North Fork Campground
01 reviewNorth Fork Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Recreation use fees vary by location and activity.
About this campground
Tucked away in the rugged wilderness where the North Fork of the Smith River carves its ancient path, North Fork Campground offers adventurous souls a true escape from the modern world. This hidden gem attracts rafters eager to challenge the Wild North Fork's legendary rapids and off-road enthusiasts ready to explore winding jeep trails through dramatic terrain. The campground's unique setting within a rare botanical wonderland creates an otherworldly atmosphere—here, serpentine soils have sculpted a landscape where only the hardiest plants thrive, creating a natural garden unlike anywhere else. Though the 2002 Biscuit Fire left its mark on these hills, nature has responded with resilience, painting the slopes with spectacular displays of western azalea and brilliant blue brodiaeas each spring and early summer.
North Fork Campground is suited for tent camping and offers a quiet, remote experience. Four-wheel drivers often frequent the site due to jeep trails and backroads, making it appealing for adventurous campers.
Historical SignificanceThe landscape surrounding North Fork Campground tells a powerful story of nature's cycles of destruction and renewal. The devastating 2002 Biscuit Fire swept through these mountains, transforming vast stretches of old-growth forest into a blackened moonscape. Yet from the ashes emerged a testament to nature's resilience—a regenerating ecosystem that offers visitors a unique window into how forests recover and rebuild after catastrophic wildfire.
Weather and SeasonsEarly season visitors should come prepared for the region's dynamic weather personality. Recent conditions have brought crisp mountain air with temperatures hovering between a brisk 41°F at night and comfortable 51°F during the day. With precipitation chances reaching 42%, the area often sees dramatic rainstorms that transform the landscape into a misty wonderland—perfect for those who appreciate nature's raw beauty but requiring proper rain gear and waterproof shelter for optimal comfort.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryDramatic cliffs and rocky outcroppings frame this botanical sanctuary, where the North Fork of the Smith River rushes past in a symphony of cascading water. The serpentine geology creates a natural sculpture garden of twisted rock formations and stunted, bonsai-like vegetation that seems almost alien in its beauty. When spring arrives, the harsh landscape transforms into a painter's palette of color as rare wildflowers burst forth—clouds of fragrant western azalea perfume the air while carpets of electric blue brodiaeas dance in the mountain breeze, creating an unforgettable spectacle for lucky visitors.
Geological RegionNorth Fork Campground sits at the heart of one of California's most fascinating geological phenomena—the North Fork Smith River botanical area. Here, ancient serpentine soils rich in heavy metals create conditions so extreme that only specially adapted plants can survive, resulting in a living laboratory of evolution. This rare ecosystem, found in only a few places on Earth, harbors endemic species that have evolved nowhere else, making every hike an opportunity to witness botanical treasures that most people will never see.
Campsite details
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are not available, and sites are first-come, first-serve.
Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations for individual campsites incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night’s fees if canceled after 12:00 AM local time the day before the reservation start date. No refunds for day-of cancellations.
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a range of activities primarily centered around its natural features. Spring and early summer provide a delightful experience with wildflowers, including the western azalea and blue brodiaeas. The North Fork river access, located 0.25 miles west, presents opportunities to soak feet in chilly water pools and enjoy cobbled or sandy shorelines. The site is ideal for four-wheel driving enthusiasts exploring jeep trails and backroads. While fishing and swimming are not explicitly mentioned, the river access could potentially support these activities.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsCold river water and cobbled shorelines could pose minor slipping hazards.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Proximity to water features¼ mile west of the campground at the North Fork river access. Pools in the river are chilly, with cobbled shorelines and a small sandy section upstream.
Common complaintsnull
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Campground Map
Driving directionsIt is a 2-hour drive over rocky gravel roads to reach the campground. High clearance is not required but large motorhomes are not advised. From the Visitor Center travel west on Highway 199 for 2.6 miles; turn right onto Forest Road 17N49 and travel 7.7 miles; turn right onto County Road 305 (Low Divide Road) and travel east 15 miles to Forest Road 18N28 which is just past the North Fork Bridge. Follow 18N28 to the Campground. The campground can also be accessed off of Highway 197 (North Bank Road) via County Road 305 (Low Divide Road) or from Highway 101 near the town of Smith River via County Road 308 (Rowdy Creek Road).
The campground is remote and accessed via rocky gravel roads. High clearance is not required, but large motorhomes are discouraged due to road conditions.Nearby places
Smith River is nearby, but detailed distances are not provided.
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
North Fork Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback reflects strong positivity about the campground’s remote location, natural beauty, and suitability for solo or group trips. One review states, 'It's a ways down the ol road but well worth it,' indicating the effort required to access the campground adds to its charm.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the scenic views, quiet atmosphere, and suitability for both solo and group camping. Users appreciate the remote location and the spring wildflowers.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No specific complaints are mentioned in the provided user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend knowing the road you’ll be taking to reach the campground due to its remote access via rocky gravel roads.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and early summer are highlighted for their beautiful wildflower blooms, which enhance the camping experience. Seasonal trends for other times of year are not explicitly noted.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Great views, the campground is perfect for a group or solo trip.' 'Make sure to know what road you will be taking to get there unless you are a well-versed off-road tripper.'
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025