Big Flat Campground

Star4.59
30 reviews

Quick Facts

600 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Six Rivers National Forest site

Official Website
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Big Flat Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The site charges $8 per vehicle per night. An additional $5 fee applies for extra vehicles. Campers with an Interagency Senior Pass or Access Pass...
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Standard Site Fee$8.00
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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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 30 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyclean

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"Overall, Big Flat Campground receives positive reviews for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and remote, peaceful atmosphere. Negative feedback highlights noise issues from nearby roads and partying campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Flat Campground

41.6865, -123.9128

Driving directionsFrom Crescent City, CA, take US Rt. 101 north 2.7 miles to US Rt. 199 (Grants Pass). Bear right onto Rt. 199 and go 7.2 miles to South Fork Rd. Turn right onto South Fork Rd. On South Fork Rd., stay left past the second bridge to road marker 14.1. Turn left onto County Rt. 405 and go 0.2 miles to the campground.
The road to the campground is paved all the way except for the last quarter mile. However, some reviews mention that the turn-off is not well-indicated. Roads are tarred, and the final entry stretch is gravel.
Nearby places
Crescent City (approximately 25 miles, driving time varies due to road conditions).
Nearby supplies
Supplies are not directly mentioned
visitors should plan to bring all necessities, including water, as potable water is unavailable at the site.

Best Time to Camp at Big Flat Campground

From May through September, Big Flat awakens with perfect camping weather that transitions from crisp, invigorating mornings to pleasantly warm afternoons. Summer visitors should note that the creek's proximity creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes during peak season – pack your favorite repellent to ensure comfort during evening campfires. As autumn approaches, the campground prepares for its winter slumber, becoming inaccessible as nature reclaims the access roads until spring's return.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and busiest May–Sept; reviewers praise summer weather though mosquitoes appear.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall popular: crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons; generally highly rated.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 15 so late spring available; limited season and variable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 15–Sept 15.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 to September 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 15 to September 15.

About Big Flat Campground

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Smith River National Recreation Area, Big Flat Campground offers an intimate escape where the modern world fades into memory. This hidden gem welcomes just a handful of adventurous souls at a time, creating an atmosphere of profound tranquility. Here, the melodic babbling of Hurdygurdy Creek serves as nature's soundtrack, while towering trees stand sentinel over your campsite. Those who discover Big Flat often speak of its transformative power – a place where true wilderness camping still exists, untouched by crowds and commerce.
Big Flat Campground offers primitive camping with 24 combined sites for tents and trailers. RV accommodations are minimal, with two pull-through sites. There are no group sites or glamping options.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14-day limit

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Big Flat Campground include hiking and access to nearby rivers and creeks. While there is no on-site river access, Hurdygurdy Creek is accessible from the campground, and the South Fork of the Smith River is within a half-mile. Swimming is noted by users as possible but requires a short walk.
HikingHiking is available, including an 'All Access Trail' that connects to Hurdygurdy Creek. "Lots of trails for hiking and horses as we saw," one user noted.
FishingFishing opportunities exist in the pristine South Fork of the Smith River. One user mentioned, "The river is pristine! ... thousands of fry from the six varieties of fish species in the river."
SwimmingSwimming is possible in nearby rivers, but access may be steep or challenging. "Hurdygurdy Creek was good for a refreshing dip on a hot day," according to a user review.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is possible given the remote and natural setting, but specific details are not provided.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is home to wildlife, including snakes, bears, and big cats. Campers should store food securely.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Big Flat Campground

Reviews

4.6
30 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Big Flat Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Big Flat Campground receives positive reviews for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and remote, peaceful atmosphere. Negative feedback highlights noise issues from nearby roads and partying campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

"Nice and clean. Good-sized spots with privacy between spaces," "Campground and bathrooms were spotless," and "Beautiful campground on the Smith River!"
Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

"LOTS of mosquitoes and other bugs," "Too close to the road so can be noisy," and "Ruined by people using it as a place to party all night."
Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent, drinking water, and cash for payment. Be prepared for no phone service and consider exploring nearby dispersed camping options for a quieter experience.
Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight that summer and early fall are the most popular times to camp. Mosquitoes are noted as an issue during warmer months.
Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

"One of the best primitive campgrounds out there. Clean, quiet, and $8 a day," and "Nice fire pits with cooking grill. Nice and clean tables."
Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are described as having ample room. Two pull-through sites are available for larger vehicles. "Some sites have pathways to fully private fire pits and picnic tables," one user mentioned.
Based on 30 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground includes wheelchair-friendly vault toilets, but no additional accessibility features are highlighted in reviews.
Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on leashes. One user noted, "Dogs are to stay on a leash."
Based on 30 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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