Grassy Flat Campground
4.2440 reviewsPO BOX 228, Gasquet, CA, 95543, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
18 campsites
Season
The campground opera...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
18 campsites
Season
The campground opera...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsGrassy Flat Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates are $10 per night for both standard non-electric and walk-in sites. Rates apply between May and September.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$20.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider707-457-3131
What Campers Say
4.24
Satisfactory
Based on 40 reviews
80 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peacefulcleanshadesites
Some mention
noisesmallroad noise
"Users describe Grassy Flat Campground as a basic yet scenic spot for camping. Its proximity to Smith River and affordability are commonly praised, although the lack of water and road noise are noted drawbacks."
Fees & Passes at Grassy Flat Campground
$10/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 nights maximum per visit.
Cancellation: Cancellations can be made anytime before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies....
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Six Rivers National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Grassy Flat Campground
Northern California's coastal climate brings dramatic seasonal shifts to Grassy Flat. Winter and spring usher in rejuvenating rains that feed the Smith River's legendary flows and paint the forest in a thousand shades of green. Come summer, the clouds part to reveal bluebird days with temperatures that hover in the sweet spot for outdoor adventures. These dry, golden months transform the campground into a perfect basecamp for river expeditions and forest wanderings, with comfortable nights that invite stargazing around the campfire.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May to September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: The campground operates from May to September during peak season and is closed for reservations the rest of the year.
- Current Alerts: No current alerts are available.
About Grassy Flat Campground
Tucked away in the emerald embrace of Six Rivers National Forest, Grassy Flat Campground offers an intimate escape where towering Douglas firs cast cooling shadows over peaceful campsites. This hidden gem sits alongside the legendary Smith River, where adventurers gather to test their mettle against rushing Class 5 rapids or simply float in crystalline pools. Choose between standard sites for easy access or venture to walk-in spots for a more secluded experience. While the campground keeps things simple with vault toilets and no running water, what it lacks in amenities it more than makes up for in pure, unspoiled wilderness charm.
Grassy Flat Campground offers a mix of tent and RV camping in a natural setting. The campground includes standard nonelectric and walk-to sites. It is primarily suited for small RVs and tents due to limited space and infrastructure.
Historical SignificanceYour journey to Grassy Flat follows the storied Redwood Highway, a scenic byway that has connected travelers to California's wild north coast for generations. Just to the west lie the ancient groves of Redwood National Park, while the surrounding Six Rivers National Forest preserves a living heritage of timber culture and river communities. Each summer, the nearby Gasquet Raft Race brings together paddlers from across the region to challenge the Smith River's rapids, while the Del Norte County Fair celebrates the area's rural traditions with a festive gathering of locals and visitors alike.
Weather and SeasonsNorthern California's coastal climate brings dramatic seasonal shifts to Grassy Flat. Winter and spring usher in rejuvenating rains that feed the Smith River's legendary flows and paint the forest in a thousand shades of green. Come summer, the clouds part to reveal bluebird days with temperatures that hover in the sweet spot for outdoor adventures. These dry, golden months transform the campground into a perfect basecamp for river expeditions and forest wanderings, with comfortable nights that invite stargazing around the campfire.
ElevationNestled in the coastal mountain valleys where fog meets forest, Grassy Flat rests at an elevation that provides the perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where ancient Douglas firs stretch skyward, their massive trunks creating natural cathedral spaces filled with filtered light. The understory bursts with native hardwoods and wild huckleberry bushes that promise sweet summer treasures for those who know where to look. But the true star of this wilderness show is the Smith River itself—California's last major undammed river—whose waters run an almost supernatural shade of turquoise. From gentle swimming holes to heart-pounding Class 5 rapids, the river provides an ever-changing backdrop of sound and motion that defines the Grassy Flat experience.
Geological RegionGrassy Flat Campground sits in the heart of northwestern California's Six Rivers National Forest, a landscape sculpted by centuries of flowing water and coastal weather. This rugged terrain showcases the dramatic meeting of the Klamath Mountains and the Pacific Coast Range, where Douglas fir and hardwood forests thrive in the moist maritime climate. The surrounding geology tells an ancient story written in serpentine soils and river-carved canyons, while the Smith River—famous for its otherworldly blue waters and challenging Class 5 whitewater—continues to shape this dynamic landscape with every passing season.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible, but the campground terrain might not be suitable for individuals with mobility limitations due to proximity to the river and uneven paths.
Sites SizeSites are generally small and better suited for tents or small trailers. According to one user, 'Sites are kinda small for an RV, could be a bit more level.'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited as campsites are positioned close to each other. A reviewer noted, 'Spots are a bit close to each other so privacy is limited.'
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent campers should consider walk-in sites for privacy. RVs over 25 feet may struggle with maneuvering due to narrow roads.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests per site are not specifically indicated.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout includes a mix of standard and walk-in campsites. Sites are generally small and close to each other, with limited privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates from May to September during peak season and is closed for reservations the rest of the year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability is unpredictable during busy weekends.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (after midnight the day before check-in) will also forfeit one night's recreation fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Grassy Flat Campground offers outdoor activities centered around the nearby Smith River and surrounding forest. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, rafting, swimming, and sunbathing. The campground is near trailheads for Elk Camp Ridge, High Dome, and French Hill, all located within 10 miles.
Hiking
There are no direct trailheads within the campground, but Elk Camp Ridge, High Dome, and French Hill trailheads are located within a 10-mile radius.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity in the Smith River, which is known for salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout populations. One reviewer stated, 'The river is very close. Great for a little fishing and warm enough to swim in.'Swimming
Swimming is accessible in the nearby Smith River. A reviewer mentioned, 'Very deep swimming hole... very worth the little hike!'Biking
The area around the campground is suitable for biking, although no specific biking trails are mentioned.Boating
Rafting is a notable activity in the Smith River, which features up to Class 5 rapids, though no dedicated boating facilities are mentioned.Wildlife viewing
The forested area provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, though no specific species are highlighted.Winter Activities
No information on winter-specific activities is provided in the source materials.Water Sports
The Smith River supports water sports like rafting and potentially kayaking, although details are minimal.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings with grills are provided at each site. Fire bans may be implemented during dry seasons.
- Quiet hours are enforced after 10 PM, although some visitors reported violations.
Hazards
General hazardsTraffic noise is significant due to proximity to Highway 199. Mosquitoes are prevalent, and occasional mountain lion warnings have been noted.
Active alertsNo current alerts are available.
Weather at Grassy Flat Campground
49
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 74%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Gasquet has a small airport 6 miles away and nearby emergency services. Larger medical facilities would likely be in Crescent City.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay to September.
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash bins and recycling facilities are available on-site, but there are no other waste management facilities such as pack-out options.
Proximity to water featuresA short walk leads to the Smith River, which offers swimming, fishing, and rafting opportunities.
Common complaintsFrequent mentions of road noise, lack of running water, and occasional noisy neighbors. Some sites are reported to be too small or uneven for larger RVs.
HostThere have been mixed reviews about the presence and helpfulness of campground hosts. Some visitors reported no host availability during their stay.
Campground Map
PO BOX 228, Gasquet, CA, 95543, USA
Driving directionsFrom Highway 101 north of Crescent City, California, take Highway 199 east for 18 miles to Grassy Flat Campground.
The campground is directly accessible from Highway 199, with relatively straightforward driving conditions. However, traffic noise from the highway is frequently mentioned in user reviews.Nearby places
Gasquet (6 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Crescent City (24 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Eureka (about 80 miles, approximately 1.5 hours).
Nearby supplies
A market near Gasquet provides essential supplies, including firewood, and Crescent City offers broader shopping options.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
40 reviews
Grassy Flat Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users describe Grassy Flat Campground as a basic yet scenic spot for camping. Its proximity to Smith River and affordability are commonly praised, although the lack of water and road noise are noted drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 40 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, shaded sites, and proximity to the beautiful Smith River. Many users appreciated the peaceful environment and helpful hosts.
Based on 40 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include traffic noise from the nearby highway, lack of potable water, and limited privacy between campsites. Some campers noted issues with site size for larger RVs and disruptive...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water, mosquito repellent, and earplugs for traffic noise. Reviewers suggest scouting the area if you have a larger rig or visiting nearby Madrone Flat for free camping options.
Based on 40 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Warm-weather months appear to be the most popular, with some reviews suggesting spring and summer for favorable river use and cooler evenings. A few reviews highlight crowded conditions during peak...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'Vault toilets were very clean.' 'No water, so bring your own.' 'Close to the road, so there was traffic noise.' 'The Smith River is incredibly beautiful!' 'Sites are small and close to each other.'
Based on 40 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #14: Difficult for a 30-foot camper due to low limbs and narrow roads. Site #10: Shady and mostly level, but with proximity to the highway. Site #18: Praised for size and privacy but noted for...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The campground is not particularly accessible for individuals with mobility challenges due to the terrain and lack of paved paths to amenities like the river.
Based on 40 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but there are no specific facilities or designated areas for them. Some reviews advise keeping pets on a leash due to the proximity to the road.
Based on 40 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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