State Campgrounds at Smith River, California with Tent Camping

The Smith River cuts a rugged path through the mountains of Northern California, tumbling through the vast wilderness of Six Rivers National Forest before breaking through the Coastal Range and emptying into the Pacific Ocean. For adventurous lovers of the outdoors, the river is a destination for fly fishing, canoeing, backpacking and backcountry camping. All these activities and more are available on National Forest lands, and the nearby Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park provides the only state campground along the Smith River.

  1. Camping Beneath the Redwoods

    • Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park contains more than 86 campsites, scattered beneath a towering canopy of redwood, cedar, spruce and fir trees on the banks of the Smith River. Waterfront campsites are not available, but all sites are within walking distance of the river, and several short walking trails lead from the campground down to the water. Camping is open to tents and RVs, but the shady, secluded sites are perfect for tent camping, and about 15 sites are set aside for tent campers only. Anyone looking for more solitude can find it at a handful of primitive walk-in tent sites, located in a separate area and connected to the main campground by a hiking trail. These sites are accessible only on foot or by bicycle.

    Amenities and Facilities

    • RV hookups are not available at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, a fact that tends to dissuade campers with giant motor homes looking for all the comforts of home. The campsites are non-electric, and each one includes a campfire ring, picnic table and bear-resistant food storage. Fires are permitted only in the metal campfire rings provided at each site, and firewood is available for sale from the campground host. Centrally located comfort stations provide restroom facilities, showers and drinking water.

    Lots to See and Do

    • The Smith River is an excellent fishing stream, with cutthroat trout in the summer and salmon and steelhead in winter. A current California fishing license is required. You can access the river along several roads and trails throughout the park, and two boat ramps provide a place to put a canoe, kayak or larger craft in the water. Swimming is permitted in the river, but there is no lifeguard service. More than 25 miles of hiking trails traverse the park's 10,000-acre landscape, exploring terrain that ranges from easy to strenuous. The trails wind through dense, untouched redwood and conifer forest, and you may spot a variety of wildlife along the trails, including deer, squirrels, black bears, river otters and native bird species like thrushes, woodpeckers, osprey and grouse.

    Know Before You Go

    • Camping is available year-round at Jedediah Redwoods State Park. You can reserve a campsite by phone or online through Reserve America. The campground is busiest during the summer months, and reservations are highly recommended between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The walk-in tent camping area is non-reservable, and unreserved campsites in the main campground are available upon arrival on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional opportunities to explore the area are available at nearby Tolawa Dunes State park, Redwood National park and Six Rivers National Forest.