Smith River, California provides access to several campground options in proximity to both coastal beaches and old-growth redwoods. Developed campgrounds like Ramblin' Redwoods Campground and Howonquet Village and Resort accommodate tent campers, RVs, and cabin seekers. The area's camping landscape encompasses sites nestled among towering redwoods, ocean-adjacent properties, and riverside locations along the Smith River. Most campgrounds maintain year-round operation, though weather conditions vary significantly with the coastal climate.
Campground facilities range from basic to full-hookup sites with amenities. Many locations offer water and electrical connections, while others provide more primitive experiences. As one camper noted, "Camping at Rambling Redwoods offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature, surrounded by the majestic Redwoods." Access roads are generally well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles, though some waterfront sites may have restrictions for larger RVs. The Smith River area experiences typical Pacific Northwest coastal weather patterns with mild summers and wet winters, making spring through fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
The region's campgrounds offer distinctive environmental features that distinguish individual locations. Riverside camping provides opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing, with several reviews mentioning otters, seals, and birds at the Smith River mouth. Forested sites deliver shade and seclusion, though proximity to Highway 101 can introduce traffic noise at some locations. A review about Howonquet Village noted, "The beach is a short walk away, and you can walk all the way along the beach along the Smith River to where it meets the ocean. There is an amazing amount of wildlife and tide pools here." Campground selection typically involves balancing desired amenities against location, with waterfront and redwood settings commanding premium rates but delivering memorable natural experiences.
$31 - $87 / night
"The beach is a ten minute walk and both walks we took were breath taking! Everyone we met were very friendly and had great knowledge of the park seeing that it was our first time."
"Just outside of Brookings,Oregon on Rt. 101, this well kept campground was a welcome two day layover during the rainy weather that’s typical of the PNW during mid-November."
$35 - $100 / night
"You camp in the redwoods, with the large and gentle smith river right next to you."
"Beautiful campground nestled in large hemlocks along the Smith River. The restroom and shower building was well kept and clean. They offered recycling, including propane cylinders."
$20 - $30 / night
"It’s in a new grove of redwoods but there are stumps of old grove redwoods near some of the campsites that are huge."
"Traveling around the country and we’ve come to the end of our time in California . We stopped here for a quick overnight stay and ended up staying two days in our Promaster van."
$35 / night
"This campground is close to so many amazing adventures like beaches near Crecent City, Smith River and Jebidiah Redwoods Parks."
"Next. To us. Some other sites that aren't adjoined like this would be amazing I think. However, the bathrooms were decent."
"Clean campground, our spot was near the play area, dog park and office. They have some area tucked into the redwoods. They have some farm animals!"
"Koa is located near the National Park entrance."
"This RV Psrk is surrounded by beach, the harbor and the Chetco River. What a prized location. Park your RV on beachfront property, with the harbor behind and the Chetco River at the end of the park."
"There are pros and cons to this location. Pros is literally on the beach. At night, I can hear the waves. Great onshore cool breezes. Lots of walking and amazing sunsets."
$15 - $30 / night
"What a great place close to giant redwoods, the smith river and the beach! They say its the most popular camping site in the northern redwoods but we must have missed the croud!"
"Trees everywhere and Smith river access is minutes away. Campground has all the things needed to make your stay great. Clean bathrooms, lots of space, picnic table and fire pit."
$26 - $100 / night
"The Chetco River is just steps away for fishing or water play. Nice trail nearby that winds through a young Redwood Forest. The trail along the River is really nice too."
"One of the best places we have camped at in the Oregon Coast and so close to amazing attractions. The bathrooms have flush potty’s, the showers are no fee, and super nice."
$39 - $999 / night
"Camping at Rambling Redwoods offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature, surrounded by the majestic Redwoods."
"Some spots are close enough to hear highway noise but it wasn’t bad. There are couple great trails through Redwoods. We were there during COVID and forest fires so most activities were closed."
$42 - $79 / night
"Great location in heart of Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park with easy access to the Smith River. Very clean and medium spacious RV sites."
"Smith River is close by as well."
TravelerVery close to trails and the redwoods. Mostly Quiet (we only had one of the residents racing a Motorcycle up and down the road every day for a few hours - not that bad). A lot of the spots have trees so Starlink was intermittent but there were some sites with good sky view. The diner across the street is mildly famous for a few movies. Food was good.
TravelerStayed here a few days while working a job in Crescent City. It was quiet and we had a nice view of the bay / marina. The facilities were clean. A few places close enough to walk to for dinner. I recommend taking a tour of their lighthouse.
ScoutSuch a perfect spot. Dirt road with potholes on forest road 1108 brings you to at least 3 roomy campsites with fire pit on the river. One car drove by all night, total seclusion with no service. Beautiful creek in the trees. 10/10
TravelerThis is a beautiful, well-shaded campground. I stayed here over a weekend and although the camp was full, I could rarely hear my neighbors. Restroom and shower facilities are in pretty good condition. The showers take quarters. There is WiFi available at the nearby kiosk, but there is essentially no connectivity outside of that. On my last night here, elk were walking up to camp sites! Super cool.
TravelerWe needed a place to stop for the night and park the RV for a few hours. This was perfect and the price was right (free). You do have to go inside the casino with an ID and register for their players club card and then register with security. We ate at the restaurant and the food was actually good. They had a salad bar and a pretty full menu. Also, the tribal gas station is quite a bit cheaper than all of the other ones in the area. Overnight there was one loud “discussion” but you are basically in a parking lot so it was to be expected. We felt safe the whole time. Bonus is they actually have an elk herd on site so it was cool to see them. This is a place to stay the night not to set up your outdoor kitchen and cook a meal.
GuideAmazing stay in the redwoods. Bear boxes on every site, water spigots nearby, and bathrooms with coin-operated showers. Campsite and campgrounds overall clean. Weather was decent and didn’t get too terribly cold. Definitely plan to reserve 1+ months in advance. Gets booked up fast!
GuideCampsites are quite spacious. Host on duty. The river itself was very nice. Weather was nice enough to take a dip! Though there were a handful of folks around, everybody was respectful of their noise. Quiet and peaceful. Cowboy camped that night! Big redwood cover the site but enough so you can see the stars. A hidden gem for sure.
TravelerCame at the beginning of December and had the place almost to ourselves. A bit chilly with minor rain but one of my favorite stops on the 7 week camping trip. Will be back next year!
TravelerLovely spot right on the beach with good walking access to town. Bathrooms are clean, showers were good and had hot water. Laundry is small but price is right. Overall I was delighted. Nothing fancy for sure but it was a great place to stay and shelter from a storm.
Smith River camping offers access to both dense redwood forests and coastal areas along a stretch of northern California where the Smith River meets the Pacific Ocean. Elevations vary from sea level at coastal areas to around 150 feet inland, with the region experiencing typical Pacific Northwest weather patterns including summer fog and winter rain. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though visitors often find spring through fall offers the most comfortable conditions with daytime temperatures averaging 55-65°F.
River swimming and fishing spots: The Smith River provides excellent swimming holes and fishing opportunities throughout the warmer months. At Panther Flat Campground, visitors can access the river directly from camp. As one camper notes, "Trees everywhere and Smith river access is minutes away... Bring blankets, it gets pretty cool overnight especially since trees keep area shaded and the river is so close."
Redwood forest hiking: Extensive trail networks wind through old-growth redwood forests, with options ranging from short, accessible loops to more challenging day hikes. A visitor to Jedediah Smith Campground shared, "There's a cool hiking trail right from the day use area / boat ramp area that takes you to this other amazing Redwoods hiking trail up the road."
Beach exploration and tide pools: Coastal beaches offer opportunities for beachcombing, tide pool exploration, and sunset views. At Beachfront RV Park, visitors can walk directly onto the sand. One reviewer mentioned, "The beach is a great. There are a ton of cool rock formations, including the Arch Rock and Goat Island, that is really cool to check out."
Secluded forest camping: Many campgrounds provide sites surrounded by dense redwood forest, creating natural privacy screens between campsites. At Florence Keller Regional Park, campers appreciate the natural setting: "Sites are very clean, fairly level and of varying sizes... each site has a picnic table and a fire pit and there were water spigots throughout the park."
River access from campsites: Several campgrounds offer direct access to the Smith River for swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. At Alfred A. Loeb State Park Campground, "The fresh water river leading to the ocean is awesome and kids can swim across with no problem. Another huge bonus is you are minutes away from the beach."
Hot showers and clean facilities: Despite the rustic setting, many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. A reviewer at Panther Flat Campground noted, "The showers were potentially one of the biggest surprises for a forest campground I had seen in the area... hot showers after a long day in the sometimes gloomy and drizzly Redwoods was a great asset."
Weather variability: The coastal influence creates foggy mornings, especially in summer months, with temperatures warming inland. Pack layers for comfort. At Mill Creek Campground, a visitor advised, "Be sure to bring mosquito repellent! Huge trees, slugs, and the ocean. Perfect campground."
Reservation requirements: During peak season (May-September), many campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. Some operate on first-come, first-served basis year-round. At Florence Keller Regional Park, "Self pay, no reservations... Overall nice and we would stay again."
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits or regulations do I need to know about for camping on the Smith River?
Camping on the Smith River typically requires permits or reservations depending on the location. At Jedidiah Smith Campground, reservations are highly recommended during peak season (summer months) as sites fill quickly. Bears are active in the area, so proper food storage is mandatory. For camping along the river itself, some areas may require wilderness permits. Most developed campgrounds charge fees ranging from $15-35 per night. For campgrounds within state or national parks, entrance fees apply in addition to camping fees. Fire restrictions are common during dry months, and campfires may only be permitted in designated fire rings. Always check with the Six Rivers National Forest office or California State Parks for current regulations before your trip.
What amenities are available at Smith River campsites?
Redwood Meadows RV Resort offers comprehensive amenities including tent sites, RV hookups, yurts, cabin apartments, a basketball court, recreational room with pool table and TV, laundry facilities ($1.25 wash, $0.25 dry), and pay showers ($0.50 for 6 minutes). Ruby VanDeventer County Park provides more basic amenities but features redwood groves and river access. Most Smith River campgrounds typically offer picnic tables, fire rings, and pit or flush toilets. Developed campgrounds in state parks provide coin-operated hot showers, potable water, and some cell service. Campgrounds within Redwood National Park also offer recycling facilities. Amenities vary widely between locations, with RV parks providing the most facilities and dispersed camping areas offering none.
Where are the best campgrounds along the Smith River in California?
Panther Flat Campground is highly rated for its proximity to giant redwoods and the Smith River, offering a less crowded experience while still providing access to northern California's natural attractions. Patrick Creek Campground is another excellent option with helpful hosts and weekend availability when state parks are full. Other notable campgrounds include Mill Creek Campground in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, which offers a quiet, family-friendly environment with large trees and beautiful views, and Grassy Flat Campground, which features 18 sites with good seclusion and privacy between campsites, plus river access via a trail.
Are there free or dispersed camping options near Smith River, CA?
Yes, there are dispersed camping options in the Smith River area. Sand Camp - Dispersed offers primitive camping opportunities along the river. Six Rivers National Forest also permits dispersed camping in designated areas with a 14-day stay limit. Big Flat Campground provides a more primitive experience while still having basic facilities. When dispersed camping, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 200 feet from water sources, and check current fire restrictions. Note that these areas typically lack facilities like toilets or potable water, so come prepared with supplies and a plan for waste disposal. Always verify current regulations with the local ranger district before your trip.
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