Smith Forks Campground

4.86

98 reviews

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Featured in:Camping Near Los Angeles Family-Friendly Campgrounds Pet-Friendly Campgrounds

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Camping is currently...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Camping is currently...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Smith Forks Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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....

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

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Reserve California

Provider

(661) 248-7007ohvinfo@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

4.86

Top-Rated

Based on 98 reviews

120 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanstaffwell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Smith Forks Campground

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).

Best Time to Camp at Smith Forks Campground

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer can be intensely hot, though some visitors report cooler summer temps.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Milder weather and good trail access make fall favorable for OHV and hiking.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring wildflower blooms and pleasant weather make it a peak season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Occasional snow reported; winter activities limited and closures possible.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Camping is currently closed until early 2025 due to wildfire recovery efforts.
Current Alerts: Camping is closed until early 2025 due to wildfire recovery. The south entrance of Hungry Valley is also closed.

About Smith Forks 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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are pull-through and include shelters and picnic tables.

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.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not provided.

Site SizeSite sizes are reported to be 40 feet long for pull-through camping.

PrivacyPrivacy at campsites is not explicitly mentioned; user reviews do not comment on this aspect.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSites include pit toilets and shared ramadas with fire rings. Reviewers recommend bringing water and supplies due to limited availability nearby.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

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.

HikingHungry Valley SVRA has more than 130 miles of scenic trails, offering opportunities for hiking and observing nature.

BikingBiking is possible on the extensive trail network throughout Hungry Valley SVRA.

Wildlife viewingThe park’s trails and grasslands provide opportunities to view wildlife in a scenic environment.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes 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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire pits and rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours have not been specified.

Emergency ServicesThe 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.

Trash & 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.

Water FeaturesNo significant water features are directly adjacent to the campground.

Camp HostRangers and maintenance crew are described as helpful and responsive to visitor questions.

Weather at Smith Forks Campground

Reviews

4.9

98 reviews

Top-Rated

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 98 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms, helpful staff, and well-maintained facilities. One user states, 'Bathrooms very clean and stocked.'

Based on 98 reviews

Common Concerns

Dust and noise from kids riding motorcycles during the day and night were noted as concerns.

Based on 98 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend respecting rules and rangers, cleaning up after oneself, and preparing for colder nighttime temperatures in winter.

Based on 98 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors report cooler summer temperatures and occasional snow in winter, which can impact activities.

Based on 98 reviews

Camper 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 98 reviews