Grassy Flat Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from May through September.

About

Grassy Flat Campground is located along California's northern Redwood Highway (Highway 199) in the Six Rivers National Forest, adjacent to the Middle Fork of the Smith River. Despite its name, the campground is flat but heavily shaded by Douglas fir and hardwood trees rather than grassy. The campground offers 19 campsites suitable for trailers up to 32 feet, operating on a first-come, first-served basis during the camping season. The Smith River, famous for its bright blue waters and Class 5 whitewater rapids, is accessible from the campground via a short trail that leads to a high viewpoint from an old bridge and continues down to swimming and fishing holes with small gravel beaches. For easier river access, Madrone Flat river access is located just half a mile east, offering a flat parking area near a large sandy beach and shallow swimming hole. The river supports healthy populations of salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout, making it a prime fishing destination. The area is also popular for rafting, with the annual Gasquet Raft Race held nearby in July. The campground is located within the Smith River National Recreation Area, approximately 18 miles east of Crescent City and 4.5 miles from the visitor center. While there are no trailheads at the campground itself, Elk Camp Ridge, High Dome, and French Hill trailheads are all within 10 miles. The region features thick vegetation with huckleberry shrubs scattered throughout. Basic amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site, but campers must bring their own water as none is available on-site.

Directions

From Highway 101 north of Crescent City, take Highway 199 east for 18 miles to Grassy Flat Campground. The campground is located on the south side of Highway 199.

Nearby Campgrounds