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Big Flat Campground
Big Flat Campground is a small, quiet campground bordered by Hurdygurdy Creek. Since it is far from towns and highways, it’s the perfect place to “get away from it all.” The campground is semi-open; trees shade some sites, others have part-shade. Shrubs and grass fill in between sites. There is a 14-day limit for occupying a campground, and pets on leashes are permitted. Picnic tables, fire rings, water spigots, trash service provided.
There is no river access from the campground. Several nice South Fork river access points are within a half mile. Hurdygurdy Creek can be accessed from the campground as well as several points off of the “All Access Trail” (see Hiking below).
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Open during summer season only. Open May 18th, 2024 through October 21st, 2024. Closed during winter months. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | No reservations. First come, first serve. Self register at campground entrance kiosk. Cash or check only. |
| Area Amenities: | Accessible, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets |
| Fees: | $8 per vehicle, $5 per extra vehicle |
| Open Season: | 5/18/2024 - 10/21/2024 |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Water: | No drinking water available. |
| Restroom: | Vault toilets. |
| Passes: | Interagency Park Passes are honored at the Six Rivers National Forest: Interagency Senior Pass: A lifetime pass for citizens or permanent residents of the US, age 62 or older. There is a one-time $80 fee. Interagency Access Pass: A lifetime pass free to citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. who have a permanent disability, regardless of age. Holders of the above passes receive a 50% discount on camping fees on the Six Rivers National Forest. The passes also cover access to and use of many other Federal recreation sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees. Obtain passes at National Forest or Grassland offices; or by mail through USGS—inquire at 1 (888) 275-8747 or online at fedrecpass@usgs.gov; or visit the USGS store at https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes. |
| Information Center: | Gasquet Ranger District 10600 Highway 199 Gasquet, CA 95543 (707) 457-3131 |
General Information
Directions:From the visitor center turn right onto 199 and drive 7.2 miles west. Turn left onto to South Fork Road (County Road 427). The sign will also read Howland Hill Scenic Drive, Stout Grove, and Myrtle Beach. Go ½ mile and bear left at the “Y” intersection to stay on South Fork Road. Continue for 14 miles and turn left on County Road 405. Campground entrance is 1/4 mile on the left.
Activities
Campground Camping
General Info:
Parking
Spurs lengths range from 37 to 68 feet
Two pull-through sites, lengths 90 & 120 feet
| No. of Sites | 23 |
RV Camping
Day Hiking
An “All Access Trail” leads north from the campground two miles to Fox Flat. This hardened-surface trail accommodates wheelchairs, bicycles, horses, and foot-traffic. From Fox Flat a dirt trail (not accessible) continues five miles to the South Fork of the Smith River. This trail is dubbed the “Ford to Canthook” section of the Old Kelsey Trail”.
Other hiking trails within a one-hour drive of the campground include the South Kelsey, McClendon Ford, Summit Valley, Gunbarrel, Paradise, and Little Bald Hills. Consult the hiking section of this web site for details of these and other NRA trails http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/srnf/recreation/hiking.
Amenities
| Camping trailer: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills |
| Tent camping: | Yes |
| Toilets: | Vault; no showers |
| Accessible: | Yes |