Patrick Creek Campground

US-199, CA

4.5(86 reviews)

Start of the 360 degree virtual tour of Patrick Creek Campground

About this campground

Patrick Creek Campground sits at the confluence of Patrick Creek and the middle fork of Smith River in the vast Six Rivers National Forest of northern California. The campground has a special charm, with steps, rock walls, restrooms and sunken campfire circles built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The campground offers multiple single-family accessible campsites, available for tent and RV camping. Tables and campfire rings with grills are provided. Accessible flush toilets and drinking water are also available.

Patrick Creek is located in a mature forest of Douglas firs in the northernmost part of California. A popular historic lodge and restaurant lie just across the highway from the campground. 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, sunbathing, rafting and fishing in the Smith River, which is just adjacent to the campground. Anglers can expect 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

Patrick Creek Campground offers easy access to the Smith River with a popular swimming hole and several sites that are roomy, shady, and some with short trails down to the water. Campground bathrooms are generally well maintained, but campers should expect limited services—no showers are available and some have reported no potable water or soap. Many visitors praise the clean, peaceful setting, though mosquitoes can be a significant nuisance at night and the campground sits close to Highway 199, so road noise is often noticeable. Overall it's a scenic, family-friendly spot if you plan for bugs and basic facilities.

Our summary of 86 traveler reviews.