North Fork Campground
Open year-round, first-come first-served. No reservations accepted. No potable water or garbage service available; campers must bring water and pack out all trash.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Ishi Pishi River Area Use Restriction
To provide for public safety the Six Rivers National Forest and Klamath National Forest are closing various locations within the Ukonom Ranger District and Orleans Ranger District from September 6, 2026 - September 15, 2026.
About
North Fork Campground offers a true backcountry experience bordered by the North Fork of the Smith River. This remote site is ideal for those looking to escape civilization before rafting the Wild North Fork or exploring jeep trails and back roads in the area. The campground sits within the North Fork Smith River botanical area, home to rare plants adapted to the serpentine soil. The surrounding landscape is dramatically steep and rocky with sparse vegetation, partly due to the Biscuit Fire that swept through in 2002. Spring and early summer bring beautiful wildflowers including fragrant western azalea and blue brodiaeas. River access is located 1/4 mile west at the North Fork river access (Brown's Flat/Major Moore's), featuring nice pools and a small sandy area upstream. This is a primitive campground with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables but no potable water or garbage service. Campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash. Access requires a 2-hour drive over rocky gravel roads; high clearance is not required but large motorhomes are not advised. Maximum trailer length is 18 feet.
Directions
From the Smith River NRA Visitor Center in Gasquet, travel west on Highway 199 for 2.6 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 17N49 and travel 7.7 miles. Turn right onto County Road 305 (Low Divide Road) and travel east 15 miles to Forest Road 18N28 just past the North Fork Bridge. Follow 18N28 to the campground. Access also available from Highway 197 via County Road 305 or from Highway 101 near Smith River via County Road 308 (Rowdy Creek Road). Expect a 2-hour drive over rocky gravel roads.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $8 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 18ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (707) 442-1721 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
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