Scenic Smith River Retreat

Sad news for those of us in the fire regions being hit so badly at this time. Unfortunately this includes my lovely Smith River Retreat. We were forced to evacuate earlier in the week and the air quality is very poor. So with that in mind, and the weather expecting to start changing, I am closing for the season. Thanks to all my Hipcampers that I had this year
Sad news for those of us in the fire regions being hit so badly at this time. Unfortunately this includes my lovely Smith River Retreat. We were forced to evacuate earlier in the week and the air quality is very poor. So with that in mind, and the weather expecting to start changing, I am closing for the season. Thanks to all my Hipcampers that I had this year, making it an epic season for me! I will open up again June 1st. Feel free to book ahead for next summer as others have already done. This year I was fully booked every day so it was hard for some of you to stay longer than one day. Cheers! Hope to see you next spring/summer.
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. 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.
If you are interested in any classes in how to make kombucha, rock painting, making smudge sticks , facial scrub, natural coconut/yarrow makeup remover, or learning to cook Paleo, Keto, or a special BBQ spice rub, let the host know. These can be done for a small extra fee. (Closed for now because of Covid restrictions).
- Check in: After 2PM
- Check out: Before 12PM
- Cancellation policy: Strict
- On arrival: Meet and greet
- Minimum nights: 1 night
- Accepts bookings: 18 months out
- Response time: Within an hour
- Response rate: 80%
You know what would make this trip even better?
Take advantage of these offers available to add to your trip to Scenic Smith River Retreat
Honey/lemon zest facial scrub
Honey with lemon, orange or lime zest, sugar, rose hips or hibiscus flowers, ...Read more
Coconut infused herbal facial oil
Coconut oil has been infused with yarrow, lavender, and rose petals from the ...Read more
Kombucha
Homemade kombucha, usually berry flavored from berries picked in the yard.
Painted rocks
Various hand painted mandalas and other pictures. Prices vary according to di...Read more
rental of Coleman stove
2 burner Coleman stove with gas provided.
Hike up to Stoney Creek
Hike up to Stoney Creek (part of the Smith River Watershed) and view the nati...Read more
Firewood bundle
Start your trip off right with a bundle of firewood waiting for you at your c...Read more
Activities
Offered on the Host's property or nearby.
Biking
Most hiking trails can be accessed by mountain bike. The "powerline trail" across the river is a fun, but a somewhat strenuous ...Read more
Boating
Floating the Smith is a favorite past time starting at the Forks.
Fishing
Trout, cuthroat, steelhead, and salmon are in the river(depending on the time of year), but please have a California fishing li...Read more
Hiking
There are numerous trails all around Gasquet. The host can help you or you can visit the local Forest Service Station just up t...Read more
Horseback riding
Horseback riding on the beach in Crescent City is available in the summer.
Paddling
River access for kayaking, rafting, or paddleboarding is at the swimming hole below.
Surfing
Surfing rentals are available in Crescent City on South Beach.
Swimming
Swimming is just a few steps from the tent site. Please have lifevests for children. There is a strong current right at the hou...Read more
Whitewater paddling
Depending on the season and which fork you are wanting to go.
Wildlife watching
Many birds everywhere, occasional deer, bear, cougar, and bobcat.
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Scenic Smith River Retreat in California.
Beach
Sand bar across the river. Beach in Crescent City, about 22 miles away.
Forest
Gasquet is nestled in a small valley surrounded by the Six Rivers National Forest. There are large white fir on the property, a...Read more
Mountainous
Forest service roads abound everywhere that let you explore the Six Rivers National Forest. A Forest Service Station is situate...Read more
River, stream, or creek
The tent site is right on the Wild and Scenic Smith River.It is one of the clearest and cleanest rivers in the United States. ...Read more
Swimming hole
Right at the bottom of the trail with a ladder for easy access. There is a rather deep channel with a deceptive current, so ple...Read more
Driveway
Easy access to your tent site.
The vibe at Scenic Smith River Retreat
Places to see near Smith River Retreat
47 Reviews
Smith River Retreat is great!. There is a lovely spot for the tent with a picnic table and firepit. The host Carole was friendly and welcoming and she let us use her bathroom and BBQ.
But the best part of this site is swimming. The river comes right to her back yard with amazing clear fresh water. Deep in spots for jumping shallow in others for chilling. We'll definitely be back.

This place was awesome. The garden was epic and the surroundings amazing. My two kiddos and I stayed here for five days in July. Carole and her dog could not have been a better hosts. We swam in the river every day and ended the days in the hot tub. Amazing stay. We are grateful to Carole for sharing.
First of all Carole is a delight! It is clear from her meticulous gardens that she takes pride in her home and what she does. She has a wealth of knowledge of the area. As for the details: she offered three different areas for us to put up our tent, some closer to the house than others. We chose a flat wood chip area with a view of the river. All amenities that were listed were certainly available. Her dog is indeed huge, but Carole manages him well and he quickly got used to us. Our dip in the river was brisk and enjoyable, we were glad we packed bio degradable soap and water shoes. Carole had great tips for hiking in the area (Stony Creek and Stout Grove were our favorite short hikes) and making a run to the local forest service visitor area was her tip to get maps and other hiking details. We can't wait to get back.

Thanks Geoff for your positive comments about my home, myself, and my big dog. It was certainly nice having you here. Your love of nature and the outdoors was very apparent. It was a pleasure. Come back anytime.
Tucked into the trees, past the dry creek bed gardens, our tent site was right at the edge of the slope to the river. Wonderful host (and dog!) can’t wait to return.

Thank you Melissa. It was certainly great meeting you and having you here.
This place was great and Carole was amazing. when can we come back?

You are welcome back anytime.....
This was such a fun trip! Carole’s yard is filled with flowers and beautiful plants. Smith River is crystal clear, and she has a place to jump off from into the river that we did in the morning! She has a grill to use as well. Her dog is very friendly, and there are so many humming birds to watch that love her flowers 🌷




Thanks for the lovely review. It is so fun meeting people like you while you stay here.
Folks,
So I rarely write reviews, but I’ll try.
Fantastic view of the river!
Idyllic landscapes!!
Carole was fantastic. Haakaan was the largest Shiloh German Shepard I have ever met. What a beautiful dog.
The retreat is a perfect location to access some of the best Redwood trails in minutes. I’d rather pitch a tent in solace than at a crowded camp any day of week.
No showers but the river is close by.
Cheers,

Thanks Jason. Loved having you guys here.
Carole went above and beyond hosting us this weekend at her beautiful property. She was so kind to my disorganized family, and extra accommodating to my mom who has physical limitations. I'm from the area but have grown tired of the campsites I grew up with being overcrowded, the Smith River Retreat was a wonderful alternative. A private swimming hole, hot tub, hammock, and campsite overlooking the river - we couldn't have asked for more. Thank you again, Carole!

Erin, It was a real pleasure having all of you here. I could tell everyone appreciated my "Retreat" and that means the world to me. Your kind words mean alot. Next time hopefully the weather will be better!
Truly incredible experience. Amazing location and amazing hospitality. Truly magical. Carole has things completely dialed. She will be beating people away. Glad we are able to get this location early on in her hip camp experience. We will be back. Also a world class swimming hole.



Thank you Andrew for your kind words and great review. Come back anytime!
- Property
- Smith River Retreat
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- $60/night
- 1 Site
Thanks Drew. Loved having you here and especially someone who appreciates my home and river front. Glad you enjoyed the swimming.