Jedediah Smith Campground
The Quick Take
Jedediah Smith is the campground that ruins all other campgrounds for you. Tucked into an old-growth redwood grove along the Smith River — the last major undammed river in California — every site sits beneath trees that were ancient before Columbus set sail. This is the northernmost campground in the Redwood parks system, which means fewer crowds than the options closer to Crescent City, but it also means no showers and no flush toilets, so come prepared for a more rustic experience. The Smith River access is the real draw: the water runs impossibly clear in summer and the swimming holes are legitimate. Cabins soften the deal if your camping partner needs convincing. Choose Jedediah Smith if you want the definitive old-growth camping experience and you do not mind trading hot showers for cathedral-sized trees.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 86 sites are reservable.
Book at Redwood National and State Parks LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
Accessible restrooms available. . Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Pro Tips
Sites along the river loop (particularly the 50s and 60s) put you closest to the Smith River, but they book fast in summer. Reserve exactly six months out to the day for July and August weekends — the window opens at 8 AM Pacific on ReserveCalifornia, not Recreation.gov, since this is a state parks operation.
The Stout Memorial Grove trailhead is a short walk from camp and delivers one of the most stunning old-growth redwood loops in the entire park system — under a mile round trip and completely flat. Hit it at dawn before the day-trippers arrive from Crescent City.
No camp store means no forgotten-item safety net. Stock up in Crescent City (25 minutes west) before you arrive. Firewood is available on-site, but bring your own kindling and fire starters — coastal moisture makes everything damp, even in summer. Bear lockers are provided, so leave your cooler food plan flexible.
Photos
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
NPS PhotoGetting There
Directions
We are a six to seven hour drive north of San Francisco. This campground is just off HWY 199, and is located 1-mile west of Hiouchi, California.
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