Camping in the Smith River National Recreation Area (NRA)

The Smith River National Recreation Area, makes up part of the Six Rivers National Forest. The wild, jade-green Smith River offers excellent fishing for steelhead, trout, and salmon. It was named Daily Triplicate’s 2007 Readers Choice Winner for Best fishing. Aside from the excellent fishing, enjoy hiking, birdwatching, wildflower walks, swimming and rafting. Developed campgrounds are located along riverbanks, in densely forested or open lands with sweeping, panoramic views. All sites can accommodate travel trailers, but there are no electric, water or sewer hookups available. The ideal time to camp in Smith River NRA is May to October.

10600 Highway 199
Gasquet, CA 95543
707-457-3131

Big Flat Campground

This quiet, shaded campground is bordered by Hurdygurdy Creek. Many nice South Fork Smith River access points are within half mile. There are 25 campsites, new restrooms and bear-proof trash cans. RV length up to 22 feet. Water is not available at this campground. Open May through October.

Directions: From Crescent City, drive north on Highway 101. Travel 4 miles to Highway 199. Turn right onto Highway 199 and drive 5 miles to Hiouchi. Continue just past Hiouchi and turn right on South Fork Road and cross two bridges. At the Y, turn left on South Fork Road for about 14 miles to Big Flat Road/County Road 405. At Big Flat road, turn left and drive 1/4 mile to campground entrance road (Forest Road 15N59) and turn left. Campground is a short distance to the left.

Grassy Flat Campground

This 19-site campground contains contains dense vegetation comprised of Pacific Madrones, Douglas Firs, Huckleberry shrubs and a mixture of other shrubs. Amenities include vault toilets, water (no hot showers), campground host, no hookups and handicap site. Expect some traffic noise. There is good river access, fishing and swimming. Open May through September.

Directions: From Crescent City, drive north on Highway 101. Go 4 miles to Highway 199. Turn right onto Highway 199 and drive 15 miles to Gasquet. From Gasquet, continue east on Highway 1899 for 7.5 miles and look for the campground entrance on the right side of the road.

Panther Flat Campground

The largest and most modern of the Smith River NRA campgrounds, Panther Flat has 39 campsites (some barrier-free), restrooms and hot showers. It is RV-friendly with the largest parking aprons in the NRA. With a lovely view of the Smith River and access to some of the best fishing, the campground is located near the middle fork of the river. Open all year.

Patrick Creek Campground

Patrick Creek Campground has a special charm, with its steps, boulder-lined shore, complete with forest canopy. Containing 13 campsites, some barrier-free, the campground is nestled among tall Douglas firs. Some sites overlook the river. Restrooms, potable water, fishing, river access, swimming and hiking. Open May to September.

Directions: From Highway 101 North of Crescent City,take Highway 199 east for 22 miles to the campground. Located directly across Patrick Creek Lodge at milepost 22.0.