The Smith River area provides primitive camping options on the border of Northern California and Oregon, with sites set along the emerald waters of the Smith River itself. Most tent campsites near Smith River, California sit at elevations between 50-300 feet above sea level. River access campsites range from established facilities to dispersed areas on gravel bars where campers can set up directly on the riverbank.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Smith River offers excellent fishing for steelhead and salmon. At North Fork Campground, one visitor reported: "Right on a beautiful swimming hole. The whole area is spectacular. The river is very chilly. Great on hot summer days."
River swimming: The clear waters of the Smith River provide natural swimming holes throughout the region. Campers at Sand Camp - Dispersed appreciate the river access: "There is a path down to the Smith River where you can set up tents and tent camp if you want."
Stargazing: Many campgrounds in the area offer minimal light pollution. As one camper at Sand Camp noted: "The sky was dark and clear, perfect for stargazing. The few other people camping there were quiet and friendly."
What campers like
Riverside locations: The ability to camp directly beside the water appeals to many visitors. A camper at Miller Bar Camping and Day Use Area shared: "Drive down the windy steep road to the riverbank and set up camp wherever you'd like."
Solitude: Despite proximity to Highway 101, many campgrounds provide quiet experiences. One reviewer at Sand Camp - Dispersed commented: "Though its next to a road, there is very little traffic at night as this area is fairly remote."
Natural surroundings: The redwood forests and river corridors create distinctive camping environments. A visitor to Smith River National Recreation Area noted: "Beautiful Redwoods and very clean camping spots love to camp here."
What you should know
Access challenges: Many campgrounds require navigating difficult roads. A reviewer of Free-Your-Mind Camping cautioned: "The 3 mile gravel road was awful, rutted, washboard, steep has hell. Barely made it up there with a 4WD Tacoma truck pulling the trailer."
Water availability: Most sites lack drinking water sources. At North Fork Campground, campers mentioned: "Filtered water from the river."
Insect issues: Beyond mosquitoes at Ludlum, some sites have additional pest concerns. One camper at Sand Camp warned: "We had a awesome time at sand camp very nice and quiet. Would go back again and again with friends and family."
Accurate coordinates: Some campsites can be difficult to locate. A Sand Camp visitor noted: "The coordinates on here were off, and the campground is actually located further down the road, and it's an official site you can find on Google."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites: Families may prefer campgrounds with clear boundaries and facilities. At Ludlum Campground, a visitor observed: "Each site had a fire ring and picnic table. The spaces were rather small and I think an RV would have a hard time fitting into the spaces. The bathroom was clean."
Security considerations: Some areas have reported theft issues. A Ludlum Campground camper warned: "Beware of thieves. The last day as we were leaving the Ranger came up and asked about a white, windowless van and told us that they had been stealing gear for the past year or so."
Swimming safety: River conditions vary seasonally. North Fork Campground campers noted the swimming hole is "very chilly" even in summer months.
Pack all supplies: Most tent campsites near Smith River require bringing everything you need. A visitor to Ludlum Campground advised: "There was water from a hand pump and the toilets were open (bring your own TP, obvi). Beyond that, you're on your own."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle restrictions: Many riverside campsites have terrain limitations. A Miller Bar visitor emphasized: "4x4 is probably a must have as the river bank is just rocks."
Parking regulations: Some sites prohibit vehicle camping in certain areas. A Sand Camp review noted: "The sites are walk to (very short), and there are signs saying no camping in the parking lot, violators will be fined. We didnt want to chance sleeping in our van because it seemed like a place that would be patrolled."
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds lack RV hookups. One camper at Miller Bar shared: "Free/dispersed only. No hookups or water. Gets crowded in season and weekends but lots of space."
