Looking for the best campgrounds near Smith River, CA? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Smith River campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Smith River, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
Harris Beach State Park was named after the Scottish pioneer George Scott Harris who settled here in the late 1880s to raise sheep and cattle. The park boasts the largest island off the Oregon coast and is great camping near Portland. Bird Island (also called Goat Island) is a National Wildlife Sanctuary and breeding site for such rare birds as the tufted puffin. The park offers sandy beaches interspersed with rocky outcroppings harboring interesting tide pools with their wide variety of life. Sea stacks dot the ocean just off shore.
Campground info:
-65 full-hookup sites
-25 electrical sites with water
-59 tent sites with water nearby
-Six yurts (three pet-friendly; see our Pets in Parks FAQ for more info)
-Hiker/biker camp
-Playground
-Flush toilets and hot showers
-Firewood for sale
-RV dump station
Situated in a magnificent old-growth redwood grove on the banks of the wild and scenic Smith River, this campground offers hiking trails, swimming, fishing, and seasonal campfire programs. Cabins available.
$20 - $30 / night
Sleep beneath towering maples and young redwoods. Access to Mill Creek, miles of varied hiking trails, and summer programs. Campers at Mill Creek may hear restoration work including saws and heavy equipment through October 15. For more information, visit the Redwoods Rising page at go.nps.gov/RedwoodsRising. Located in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. This is 6.7 miles south of Crescent City.
$35 / night
Crescent City/Redwoods KOA is the best place to stay while exploring the redwood forests and America's Wild Rivers Coast. This KOA is close to some great hiking trails in the Redwood National and State Parks as well as many beautiful beaches and four major rivers. Area highlights include the Trees of Mystery, Battery Point Lighthouse, Ocean World, Tour Thru Tree, Fern Canyon and Oregon Caves. The campground's tour center has all the info you'll need for exploring/day trips. This 17-acre park has 10 acres of redwood forest surrounded by alder groves. The RV area has full-hookup, 30/50-amp big-rig friendly sites with expanded cable and free Wi-Fi. One- and two-room Cabins are scattered in/around the redwood forest, along with private/unique Tent Sites. There are limited RV Sites in the redwood forest for RVs under 30 feet. Please call the office for info on forest RV Sites. Wi-Fi is available for all forest campers in the Rec Center (open 24 hours/day)
Elk Prairie Campground (sites 1-75)
$35 - $80 / night
Kamp Klamath is a family and pet friendly kampground located in the heart of the Redwood National Park alongside the Klamath River, 1.3 miles from Klamath Beach where you are likely to spot sea lions and harbor seals. Enjoy scenic views, spacious sites, and an occasional visit from Big Foot. There are 50, 30, and 20 amp full hook ups. Do laundry in the newly renovated laundry room and take steaming hot showers in the clean bathrooms. There is a sizeable deck with picnic tables, chairs, and a fireplace for the whole family to enjoy a meal. Let the kids play at our new playground or check out a game from the office for family game night.
$35 - $55 / night
Panther Flat Campground sits in the vast Six Rivers National Forest in northern California. This shady, secluded campground is just steps from the Smith River, which is famous for its bright blue waters and scenic pathway through the forest.
Popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, rafting and fishing in the Smith River. Anglers enjoy healthy fishing populations of salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout. Visitors also enjoy hiking, horseback riding and biking in the area. There are no trailheads in the campground, but Elk Camp Ridge, High Dome and French Hill trailheads are all within 10 miles of the site. A Botanical trail to a unique Darlingtonia bog is just a mile away.
Set in a mature forest of Douglas fir, cedar and Pacific madrone trees, the campground is a short walk from the pristine Smith River. The river boasts up to Class 5 whitewater rapids. The region, thick with vegetation, is also freckled with huckleberry shrubs. The Six Rivers National Forest lies east of Eureka in northwestern California, stretching southward from the Oregon border for about 140 miles. U.S. 101, the famed "Redwood Highway," parallels the inland Forest along the coastline. The Forest is just east of the Redwood National Park.
California's Redwood National Park and the Pacific Ocean are within 20 miles of the campground. Annual events include Gasquet Raft Race in July and Del Norte County Fair in August.
$15 / night
Harris Beach State Park was named after the Scottish pioneer George Scott Harris who settled here in the late 1880s to raise sheep and cattle. The park boasts the largest island off the Oregon coast and is great camping near Portland. Bird Island (also called Goat Island) is a National Wildlife Sanctuary and breeding site for such rare birds as the tufted puffin. The park offers sandy beaches interspersed with rocky outcroppings harboring interesting tide pools with their wide variety of life. Sea stacks dot the ocean just off shore.
Campground info:
-65 full-hookup sites
-25 electrical sites with water
-59 tent sites with water nearby
-Six yurts (three pet-friendly; see our Pets in Parks FAQ for more info)
-Hiker/biker camp
-Playground
-Flush toilets and hot showers
-Firewood for sale
-RV dump station
$20 - $30 / night
Crescent City/Redwoods KOA is the best place to stay while exploring the redwood forests and America's Wild Rivers Coast. This KOA is close to some great hiking trails in the Redwood National and State Parks as well as many beautiful beaches and four major rivers. Area highlights include the Trees of Mystery, Battery Point Lighthouse, Ocean World, Tour Thru Tree, Fern Canyon and Oregon Caves. The campground's tour center has all the info you'll need for exploring/day trips. This 17-acre park has 10 acres of redwood forest surrounded by alder groves. The RV area has full-hookup, 30/50-amp big-rig friendly sites with expanded cable and free Wi-Fi. One- and two-room Cabins are scattered in/around the redwood forest, along with private/unique Tent Sites. There are limited RV Sites in the redwood forest for RVs under 30 feet. Please call the office for info on forest RV Sites. Wi-Fi is available for all forest campers in the Rec Center (open 24 hours/day)
Kamp Klamath is a family and pet friendly kampground located in the heart of the Redwood National Park alongside the Klamath River, 1.3 miles from Klamath Beach where you are likely to spot sea lions and harbor seals. Enjoy scenic views, spacious sites, and an occasional visit from Big Foot. There are 50, 30, and 20 amp full hook ups. Do laundry in the newly renovated laundry room and take steaming hot showers in the clean bathrooms. There is a sizeable deck with picnic tables, chairs, and a fireplace for the whole family to enjoy a meal. Let the kids play at our new playground or check out a game from the office for family game night.
$35 - $55 / night
Scout
Our host was gracious, gave us our pick of spots. Beautiful place, well kept, clean bathrooms and showers. Little store nearby. Would be happy to stay again if ever in the area!
Traveler
This little RV park is a hidden Gem tucked along the Rogue River. The campground is kept up very nicely, with beautiful trees and lush greenery around. The host is a nice older man who was very accommodating. We got he Wifi code and was able to stream our Netflix which was nice because we were rained in. The park is also close to the town with many restaurants and trails close by.
Traveler
We didn’t end up going because it is NOT RV friendly. You have to hike in with your tent
Traveler
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.
Guide
Beautiful views of the ocean and Beach. Our site c3 is large, shaded and very clean upon our arrival.
Guide
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!
Guide
a little busy a lot of people but really quiet and peaceful !
Ranger
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.
GuideSuper 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!!!
Guide
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.
Guide
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
GuideVery special to see Elk roaming the campgrounds. Nice large campsites, clean bathrooms, and great service.
Traveler
Great area with lots of room to separate you from others ! The road in is paved till you drop into the actual camp site which is rocky but easy for a suv to do. The views are amazing and the privacy is even better!
Ranger
Overall the campground itself was nice. The restrooms are super clean and nice. Some sites are fairly secluded. It was very hot when we were there and although it is next to the river, you are actually above the river so you have to drive/hike to it. There were a lot of campers from Oregon there and all of them were there to party. The camp host was useless and didn’t want to interact with anyone.
Ranger
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.
RangerWe 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.
Guide
We stayed one night at this park while on a trip down the Oregon coast. It was very cold and rainy, so we spent the time in our RV, but it was so cool to watch the waves roll in!
The beach is right in front of the park, so on a nicer day we would have enjoyed that a little more, but still a very cool location right in the harbor.
GuideWe 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!
Traveler
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!
Traveler
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.
GuideDispersed camping along the river banks after walking through the Tall Trees hike. Easy overnighter.
GuideBeautiful 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.
Guide
Camping at Rambling Redwoods offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature, surrounded by the majestic Redwoods. The campground provides a variety of amenities, including a playground and horseshoe pits, as well as a dog wash area for your furry friends. Well-maintained bathrooms and showers featuring good water pressure—a welcome comfort in the great outdoors. The availability of a laundry room adds a touch of convenience to the rustic camping experience. We were in site 31 which was a very level dirt pull-thru and parked our truck between two huge trees. My only negative thought is that the back of the site only had a couple of logs separating sites 31 and 30. I may not have felt this an issue had the people at site 30 kept their dogs on a leash which would have prevented their three dogs from coming over and trying to attack my dog. Yes, the park has a leash rule. When planning a trip to the Redwood State and National Park, mapping out your destinations is crucial, as some attractions can be quite a distance from the campground.
GuideI don't have a lot to add beyond what has been said by others. This campground is about the location. It is nestled right in the state park w/old growth redwood trees and hikes accessible directly from the campground.
However, it is very tight, which is difficult for anyone with a larger trailer. The facilities are showing their ages as well. The showers were in decent shape, but the bathrooms could use some work.
It is still the best campground for exploring the park though. And the negatives should not turn you away.
Guide
Nice folk working and camping. Very full campground parked in like sardines. Mainly fishing guys. Some are guides and will take you out fishing the rogue river Clean park. Reasonable rate around $40÷/- for full hookup.
GuideWe loved having a playground right around the bend that the kids could enjoy, and the hot water showers were clean and tidy. The sites themselves offered little privacy, but we knew what we were signing up for when we booked this campground. We wanted a base to explore the Redwoods NP and the beaches nearby, and Harris Beach State Park worked nicely!
Scout
When I booked this, I was under the impression we'd be able to see the Ocean from the park. Don't get your hopes up. Only certain spots actually get that perk, and "premium" sites like the one I reserved are not among those that get a view. In fact, we were more than a little confused that the "premium" site we paid good money for landed us right next to the dumpsters and sewer station. Our "lawn" area between us and the nearest neighbor was a narrow patch of powdery dirt and dying weeds. From where we were, it looked like all the camper spaces on the Southeast end of the park were in the same situation. Zero shade, zero green grass, and campers wedged as closely together as the law allows.
The activity room in the lodge building was a plus. The kids had a blast playing ping-pong, arcade games, and foosball. We arrived at about ten minutes til 4pm, and the gal working the counter took every effort to communicate that to us as clearly as possible that we needed to leave by 4. If you want to have fun up there get an early start.
The showers/bathroom were nice, albeit in desperate need of ventilation.
This area of the OR coast is beautiful and there are plenty of things to see and do. It's not so touristy as the northern OR coast, and not as populated as the central OR coast. The beach is probably a 10 minute walk from most sites, which is okay unless you want to take chairs, picnic basket, etc, then you'll be driving to Ophir beach, which seemed to have its share of recreational smokers and the kind of "pilgrims" you tend to see along the 101.
My main problem with Honeybear was the price. We paid a premium price for a spot that ended up looking nothing like the photos I was looking at. There were no trees or shade, no ferns or other foliage. It was just a patch of semi-flat dirt. Walking through the park I did see a lot of far prettier spaces through the grounds where there were lots of trees, or an ocean view so I'd highly suggest you do your research before reserving a space. Avoid spaces 74 and up, unless you're fine camping in a parking lot.
Full disclosure: I did book this spot 1 month before our arrival date, so there wasn't much left at that point… that's on me. Even so, the term "premium" just feels like false advertising to me. Premium price, yes. Premium location, no.
Camping near Smith River, California, offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Smith River, California, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Smith River, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Smith River, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 172 campgrounds and RV parks near Smith River, CA and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Smith River, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Smith River, CA is Harris Beach State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 102 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Smith River, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Smith River, CA.
What parks are near Smith River, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Smith River, CA that allow camping, notably Redwood National Park and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
