Smith River National Recreation Area

Six Rivers National Forest
1330 Bayshore Way
Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 442-1721

www.fs.usda.govExternal Link

Description

The Smith River National Recreational Area (NRA) is located within the Six Rivers National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.  The Smith River is in the heart of the largest wild and scenic river system in the United States.  Twenty-seven miles of the Smith River Scenic Byway weave along the beautiful Smith River and is the main travel route through the NRA.  Smith River is 20 miles from Redwood National Park and Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park, and 20 miles from the Siskiyou Wilderness.

Activities

  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Nature Study
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Swimming
  • Bicycling

Facilities

There are four campground located within Smith River NRA, along or adjacent to the river. 

Amenities and services include tables, fire grills and pit toilets.  There are no showers.  Big Flat campground has 30 sites, no water and is a great get away from it all spot.  Fees are collected at all overnight facilities.

Primitive camping is available within the NRA, unless otherwise posted.  You must camp ¼mile from developed sites and adhere to these following rules: obtain a campfire permit for anything that make a flame or produces heat (stoves, lanterns, camp fires); pack it in, pack it out; store food to properly protect from wildlife; bury all human waste as specified.

For more information on trail maps and general park information please write to the address above.

Fire:  Designated fire rings only—backcountry users need self-contained stoves.

Wood:  See park staff—no wood gathering.

Water:  Available at all campgrounds except the sites at Big Flat—treat unless posted.

Comments

Thermal Warnings—boiling water may be present at or near the surface in park thermal areas.  Stay on trails and boardwalks where provided.  The crusts over some thermal features are brittle.  Breaking through can plunge you in boiling water.  Keep close watch and physical control of all small children.  The man who named Bumpass Hell lost his leg as a result of falling into the boiling waters.

Map