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Smith River Retreat

99%

· Gasquet, Del Norte, California

1 acre hosted by Carole M.

1 RV/tent site

Carole is a Star Host

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

Near Redwood National Park

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

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.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Beach

Forest

Redwoods

River, stream, or creek

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99%

129 ratings · 111 reviews

Jane W.recommends

August 18, 2023

Scenic Smith River Retreat

Lovely spot on the gorgeous Smith river with a lovely garden and host,Carol. Lots of seating, campfire ring, BBQ for grilling and bathroom as well as sink for doing dishes. The only downside was that we were there during a lightning storm which started fires so we chose to leave a day early, but Carol kindly offered to refund us for our lost days even though it certainly, wasn't her fault! Saw lots of wildlife and very much enjoyed swimming in the river!

Denise S.recommends

August 14, 2023

Scenic Smith River Retreat

The most gorgeous Hipcamp I’ve been

What a beautiful, clean place with a terrific host! The river was close and we watched otters swim by from camp. You can hike down to the river and hang out on a concrete “deck” and swim. Carole has plenty of chairs in camp and down at the river. Her garden is beautiful and I nicknamed it the Butchart Gardens of Gasquet. It’s just that gorgeous! I will definitely be back next year!

Patricia S.recommends

August 11, 2023

Scenic Smith River Retreat

Could not ask for a better location to enjoy the Smith River and environs.

Matthew G.recommends

August 10, 2023

Scenic Smith River Retreat

for what it's worth

This little place is a great stay. If you are looking for a low stress visit to a semi-remote area, with private river access, this is the place to book. The host is kind and has done a lot of beautification to the site. The host's dog is very friendly. The swimming hole is great for swimmers that can tread water. and the camp site itself has everything you need to have a relaxing stay. MG

Megan H.recommends

August 4, 2023

Scenic Smith River Retreat

Absolutely beautiful and peaceful

Carole is such a sweet and thoughtful host. She made my stay very welcoming and thought of so many small things to make the stay incredible (chairs down by the river, plenty of seating by the fire pit with lots of wood and twigs ready for use, she even made a little fire starter pile in the pit for me before arrival!). Her property is absolutely stunning and feels very safe. The river is breathtaking and the perfect temperature for a morning swim. It is also very private and peaceful, had the whole river to myself! Could not recommend this place more!

Patricia S.recommends

July 22, 2023

Scenic Smith River Retreat

Gorgeous site on the pristine Smith River, among a beautiful garden and comfortable camp site.

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

Hosted by Carole M.Joined in May 2019

Response rate: 100%Response time: Within an hour

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