge Class As and triple axle 5th wheels," advises Lindsey F.
Overflow parking options: Several campgrounds provide additional parking for tow vehicles. "They have a free overflow parking area mere feet away," mentions one RV visitor, appreciating the convenient solution.
