Smith River National Recreation Area

Smith River National Recreation Area is located in northwestern California in Del Norte and Siskiyou counties. It encompasses approximately 305,000 acres of stunning landscapes and pristine wilderness. The area is named after the Smith River, which is known for its exceptional clarity and vibrant green waters, making it one of the cleanest rivers in the United States.

The historical background of the Smith River National Recreation Area is fascinating. It has long been a significant area for Native American tribes, such as the Tolowa Dee-ni' and Yurok, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years. These indigenous communities have a deep cultural connection to the land and continue to practice their ancestral traditions.

Visitors to Smith River National Recreation Area can engage in a wide range of recreational activities. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the vast network of trails that wind through ancient redwood groves, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and wildlife watching. The Smith River is also a popular spot for fishing, particularly for steelhead and salmon. Water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and swimming are also enjoyed in this pristine river.

While the Smith River National Recreation Area offers incredible natural beauty and recreational opportunities within its boundaries, there are also several attractions nearby worth visiting. Just a short drive away is the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, where visitors can witness the awe-inspiring majesty of towering redwood trees. The California Coastal Trail is accessible nearby, providing panoramic ocean views and a chance to explore the rugged coastline.

Overall, the Smith River National Recreation Area in California offers a remarkable destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its rich historical background, stunning landscapes, and array of recreational opportunities make it a must-visit location for those seeking to connect with the beauty of the natural world.

Smith River National Recreation Area is nestled in the enchanting region of Northern California. Positioned within the Siskiyou Mountains, this extraordinary natural haven spans across Del Norte and Siskiyou counties. Offering a captivating blend of towering ancient forests, pristine rivers, and deep canyons, this area is a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts. Situated along the mighty Smith River, which has been designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, this recreational heaven boasts a mystical allure. With its remote and untouched beauty, the Smith River National Recreation Area is a sanctuary of breathtaking landscapes, providing visitors with a serene retreat amidst the awe-inspiring scenery of California's majestic wilderness.

Address & Contact

Sorry we don't have an address for this park on file yet.
Phone: NULL
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Smith River National Recreation Area would be from June to August. During this time, the average maximum temperature ranges from 61°F to 64°F, and the average minimum temperature ranges from 49°F to 53°F. The precipitation is at its lowest, with an average monthly rainfall of 0.2 inches to 1.4 inches. This timeframe offers the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities.

Campsites within or near Smith River National Recreation Area

Grassy Flat

The campground is located 17.6 mi from Crescent City, CA and is open mid may-late aug.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 19
Toilets: Vault Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

North Fork

NULL
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: Vault Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: No

Panther Flat

The campground is located 2.1 mi from Gasquet, CA and is open mid may-late dec.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 39
Toilets: Flush Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

Patrick Creek

The campground is located 20 mi from Crescent City, CA and is open mid may-late aug.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 13
Toilets: Flush Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

Hotels within or near Smith River National Recreation Area

Affiliate disclosure: When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, Expedia and Amazon.

Westward Inn

A stay at Westward Inn places you in the heart of Crescent City, within a 5-minute drive of Del Norte County Historical Society and Sutter Coast Community Clinic. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 725 US Highway 101 North, Crescent City, California 95531
Web: Link

Quality Inn & Suites Crescent City Redwood Coast

Located in Crescent City, Quality Inn & Suites Crescent City Redwood Coast is by the ocean, within a 15-minute walk of Crescent City Harbor and South Beach. Featured amenities include a business center and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 100 Walton St, Crescent City, California 95531
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Crescent City

With a stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Crescent City in Crescent City, you'll be near the beach, just a 5-minute walk from Crescent City Harbor and 7 minutes by foot from South Beach. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 685 US Highway 101 South, Crescent City, California 95531
Web: Link

Anchor Beach Inn

With a stay at Anchor Beach Inn in Crescent City, you'll be on the beach, just a 1-minute walk from South Beach and 8 minutes by foot from Crescent City Harbor. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 880 Highway 101 South, Crescent City, California 95531
Web: Link

Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn

When you stay at Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn in Crescent City, you'll be near the airport, within a 15-minute walk of Crescent City Harbor and South Beach. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Crescent City? This hotel has facilities measuring 500 square feet (46 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 655 US Highway 101 S, Crescent City, California 95531
Web: Link

Lighthouse Inn

When you stay at Lighthouse Inn in Crescent City, you'll be near the beach, within a 10-minute walk of Crescent City Harbor and South Beach. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 681 Highway 101 South, Crescent City, California 95531
Web: Link

Curly Redwood Lodge

With a stay at Curly Redwood Lodge in Crescent City, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of South Beach and Crescent City Harbor. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 701 REDWOOD HIGHWAY S, Crescent City, California 95531
Web: Link

Redwood Log Cabin

When you stay at Redwood Log Cabin in Crescent City, you'll be near the airport and within a 5-minute drive of Sutter Coast Community Clinic. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1200 Malaney Dr, Crescent City, California 95531
Web: Link

Redwood Meadows RV Resort and Cabins

With a stay at Redwood Meadows RV Resort and Cabins in Crescent City, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Redwood National and State Parks. Featured amenities include multilingual staff, laundry facilities, and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2000 US-199, Crescent City, California 95531
Web: Link

Travelodge by Wyndham Crescent City

When you stay at Travelodge by Wyndham Crescent City in Crescent City, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Crescent City Harbor and Beachfront Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and microwave in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 444 US Highway 101 S, Crescent City, California 95531
Web: Link