Grassy Flat Campground

US-199, CA

4.3(84 reviews)

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About this campground

Grassy Flat Campground borders California's northern Redwood Highway in the expansive Six Rivers National Forest. This shady campground provides ample sightseeing and recreation opportunities and is just steps away from the wild whitewater of the Smith River, which is famous for its bright blue waters and scenic pathway through the forest.

The campground provides multiple single-family sites for tent or RV camping. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets are provided. Water is not available at this facility.

Grassy Flat is located in a Douglas fir and hardwood forest. Smith River boasts up to Class 5 whitewater rapids. The region, thick with vegetation, is also freckled with huckleberry shrubs. The Six Rivers National Forest lies east of Eureka in northwestern California, stretching southward from the Oregon border for about 140 miles. U.S. 101, the famed "Redwood Highway," parallels the inland Forest along the coastline. The Forest is just east of the Redwood National Park.

Popular activities include swimming and sunbathing, rafting and fishing in the Smith River, which is just steps from the campground. Anglers enjoy healthy fishing populations of salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout. Visitors also enjoy hiking, horseback riding and biking in the area. There are no trailheads in the campground, but Elk Camp Ridge, High Dome and French Hill trailheads are all within 10 miles of the site.

What campers say

Grassy Flat Campground is a small, budget-friendly river campground offering shaded sites, vault toilets, garbage, and a short but steep trail to beautiful Smith River swimming spots. Sites tend toward tent and small-camper use—narrow roads, low limbs, and tight turns make big rigs difficult. There’s minimal infrastructure (no potable water, electric, or sewer) and mixed cell/host availability. Expect daytime highway noise from Rt 199 and bring mosquito repellent. Several visitors praised clean facilities and helpful hosts, though a few noted occasional overgrown vegetation and poison oak near sites. Some nearby first-come river sites offer alternatives.

Our summary of 84 traveler reviews.