RV Rental Smith River National Recreation Area, CA

Considered one of the finest areas for fishing in all of the US, Smith River National Recreation Area draws in fishermen and women from all of the country. Smith River National Recreation campers can try their hand at catching a wide variety of fish species here. These fish include eastern brook trout, rainbow trout, channel catfish, coho salmon, chinook salmon, and steelhead. Smith River National Recreation Area’s famous fishing reputation comes from the potential for catching trophy size fish. Both the largest chinook salmon and largest steelhead trout were both caught in these waters - a testament to how good the fishing is here.

In addition to the record-breaking fishing, boating is also a great way to spend your time at Smith River National Recreation Area. There are many ‘put in’ points dotted along the riverbank, created an accessible river for canoeing and kayaking. The Smith River is a fantastic place for rafting and tubing. There are many access points along the forks of the river. Those motorhome camping without their own boats or watersports gear can head to ‘Redwood Rides’ near Crescent City. Campers can rent a wide range of canoes, kayaks, and rafts. They also offer kayaking and canoeing group tours along the river.

It is not only the river that brings many visitors to the Smith River National Recreation Area. The land surrounding the Smith River is a picturesque landscape teeming with woodlands, nature, and a network of hiking trails. These trails crisscross the entire area, looping around the river and offer fantastic views of the entire county. Bear Wallow Trail, Myrtle Creek Trail, and Redwood Flat Trail are some of the most popular hiking trails in the Smith River National Recreation Area. These trails are ideal for both the beginner and the experienced hiker.

Those RV camping at Smith River National Recreation Area will have to stay along Highway 199 that bisects the area to find campgrounds that accommodate RV campers. Redwood Meadows RV Resort, just to the west of Smith River National Recreation Area is an ideal choice. Full 20, 30, 50 amp electric, water, and sewer hookups are provided here. Facilities include a dump station, flushing toilets, a shower block, RV storage units, a restaurant, and an on-site general store, and many of the sites here are pull-thru.

‘Sand Camp’ is a little closer to the Smith River National Recreation Area but provides only dry camping, no hookups. The campground does include many pull-thru sites, making it appealing to those with larger rigs.

The local city of Crescent City is a great place to explore from the Smith River National Recreation Area. The city has a handful of exciting day-tripping opportunities and a great beach to relax on at the end of the day. The ‘Del Norte County Historical Society’ is a great place to visit for those interested in all things history. The museum displays a wide range of exhibitions focusing on the rich history of the county. The museum is best known for its extensive collection of Native American basketry by the Tolowa and Yurok Indians.

Crescent City’s most iconic landmark is the ‘Battery Point Lighthouse’ on the coast of the city. Known as one of the first lighthouses along the California coast, a visit here is worth it for the historical significance alone. The Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum is also worth a visit when you have viewed the lighthouse itself. The museum is home to the lighthouse keepers quarters, complete with period furniture and artifacts left behind from the 1850s.

Families with young children may wish to visit Cresent City’s ‘Ocean World.’ This independent aquarium is a great day out for the whole family, especially for those with an interest in marine life. Housing many water tanks, Ocean World is home to sharks, seals, rays, and many more examples of ocean wildlife. There are also sea lion shows, and ‘shark petting’ shows every day.