Best Campgrounds near Smith River, CA

Got here by nightfall on a rainy evening, so didn’t get to explore further into this roadside “campground”, but the spot I snag was good for two rigs, easily accessible, positioned right by the river which was an awesome feature. Definitely would like to check out more of the spots when I have time, great inbetween from CA to OR.

New fifth wheel with a sliding hitch was giving me issues with a back in site. The staff escorted the took the time to work with me to get the rig parked perfectly in the spot (great that he is a big rig driver!). The is a great location in the middle of the redwoods. Definately a ton of tent camping and lots of trails.

Right on the Pacific. Lots of wildlife, especially elk. Restrooms are very clean and hot water showers are available. In January, the sun doesn’t reach the campground until 10:30am.

Stayed one night but you can stay more. Beautiful scenery next to the Pacific Ocean. Clean and safe. Tribal gas station with low prices next to casino. You have to go in and get permission and check in. Perfect place for me.

Beautiful views of the ocean and Beach. Our site c3 is large, shaded and very clean upon our arrival.

We had never been to the ocean and had so much fun having our camper parked directly off the beach. It was so clean and beautiful. Planning on visiting again!

Stayed in a cabin and it was beautiful. The front porch provided a fabulous view to the Chetco River. 

If you fish and don't have a trailer or camper these cabins are perfect. Fire ring and table are provided as well. 

Well worth the price.

Super happy with this cozy little campground. Good size spots, very clean, nicely maintained, nearby hiking in the redwoods, and a river right next to the campground. Recommended!!!

This is a great place to see an elk herd as they sometimes come grazing through the campground. The campsites were more spacious than other campgrounds we stayed at. The restrooms are ok, however take a light with you at night because the motion lights will turn off before you can finish your business. The showers are in need of an upgrade. Plus they are coin operated which was disappointing considering the condition. Very convenient beach access road is almost directly across from the campground entrance. Also, there are two areas to camp, the meadows with no shade and the woods with little sun. WiFi is free for 30 minutes each day or pay for longer periods and Verizon signal is weak Overall a nice place with friendly staff.

This was the perfect spot to spend a night. The creek behind us was beautiful and the sounds just put you right to sleep. Many spots along the road. Easy with our jeep, but I wouldn't recommend for larger trailers

Very special to see Elk roaming the campgrounds. Nice large campsites, clean bathrooms, and great service.

We loved this campground! It is about a mile off the highway so you don’t have any road noise. You are immersed in the redwoods with a creek flowing next to the campground. The staff is very friendly and they do a great job keeping everything clean.

We loved this campground! You are immersed in the redwoods and surrounded by a creek that runs along the campground. The restrooms were clean, staff very friendly and it was nice and quiet when we were there.

We stayed one night here during a trip down the Oregon coast. We have a 37' TT, it was a little tight trying to back in, our neighbor across from us was gracious enough to move his truck. The sites themselves are very spacious, with a picnic table and fire pit. The sites were surrounded by blackberry bushes which was cool.

We did not use the bathrooms, but the park and the outside of the facilities all looked clean, and they also had cabins available near the river, which was so peaceful!

This campground must be the “first camp out” for so many Northern California kids, at least of my generation. It was the first time my family drove for HOURS (“are we there yet?” And then the result was spectacular. The river vibe, the rope swing, the ancient redwoods, the dappled sunlight, the bbq. And yes, there’s a store nearby in the middle of nowhere to pick up whatever you need. 

It really is family-lovely. Your kids will make friends with the others. If you can plan an extended stay, do it!

Recently, I just drove around the grounds, on my way back to SF, just for fun, and I thought, wow, I’m ready to experience this place as a childless oldster. I want to bird my ass off. I want to go offseason. All of it!

I’m probably giving this an extra star for nostalgia. I camped here decades before,  before it became a more modern campsite, and it was formative. I’d suggest LATE summer, like August, or better yet, after Labor Day. It’s the warmest, nicest time. Or when the Elk are in mating season! LOL. Or spring, when the Lupin arrives. There are also INCREDIBLE day trips into California’s interior, Indian history, little known parks and trails everywhere. Bring all the yummy foods you want… you’re not going to be near a grocery store. Feel a side of California few know about.

Beautiful campground among trees. Campsites feel private despite being a large campground. They had a range talk when we were there that we wish we attended but didn’t line up with our timeline. Staff was friendly.