Smith Forks Campground
4.867 reviews5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243
Smith Forks Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The fee for campsites at Smith Forks Campground is $10 per night. Reservations must be made via the LAZ Parking app or website for weekend stays. Weekday stays are first-come, first-served.
About this campground
Nestled within the adventurous expanse of Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area, Smith Forks Campground stands as a gateway to endless off-highway vehicle adventures. Consistently praised by outdoor enthusiasts as the crown jewel of the park's camping options, this beloved basecamp offers direct access to an extensive network of thrilling OHV trails that wind through California's rugged backcountry.
Smith Forks Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including tent camping and RV camping.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living piece of California's frontier heritage at Hungry Valley, where the echoes of homesteaders and ranchers still whisper through the windswept canyons. This storied landscape once supported generations of ranching families who carved out lives from the rugged terrain. Today, cultural preserves throughout the park honor these pioneering spirits, celebrating the rich tapestry of stories from the families whose beloved properties now form the backbone of this remarkable recreation area.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of seasons at Smith Forks, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own distinct palette. Summer blazes with intense desert heat, sending temperatures soaring between 90°F and 100°F under brilliant blue skies. Winter transforms the terrain into a wonderland where snow occasionally dusts the higher elevations and nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, creating crisp mornings perfect for campfire coffee. Spring and fall offer nature's sweet spot—mild days punctuated by refreshing rain showers that awaken the dormant landscape.
ElevationPerched between 3,000 and 6,000 feet, Smith Forks offers a vertical escape from the valleys below. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool compared to the scorching lowlands, while winter occasionally transforms the campground into a high-desert snow globe. The varying elevations provide diverse ecosystems and breathtaking vantage points across the surrounding wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where montane desert meets California chaparral, creating a stunning tapestry of native grasslands and ancient oak woodlands. The rugged terrain surrounding Smith Forks bursts into spectacular color each spring, when hillsides ignite with the brilliant orange of California Poppies dancing alongside purple waves of fragrant Lupines. This diverse ecosystem showcases nature's resilience and beauty, offering photographers and nature lovers endless opportunities to capture the raw essence of California's wild heart.
Geological RegionDiscover the geological wonderland of Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area, where Smith Forks Campground sits majestically in the historic Tejon Pass region. This remarkable landscape showcases millions of years of Earth's artistry, with montane desert terrain sculpted by ancient forces rising from 3,000 to 6,000 feet. Here, native grasslands carpet the rolling hills while stately oak woodlands provide shaded sanctuaries, creating a diverse geological canvas that tells the story of California's dynamic natural history.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not provided.
Sites SizeSite sizes are reported to be 40 feet long for pull-through camping.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy at campsites is not explicitly mentioned; user reviews do not comment on this aspect.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites include pit toilets and shared ramadas with fire rings. Reviewers recommend bringing water and supplies due to limited availability nearby.
Best CampsitesIndividual site feedback is not available, but Smith Forks is described as the best campground in Hungry Valley SVRA.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Pets must remain on leash.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy per campsite is 8.
Groups
No group camping details are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are pull-through and include shelters and picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonCamping is currently closed until early 2025 due to wildfire recovery efforts.
Reservation PlatformsReservations for weekends can be made via the LAZ Parking app or website.
Walk-in AvailabilityWeekday stays are available on a first-come, first-served basis until vehicle limits are reached.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellations or refunds are allowed for reservations made via the LAZ Parking system.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Smith Forks Campground is a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts. Activities primarily center around riding motorcycles, ATVs, and dirt bikes through Hungry Valley SVRA’s extensive trail network.
Hiking
Hungry Valley SVRA has more than 130 miles of scenic trails, offering opportunities for hiking and observing nature.Biking
Biking is possible on the extensive trail network throughout Hungry Valley SVRA.Wildlife viewing
The park’s trails and grasslands provide opportunities to view wildlife in a scenic environment.Winter Activities
Occasional snow is reported in Hungry Valley SVRA during winter, enabling possible snow-based activities.Water Sports
No water-sports facilities or activities are identified.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits and rings.
- Quiet hours have not been specified.
Hazards
General hazardsRattlesnakes are present. Heat exhaustion is a risk during summer months. Some trails have cliffs and erosion gullies; use caution.
Active alertsCamping is closed until early 2025 due to wildfire recovery. The south entrance of Hungry Valley is also closed.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 24
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 13.2 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest hospital is Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, approximately 30 miles south in Valencia. Emergency services can be accessed by dialing 911. Cellular coverage is intermittent within Hungry Valley SVRA.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available within Hungry Valley SVRA but only authorized solid waste providers can remove waste or recyclables as per park order #252-24-008.
Proximity to water featuresNo significant water features are directly adjacent to the campground.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention dust and noise caused by kids riding off-road vehicles around the campground.
HostRangers and maintenance crew are described as helpful and responsive to visitor questions.
Campground Map
5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243
Driving directionsEnter Hungry Valley SVRA via the North Entrance (Gorman). Drive to the McDonald's and make a right onto Ralph's Ranch Road. Drive 1 mile and turn left at the Hungry Valley SVRA sign (Gold Hill Road). From the kiosk, follow signs and drive 2.5 miles until you reach Smith Forks Campground.
Smith Forks Campground is accessible via paved roads from the north entrance of Hungry Valley SVRA at Gorman. The south entrance is currently closed due to fire damage recovery. Seasonal closures and wildfire recovery efforts may affect accessibility.Nearby places
Gorman (2 miles, 5 minutes), Frazier Park (12 miles, 15 minutes), Santa Clarita (30 miles, 40 minutes), Bakersfield (40 miles, 50 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Limited supplies are available in Gorman, 2 miles away. Fuel, groceries, and camping essentials can be found in nearby Frazier Park (12 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.9
7 reviews
Smith Forks Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Smith Forks Campground is broadly praised for its cleanliness, friendly environment, and suitability for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. However, some reviewers mention dust and noise from kids riding motorcycles around the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean bathrooms, helpful staff, and well-maintained facilities. One user states, 'Bathrooms very clean and stocked.'
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Dust and noise from kids riding motorcycles during the day and night were noted as concerns.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend respecting rules and rangers, cleaning up after oneself, and preparing for colder nighttime temperatures in winter.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Visitors report cooler summer temperatures and occasional snow in winter, which can impact activities.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Visit regularly and bathrooms very clean and stocked.' 2. 'Great campground! People are always friendly and respectful.' 3. 'Be ready for kids to ride around camp all day and night kicking up...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites within Smith Forks Campground are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not specifically mentioned in user feedback.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but user reviews do not discuss pet-related experiences in detail.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025