North Fork Campground
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. Campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash. 14-day camping limit.
Hydrologic Outlook issued December 29 at 9:26PM PST by NWS Eureka CA
ESFEKA A series of atmospheric rivers will bring an increased risk for urban and small stream flooding late this week and into this weekend. The first round of rain will arrive Wednesday night into Thursday and provide generally light to moderate rainfall amounts. Locally heavy rain is expected in the King Range. This initial period of rain will set the stage for a more intense rainstorm expected to arrive Friday into Friday night. Current indications are for the heaviest rainfall to occur during the day on Friday into Friday night. The greatest risk for small stream flooding will occur during this time period and probably continue into Saturday after heavy rain has ended due to the lag in rainfall run-off. Road closures will be possible. At this point, the area of greatest concern is in southern Humboldt and northwest Mendocino counties. Small rivers, streams and creeks such as Elk river, Jacoby creek and Mattole river could exceed their banks and flood area roads. Southern Mendocino and Lake counties may also experience heavy rain and road flooding will be possible. Mainstem rivers will also likely rise sharply and will need to be monitored for possible flood stage exceedance. Be on the lookout for watches, advisories and warning as this next heavy rain event unfolds. Stay alert and remember to never attempt to drive through water covered roads. Water may be moving much faster than you think.
About
North Fork Campground is a quiet, semi-shaded, remote campground bordered by the North Fork of the Smith River. This is a perfect place to get away from it all and to stay before rafting the Wild North Fork. The campground is also popular with four-wheel-drive groups who enjoy driving the jeep trails and back roads of the area. The landscape surrounding the campground is dramatically steep and rocky. The vegetation is sparse due to the serpentine soil which stunts plant growth. The Biscuit Fire swept through the area in 2002, burning much of the vegetation in the surrounding area. Spring and early summer bring beautiful wildflowers to the area including the fragrant western azalea and beautiful blue brodiaeas. The campground is within the North Fork Smith River botanical area, which harbors many rare plants adapted to the serpentine soil. Access to the North Fork of the Smith River is a quarter mile west of the campground at the North Fork river access, also known as Brown's Flat and Major Moore's. There are some nice pools but the water is very chilly and the shoreline is very cobbled except for a small patch of sand at the upstream end. It is a 2-hour drive over rocky gravel roads to reach the campground. High clearance is not required but large motorhomes are not advised.
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 which is just past the North Fork Bridge. Follow 18N28 to the campground. The campground can also be accessed off Highway 197 (North Bank Road) via County Road 305 (Low Divide Road) or from Highway 101 near Smith River via County Road 308 (Rowdy Creek Road). It is a 2-hour drive over rocky gravel roads. High clearance is not required but large motorhomes are not advised.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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 |
Useful Links
| North Fork Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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