Smith River Retreat

99%

127 reviews

· Gasquet, Del Norte, California · 1 acre

Hosted by Carole M.

RV/tent site

· 5 guests max

Near Redwood National Park

Within a 30-minute drive from the Hiouchi Visitor Center.

Carole is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

This beautiful spot on the Smith River was once an old mining claim. The property boundaries actually go half way out into the river. The present house was built in 1957 and has been remodeled a few times since. The host retired from teaching 7 years ago and spends much of her time improving the landscaping and gardening, while playing with her giant Shiloh Shepherd.Bookings are open for next summer already. Feel free to book ahead as others have already done. Cheers! Hope to see you next spring/summer. This is a one large tent or two small backpacking tent site. Trail to the water may be difficult for older people or those with walking disabilities. *** Note to returning campers...if you booked with the new price of $80, I will refund you the difference of what you paid last year once you have finished your stay. Please remind me :) Imagine looking out into the crystal clear waters of the Wild and Scenic Smith River that appear emerald green from afar. This is because of the rare green serpentine rocks below that cast their magical color. Think of watching the native osprey diving for fish, merganser ducks and their ducklings taking shelter on the sandbar, otter swimming below to hunt fish and crawdads, kingfishers chattering as they fly upriver, blue and white heron standing as sentinels on the rocks, and occasionally bald eagles perching on the snags across the river. These are right at your doorstep as you take the trail down to the river for a brisk morning plunge or later to enjoy sitting in the sun. The sound of small waterfalls cascade nearby to lull your senses into relaxation. The rock and cement trail lined with fern, thimble berry, native azaleas, stream orchids, and myrtlewood, take you to a cement pad where a ladder into the river awaits your use. You can dive in and swim over to the sandbar or to the nearby cliffs and try your hand at jumping off the highest rocks. Air mattresses for floating and lounge chairs are set up for your use as well. Or if you'd rather use your own kayak or paddle board, feel free to do so. When bathing in the Smith, please only use biodegradable soap to help keep the Smith pristine. There is liquid soap for your use at the river. According to siskiyouland.org "The Smith River is the wildest and cleanest river in the country outside of Alaska — indeed, it is one of the cleanest rivers in the world. — The Smith is the only major undammed river in California. –The Smith River watershed contains a higher percentage of unlogged, original ancient forest ecosystem than any other river in California." If you would prefer to wander the grounds, there are meandering paths that let you enjoy the beautiful flowers and landscaped yard where something is always blooming. A lawn in front is perfect for bocce ball, "washoe," or croquet, which the host will provide upon request. Next to the tent site is a large redwood picnic table and a fire pit for roasting hot dogs, marshmallows, or cooking. A new Weber BBQ is on site as well. Nearby you can bicycle, hike, or you can drive to the beach, just 22 miles away. Both Crescent City and Brookings are close by. The redwoods are literally down the road, where you can hike many trails and see one of the largest redwood trees on record at Stout Grove. If you are a Star Wars fan, you will recognize scenes filmed there. You might even see an Ewok spying on you from around a tree! The local Forest Service Station in Gasquet, just up the road from the host's site, has lots of maps and free advice of what to do and where to go, just ask the host. She knows most of the best local spots. If you'd like to float on air mattresses or inner tubes, you can arrange with the host for a small fee, to take you up to the Forks of the Smith where you can enter the river and float down to the house. It is about a half hour float, but it gets rocky in mid summer and isn't recommended for kids. A longer float will take you down river to the Mary Adams Peacock Bridge where pick up by the host can be arranged. for a fee as well. Fishing for trout and steelhead can be done from the cement platform or kayak, but please make sure to have a California license. A local hike to Stoney Creek allows you to view the native carnivorous plants, called Darlingtonia or "Pitcher Plant". There are numerous patches of them growing along the stream beds and seeps. Going up the North Fork is a great destination hike as well, which is just up from Stoney Creek. Madam Gasquet's grave site is above the Forks of the Smith, about a mile from the host's home. The view looking down at the forks is spectacular. This is an easy walk. There is a large intact male Shiloh Shepherd on site who is very friendly. However if you are afraid of big dogs, this may not be the spot for you. This is his home, though he will not be out wandering into your camp, as he sticks pretty close by the host's side. There is spotty WIFI outside and main cell service is US Cellular. Verizon and AT&T are "iffy", and T-Mobile does not work at all. There is no land line in the host's home.

RV details

Campervans and Cars allowed

Vehicles under 20 feet allowed

There is a very tight area to turn around. That is why trailers are not allowed. Some of the bigger "Sprinter" type vans have had to back out as they are so long, hence the "no bigger than 20 foot" rule.

Pull-in site

Surface type: Loose Gravel

There is no turn around except for a tight 3 point turn. Please only bring one vehicle. It is possible to pay extra for a second one, but it is hard to find room. you may have to park the extra vehicle outside the gate. In some case for short RV's, you may need to back out.

Surface levelness: Flat

No Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, and Class C RVs

Doesn't accommodate slideouts

Electrical hookup available

Less than 30 amps. An extension chord can be run from the house with regular 110.

Water hookup available

On-property hookup. A hose can be run from a garden spigot. Drinking water is available on the back porch where the restroom is located.

No sewage hookup

No TV hookup

Generators not allowed

What to expect

RV/tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

5 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firepit. A bit of wood is provided to start your fire, but please bring your own if you wish a campfire into the night OR you can buy a bundle from the host. Keep the fire level low and the wire grate cover over the fire whenever possible. Sometimes hot east winds kick up and it becomes dangerous to have a fire. In that case, the host will let you know.

Toilet available

Flush toilet. The campers can use the flush toilet on the back porch of the host's home.

No pets

There is a large intact male Shiloh Shepherd on site. He rules the yard and home and is not really tolerant of other dogs. He does love people so there is no reason to be afraid of him.

Potable water available

Spigot, hose. Gasquet water comes right out of the river, but is treated by the local water district where it pumps it out at the forks.

Bins available

Compost bin, recycling bin, trash bin. Host will show campers and explain when they arrive.

Cooking equipment present

Grill over firepit, bbq, sink or other dishwashing station. If needed, a portable Coleman stove can be rented. Let the host know ahead of time if you need this so she can have it set up for you when you arrive. Separate propane can be rented as well.

Picnic table present

Redwood table is right next to tent site. Another table is situated on the redwood deck.

Wifi available

Spotty at times, but can also be available down by the river...not always.

No showers

Bathe in river or stream. The river is your "shower". It is cold water, but easy to get into and out of with the ladder. Morning plunges are a tradition around here!

Laundry absent

Hot Tub absent

No playground

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Strict

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 18 months out

Park at listing

Wheelchair access

Max 1 vehicle

2WD accessible

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

"Little Buddy" Propane heater rental

$10.00

"Little buddy heater" with one camp sized propane bottle included. Can be used in tent with ventilation.

camp cotrental

$10.00

Coleman "army type" camp cot

extra personrental

$15.00

per night

kayak rental

$20.00

1 person hard shell sit in kayak 1 person hard shell sit upon water kayak (2) 2 person inflatable kayaks

Extra carrental

$10.00

One extra car can be parked at the site with prior okay from the host.

Firewood bundlegood

$7.00

Start your trip off right with a bundle of firewood waiting for you at your camp for your first campfire.

Painted rocksgood

$20.00

Various hand painted mandalas and other pictures. Prices vary according to difficulty and time involved. Ask the host if you see a rock you like.

Kombuchagood

$3.00

Homemade kombucha, usually berry flavored from berries picked in the yard.

Coconut infused herbal facial oilgood

$7.00

Coconut oil has been infused with yarrow, lavender, and rose petals from the garden. Later, rose and geranium essential oils are added. Great for removing makeup, "oil face washing", and smoothing around eyes, upper lip, and neck.

Honey/lemon zest facial scrubgood

$10.00

Honey with lemon, orange or lime zest, sugar, rose hips or hibiscus flowers, and essential oils. Scrub this on your face first thing in the morning and follow with the coconut infused oil for wonderfully soft skin! Ask the host for a sample if you want to try it first.

99%

150 ratings · 127 reviews

P S.

7 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Beautiful!

Tent

Everything (pretty much what everyone else said so no sense repeating!) was great but the weather the night we stayed…bummer! Thanks again Carole!

Nancy S.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

Tent

I have stopped camping in public camp grounds since discovering Smith River Retreat. Everything about it is perfect: the hostess, garden, setting, river. This is my 6th time camping there, bringing different friends each time.

Chris E.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

Two thumbs way up!

Tent

Alright, this is a fabulous Hipcamp. Best we’ve known yet. 1. Great property (gorgeous gardens, easy access, lovely campsite, nice bathroom, and place to wash dishes), 2. Stunning river and place to swim, 3. Close to big trees, and great beaches, 4. Pleasant host who takes care of all the details. Highly recommended. We hope to return. Five stars!

Whitney K.

4 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

Tent

Beautiful campsite and very friendly host. The swimming platform was especially nice, the water is so clean and perfect temperature this time of year.

Elizabeth B.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

Best Hipcamp Yet!!!

Tent

Carole's Smith River Hideaway sets the bar extremely high for all other Hipcamp property owners. It's an absolutely beautiful setting -- amazing landscaping with flowers and shrubs obviously well cared for, amazing river setting with an excellent swimming hole. From the campsite, we watched otters play in the river... two different times. No better way to enjoy morning coffee. The site is well set up with a table, many chairs, a gas BBQ, flat spot for the tent, access to a real indoor bathroom and access to the river. Doesn't get better than that for camping. And finally, Carole is so friendly and fun to talk to. Thanks for sharing your yard/home/river and gardening knowledge. I hope to return next summer.

Grady C.

8 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Must visit river paradise!

Tent

We had such a wonderful time staying at Carole’s Smith River Retreat! This is truly a lovely spot and Carole’s garden alone is worth seeing with its beautiful paths and flowers. Ok top of that, the river deck is spectacular with a deep pool for swimming and chairs to lounge in. It was a joy to jump into first thing in the morning. The campsite has everything you might need including trash/compost/recycling, a bathroom, a sink for dishes/water, clothes drying rack, fire pit, s’mores sticks, and a barbecue. Carole herself is a lovely host with great recommendations for the state and national parks nearby. Her and her beautiful Shiloh Shepherd Hawkin (sp?) will make you feel right at home!

Location

Gasquet, Del Norte, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, Tolowa Dee-ni’, and Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking