Patrick's Creek Campground

Patrick's Creek Campground lies on the upper end of the Middle Fork of the Smith River. Patrick's Creek flows directly into the Smith at the eastern side of the grounds. This site is both historical and functional, and it offers a great base for families and individuals coming from or going to the coast.

The campground itself is rather small, with 13 sites total. There is a decent amount of space between sites, and trees and bushes help to provide some privacy. The campground is less than a few hundred feet from the highway, but it is not that loud at night. The biggest attraction is the Smith River just below the campground. The grounds are completely flat and sit fenced off some 20 feet above the river bed. Several sites host views of the emerald pools from between the trees, enticing you to get out and get wet once your site is declared and set up. 

One can access the river by walking into the picnic area just past the campground or by taking the quickly descending and brushy trail between sites 5 and 7 (not recommended for most). The small trail can be slippery due to loose gravel and dust, but it offers a nice little pool to fish or swim in. A wider range of entrance points can be chosen from by entering from the picnic area, as the river has small pools and shallow bottoms throughout the area, making it a great spot for fishermen and kids to play. For deeper swimming and cliff jumping, drive just a few miles west to Sandy Beach, Panther Flat, Madrona, and other Middle Fork sites. The water will be frigid, even in late August, so bringing a warm layer is advised. Although cold, the unreal colors and clarity of the water are are definitely worth experiencing no matter the temperatures.