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Patrick Creek Campground
Patrick Creek Campground and adjacent day use area have special charm, with rock walls, steps, and restrooms, and sunken campfire circle built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. A short interpretive trail and exhibits tell of the river and its fish, the cultural history, and the geology of the area.
The campground is nestled among tall Douglas-fir trees at the confluence of Patrick Creek and the Middle Fork of Smith River. Huckleberries and other shrubs fill in the area between campsites. Highway 199 borders the north side.
The campsites are situated on a flat about 30 feet above the river. From the campground, the river can only be viewed from sites 7, 8, 9, and 12 looking down over a fence and vertical bank. Short trails provide access to the river.
No potable water is available at this campground.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Open. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Open May 20th, 2023 - September 12th, 2023. Closed during winter months. |
| Reservations: | Reservations can be made at http://www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. |
| Area Amenities: | Tent camping,Camping trailer,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking |
| Fees: | $14/per night, $5 extra vehicle charge. |
| Permit Info: | Gasquet Ranger District 10600 Highway 199 Gasquet, CA 95543 (707) 457-3131 |
| Open Season: | 5/20/2023 - 9/12/2023 |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Closest Towns: | Crescent City, CA 40 minutes west from campground. |
| Water: | Drinking water available. |
| Restroom: | Flush 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 U.S., 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 Smith River NRA and 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 http://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html. |
| Information Center: | Gasquet District/Smith River National Recreation Area 10600 Highway 199 Gasquet, CA 95543 (707) 457-3131 Open Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm |
General Information
Directions:From the Visitor Center in Gasquet, California turn left on Highway 199 and go 7.5 miles east.
General Notes:
Reservations are not required but recommended on summer weekends and holidays; the campground fills up frequently during these times.
Walk-in campers can self-register at the entrance.
River Access: A short (0.2-mile) paved universal-access trail provides wheelchair access from the campground to a barrier-free fishing platform at the confluence of the Smith River and Patrick Creek. A small gravelly beach lies below the platform. Another short trail (not accessible) leads from the campground down to a shallow area of the river with a sandy beach. The water temperature of the river is chilly for swimming. For a larger beach and swimming hole (but not much warmer water) drive one mile west to Sandy Beach River Access. Pick up a “River Access Trails” guide at the visitor center for directions to other swimming holes on the Smith River.
Trails: There are no trails out of the campground. Trails within a one-hour drive include Stony Creek, Myrtle Creek, Darlingtonia, Elk Camp Ridge, High Dome, French Hill, Patrick Creek, Craig’s Creek, Paradise, Little Bald Hills, Doe Flat, Buck Lake, Island Lake, and Devil’s Punchbowl. 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.
Activities
Campground Camping
| No. of Sites | 13 |
RV Camping
Day Hiking
Amenities
| Camping trailer: | Yes, 35-foot maximum length |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills |
| Tent camping: | Yes |
| Parking: | Asphalt parking spurs |
| Toilets: | Flush; no showers |
| Drinking water: | Available at taps |