North Fork Campground

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.