Smith River, California Wild and Scenic River (Recreational) · Open Access
19
Bookable sites
40 ft
Max rig length
up to 8
People per site
655 ft
Elevation
Overview
Grassy Flat Campground borders California's northern Redwood Highway in the expansive Six Rivers National Forest.
This shady campground provides ample sightseeing and recreation opportunities and is just steps away from the wild whitewater of the Smith River, which is famous for its bright blue waters and scenic pathway through the forest.
Recreation
Popular activities include swimming and sunbathing, rafting and fishing in the Smith River, which is just steps from the campground. Anglers enjoy healthy fishing populations of salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout.
Visitors also enjoy hiking, horseback riding and biking in the area. There are no trailheads in the campground, but Elk Camp Ridge, High Dome and French Hill trailheads are all within 10 miles of the site.
Facilities
The campground provides multiple single-family sites for tent or RV camping. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets are provided. Water is not available at this facility.
Natural Features
Grassy Flat is located in a Douglas fir and hardwood forest. Smith River boasts up to Class 5 whitewater rapids. The region, thick with vegetation, is also freckled with huckleberry shrubs.
The Six Rivers National Forest lies east of Eureka in northwestern California, stretching southward from the Oregon border for about 140 miles. U.S. 101, the famed "Redwood Highway," parallels the inland Forest along the coastline. The Forest is just east of the Redwood National Park.
Nearby Attractions
Madrone Flat, located across the bridge, provides excellent river access. Various state parks, providing scenic exploration opportunities, are just a short drive from the campground.
Annual events in the area include the Gasquet Raft Race in July and the Del Norte County Fair in August. A small airport is about 6 miles away, in the town of Gasquet.
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Member photos
Common questions about Grassy Flat Campground
Can you reserve a site at Grassy Flat Campground?
Yes, Grassy Flat Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Grassy Flat Campground have?
19 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Grassy Flat Campground?
40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Grassy Flat Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Grassy Flat Campground.
Are campfires allowed at Grassy Flat Campground?
Campfires are allowed at Grassy Flat Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
Grassy Flat Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Grassy Flat Campground's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
$10 per campsite; this includes one vehicle. There is a $5 charge for a second vehicle (maximum of two vehicles per site). $5 day use fee.
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