Dispersed camping sites near Smith River, California provide access to the Six Rivers National Forest and Siskiyou wilderness areas, with elevations ranging from 200 to 3,000 feet throughout the region. The area receives significant rainfall (60-100 inches annually), creating lush forest conditions and crystal-clear waterways. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, while winter brings cooler weather and occasional snow at higher elevations.
What to do
Swimming and wading: The Smith River and its tributaries offer numerous swimming spots with varying depths and current speeds. At South Fork Chetco, one camper noted, "We were able to get our rig and our Casita down fairly easy. We're right on the river with very beautiful views and the whole area to ourselves!" Some locations feature natural pools where children can splash safely, while others have deeper sections for adult swimming.
Fishing access: Multiple dispersed sites provide direct river access for fishing. The Middle Fork Smith River area offers excellent fishing opportunities within walking distance of camping areas. As one visitor mentioned, "There is a trail that leads straight down to the river! Plenty of room for swimming and fishing."
Stargazing: Limited light pollution makes this region excellent for night sky viewing. A camper at Sand Camp shared, "The sky was dark and clear, perfect for stargazing. The few other people camping there were quiet and friendly." Bring red-light headlamps to preserve night vision.
Wildlife watching: The riparian zones along Smith River support diverse wildlife including beavers, deer, and numerous bird species. A visitor to South Fork Chetco reported, "We saw a beaver swim up the river. We also saw a small herd of cows that rolled through."
What campers like
River proximity: Nearly all dispersed sites offer direct water access, with many positioned directly on riverbanks. A camper at Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping shared, "The creek is absolutely clear, a bit chilly but stunning. I would definitely recommend this spot and would absolutely come back for another stay."
Natural features: Many sites feature distinctive natural elements like swimming holes, jumping rocks, or shallow river sections. A visitor noted, "There is a spot that we are at has a swing right above the water. Water is crystal clear."
Secluded locations: While some areas get busy during peak times, many campers value the privacy available. As one camper at Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping described, "We basically had the place to ourselves for 6 days. The space is huge, so friendly reminder you don't have to park 10 feet from someone if there is an entire beach waiting for you."
Affordability: All dispersed camping in the area is free, though some sites like Redwood Bar may occasionally have Forest Service personnel distribute pay envelopes. A visitor mentioned, "When we need a free place to stay over on the southern Oregon coast, Redwood bar works."
What you should know
Access challenges: Many sites require navigating unpaved forest roads. A camper at Canyon Gulch by Eight Dollar Mountain warned, "Came here because the camp ground down the road was gated off and locked. I only saw two sites with fire rings on the side of the road." Some locations become impassable during wet weather.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas have no amenities beyond occasional pit toilets. A visitor to South Fork Chetco explained, "This is pretty wild camping, no amenities, but quiet camping. Probably best to use a car or truck with a little clearance but most cars should work unless it's wet and muddy."
Weekend crowds: Holiday weekends and summer months bring significantly more visitors. One camper noted, "It sometimes gets crowded during holidays and weekends and the good places, not next to rapids and close to good swimming holes, become rare."
Navigation challenges: GPS coordinates and mapping services are often inaccurate in this remote region. A camper warned, "Be careful with maps! This listing has the wrong pin on the map. If you use coordinates and google maps it will get you to the right side."
Tips for camping with families
Safety measures: Rivers can have swift currents, especially in spring and early summer. A camper at Middle Fork Smith River advised, "There is plenty of space between the other campers. There is an overlook to the river at the dead end of the road and you can hear people enjoying that view but nothing that would really disturb you."
Insect protection: Yellow jackets can be aggressive, particularly in late summer. One camper warned, "We're visiting early September so no fires are allowed at this time and the yellow jackets are still definitely out, so try and make sure you have a trap for them…they can get aggressive!"
Life jackets: Fast-moving water requires proper safety equipment for children. A visitor cautioned, "River was fast moving so if you have kids, make sure to bring lifejackets."
Weekly timing: For quieter family experiences, avoid weekends when possible. A camper noted, "Side note - kids do come party here Friday nights maybe Saturdays. Music can be loud and trash is left. Overall such an incredible spot."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many dispersed sites cannot accommodate larger RVs due to narrow access roads and limited turning space. One RVer shared, "I was worried about coming out here bc I didn't see anyone with reviews around camping here with an RV. As I was approaching you could see this bar was covered in large rigs for the warm weekend."
Road conditions: Forest roads leading to dispersed sites can be challenging for RVs. A camper advised, "Be care diving out on the gravel bar, have seen some big rigs get stuck."
Seasonal access: Summer offers the most reliable access for RVs, with spring and fall presenting occasional challenges after rainfall. An RVer noted, "Just go slow and you can easily get a big rig out here. Came on a Saturday afternoon and got a spot right on the water."
