How much does camping cost at Smith River Falls Campground?

Camping fees at Smith River Falls Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Smith River Falls Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Smith River Falls Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Smith River Falls Campground?

Smith River Falls Campground is open Open Memorial Day through September 30; closed October through May (reports indicate closed Oct–May).. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Smith River Falls Campground?

Smith River Falls Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Smith River Falls Campground?

Cell phone service at Smith River Falls Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Smith River Falls Campground have?

Smith River Falls Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Smith River Falls Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Smith River Falls Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Smith River Falls Campground?

Smith River Falls Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Smith River Falls Campground?

Popular activities at Smith River Falls Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Smith River Falls Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Smith River Falls Campground?

Fire policies at Smith River Falls Campground: Fire rings provided at sites and on-site hosts share and enforce fire rules; reports indicate fires may be restricted at times—visitors should confirm current fire restrictions and bring their own firewood.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.64

14 reviews

Smith River Falls Campground

Top 2% in ORSummer

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day th...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day th...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Smith River Falls Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

BLM-managed, free campground (pack in / pack out). Vault toilets present; no fee required.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Plan a trip to Smith River Falls Campground

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Campground Map

Smith River Falls Campground

43.7908, -123.8134

Nearby places

Services and supplies reported to be roughly 9–27 miles from the campground

Reedsport is mentioned in nearby attraction notes.

Nearby supplies

Supplies and services are remote (about 9–27 miles away)

visitors are advised to bring water and firewood.

Weather at Smith River Falls Campground

Best Time to Camp at Smith River Falls Campground

Summer transforms this forest retreat into the perfect escape, with the campground welcoming visitors from Memorial Day through September 30. While temperatures hover around a pleasant 80°F during peak season, the river-fed air stays refreshingly cool under the forest canopy. Spring and fall bring cooler temperatures dipping to around 40°F, but summer remains the sweet spot when the falls are flowing strong and the swimming holes are irresistible.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in OR

Open Memorial Day–Sept 30; reviewers call summer the perfect time to visit.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open Memorial Day through September 30; closed October through May (reports indicate closed Oct–May).

About Smith River Falls Campground

Tucked into ancient forest just steps from where Smith River thunders over a dramatic waterfall, this intimate BLM campground offers ten first-come, first-served sites that fill quickly in summer. Each site features a picnic table and fire ring, while the river beckons swimmers and anglers to its refreshing pools below the falls.

Ten first-come, first-served sites in a primitive, BLM-managed campground located immediately above Smith River Falls. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings and are free/low-cost.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this forest retreat into the perfect escape, with the campground welcoming visitors from Memorial Day through September 30. While temperatures hover around a pleasant 80°F during peak season, the river-fed air stays refreshingly cool under the forest canopy. Spring and fall bring cooler temperatures dipping to around 40°F, but summer remains the sweet spot when the falls are flowing strong and the swimming holes are irresistible.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering old-growth trees create a cathedral-like canopy above your campsite, filtering sunlight onto the forest floor where the Smith River flows past. The falls cascade just a short walk away, pouring into a deep emerald pool that's become a favorite swimming hole. From your site, follow easy paths directly to the riverbank, where you might spot a bald eagle soaring overhead or perched in the massive conifers watching for fish.

Scenic ViewsViews and sounds of Smith River and Smith River Falls from most sites; forested surroundings provide a secluded riverside setting.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot reservable (first-come, first-served).

Total Campsites10 campsites

Best CampsitesAll 10 sites are described as rather large and individual with picnic tables and fire rings; sites sit close together and all offer quick walking access to the falls and river.

Amenities available

Vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings are provided at this small BLM campground. There is no potable water or utility hookups; cell service is generally available via Verizon and AT&T though reception is variable in this remote location.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Access to the Smith River and falls provides opportunities for fishing, swimming/wading, and wildlife viewing. Short walks through the river corridor lead to the falls; a boat launch is available for river access.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep/rocky riverbanks and slippery rocks around the falls; reported activities include cliff jumping and rope swinging which carry risk. No drinking water or hookups on-site; campground is remote so medical or other emergency response may be distant.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFire rings provided at sites and on-site hosts share and enforce fire rules; reports indicate fires may be restricted at times—visitors should confirm current fire restrictions and bring their own firewood.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are not on-site; reviews indicate services are approximately 9–27 miles away.

Cell CoverageVerizon available; AT&T generally good; T‑Mobile unknown. Reception is variable due to the remote, forested location.

Trip Planning Tools

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

14 reviews

Top-Rated

Smith River Falls Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the scenic, peaceful setting next to Smith River Falls, friendly camp hosts, clean sites and vault toilets, and the low-cost/free BLM management. Common caveats are the campground's small size, remote location, lack of potable water and hookups, and seasonal closure.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Close walking access to the falls and river; well-maintained sites with picnic tables and fire rings; welcoming hosts (named hosts reported: Gil and CJ); family-friendly and peaceful atmosphere.

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

The campground is very primitive—no plumbing or electrical hookups and minimal services or cell reception; some reviewers mention occasional litter left by others. Sites are small and close together,...

Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviewers mention there are only a handful of camping spots and that campsites are fairly close together (limited seclusion). The campground sits right next to the Smith River with convenient walking...

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water and firewood, pack out trash, expect first-come/first-served availability, visit during the official open season (Memorial Day–Sept 30) for best access, and use caution...

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Several reviewers note the campground is best in summer; one review explicitly states BLM camps are closed October to May, so plan visits during the open season (spring–summer–early fall).

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Best host and great view.”; “Great little spot, walking distance from the falls.”; “Quiet, simple, easy dispersed camping.”

Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Several reviews reference hosts with dogs (Gil’s dog Kona is mentioned) and friendly interactions; no formal pet rules or issues are reported in the reviews provided.

Based on 14 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Swimmers and families who want a riverside camp within earshot of a waterfall will do well here. Bring all your own water and firewood, claim a site early on summer weekends, and the falls pool, complete with cliff jumping, is steps away.

Skip if

No potable water, no hookups, no dump station, and sites run close together. Larger RVs will struggle to fit, and if you need reliable cell or a quick drive to services, the remote location (30 minutes from 101, 9-27 miles to supplies) will grind on you.

Nearby Campgrounds

0.0

(2)

Fawn Creek Campground

Tucked away where Fawn Creek whispers into the Smith River, this intimate campground offers a peaceful retreat beneath towering conifers and gentle rolling hills. With direct river access and a convenient boat ramp, it's an ideal basecamp for anglers and paddlers seeking a quieter corner of Oregon's wilderness.

Vincent Creek Campground

Tucked away where Vincent Creek meets the Smith River, this intimate BLM campground offers a rare blend of solitude and riverside beauty. With just a handful of primitive sites, you'll find a peaceful swimming hole, abundant wildlife, and the kind of quiet that's increasingly hard to come by.