Facilities

Club House

Laundry Room

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Fitness Center

Game Room

Rec Hall

Pavilion

Exercise Room

Restroom/Shower

Restroom Only

Shower Only

Restaurant

Groceries

RV Supplies

ATM Machine

WiFi

Dog Park

Cocktail Lounge

Dog Washing Station

Pit Toilet

Snack Bar

Play Ground

Sites

Water

20 Amp

30 Amp

50 Amp

Sewer

Cable TV

Services

Escort to Site

Self-Service RV Wash

Metered LP Gas

Firewood

Fishing Supplies

Pet Supplies

Onsite Rentals

Worship Services

Golf Carts

Fishing Guides

Onsite RV Service

Staffed RV Wash

Fishing Licenses

Complimentary Breakfast

Recreational activities in or near the park

Recreational Activities

Archery Range

ATV Riding

Biking

Boating

Body Of Water

Casino

Climbing

Dock

Driving Range

Fishing

Golf

Heated Pool

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Horseshoes

Kayaking

Lawn Bowling

Mini Golf

Paddle Boats

Pickle Ball

Putting Green

Ramp

Sauna

Shuffleboard

Snow Sports

Splash Pad

Swimming

Tennis

Wading Pool

Water Slide

Water Sports

Water Umbrella

Whitewater Rafting

Policies

RV Age Restrictions

Pets Welcome

Pet Restrictions

Pet Restriction on Quantity

Pet Restriction on Breed

Pet Restriction on Size

No Pets

Tent Camping Allowed

Folding Tent Campers Allowed

No Tents

No Overnight Guests

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Six Rivers/Big Flat Campground is located in the heart of the Smith River National Recreation Area, offering a serene escape for nature enthusiasts. This rustic, forest-integrated facility provides a genuine immersion into the rugged landscapes of Northern California. Guests looking to disconnect from the modern pace will appreciate the <strong>quiet atmosphere</strong> and the raw, natural beauty that defines this remote destination. It serves as a classic basecamp for those prioritizing outdoor adventure over luxury resort amenities.</p><h2>Location & Surroundings</h2><p>Situated near Gasquet, California, the park is nestled deep within the Six Rivers National Forest. The surrounding environment is characterized by <strong>pristine river corridors</strong> and towering coniferous forests that provide ample shade throughout the day. Accessing this location requires navigating winding mountain roads, which adds to the sense of isolation and adventure. The proximity to the wild and scenic Smith River makes the landscape feel remarkably untouched and visually stunning for any traveler.</p><h2>Amenities & Park Features</h2><p>This campground focuses on essential services to maintain the integrity of the natural environment. While it is a more primitive camping experience, it includes <strong>vault toilets</strong> and fire rings at each site to facilitate comfortable outdoor living. There is limited cellular service, which encourages a true digital detox. Travelers should arrive prepared with adequate supplies, as the park features <strong>basic facilities</strong> designed to minimize human impact while maximizing accessibility to the surrounding wilderness areas.</p><h2>Nearby Attractions & Things to Do</h2><p>Outdoor recreation is the primary draw for visitors to the Big Flat area. The nearby Smith River is a premier destination for <strong>swimming and fishing</strong>, known for its crystal-clear emerald waters. Hikers will find numerous trails winding through old-growth forests and steep canyons, providing varying levels of challenge. Additionally, the location acts as a scenic gateway for those exploring the wider Six Rivers National Forest, which offers vast opportunities for <strong>wildlife viewing</strong> and photography enthusiasts.</p><h2>Who This Park Is Best For</h2><p>Six Rivers/Big Flat is an ideal choice for tent campers and smaller RVs seeking a <strong>secluded forest retreat</strong>. It is not designed for those needing full hookups or resort-style conveniences like Wi-Fi and swimming pools. Instead, this park is best suited for experienced campers, anglers, and hikers who prioritize <strong>peaceful surroundings</strong> over modern luxuries. If you enjoy waking up to the sounds of the river and fresh mountain air, this is the perfect destination.</p>



Six Rivers Big Flat Gasquet is a small unincorporated community located in Del Norte County, California. It is situated in the Six Rivers National Forest, near the Smith River and the South Fork of the Smith River. The area is known for its scenic beauty, with lush forests, meadows, and rivers. It is a popular destination for camping, fishing, and hiking. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and bald eagles. The nearby Gasquet Ranger Station offers a variety of recreational activities, including interpretive programs, guided hikes, and educational programs.

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Six Rivers/Big Flat

Discover Six Rivers/Big Flat in Gasquet, CA. A quiet, scenic destination in the Smith River National Recreation Area perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Six Rivers/Big Flat in Gasquet, CA | RV Camping Guide

The campground is beautiful but the camp host was a complete nightmare.
I don’t recommend doing the first come first serve camping even though the website directs you to, because the host doesn’t update the reservation signs on time and then will kick you out due to it.
We had looked up the campground on line ahead of time and thoroughly read through their first come first serve policy. We were nervous about getting a spot so we were there at 10 am.
The directions are:
Step 1.Check the reservation signs
Step 2. Find a site that doesn’t have reservations for that day.
Step 3. Pay for the site in cash, fill out the envelope, hang the pass in your vehicle.

We did everything exactly how it said. I even called a friend who had been camping there for decades to double check the instructions.
The camp host sign said “camp host is off duty” so there was no one on sight to check in with.

We stayed at our site until 12:30 setting up and playing cards. Then we left to the river to swim.

When we came back at 5 with two wet, hungry kids to cook dinner, someone else was in our campsite. They were very nice and I realized they must have double booked our site. That was a bummer but not that big of a deal. I could have just gone to a different site. The other guest wasn’t mad, I wasn’t mad, it was a simple mistake.
The issue was that I had dropped my 12 year old daughter off at the bathroom that was only a few sites down but the road was a one direction road so I had driven the loop around and she showed up at the site before me and was sent away so I had to go find her before I could more my stuff. She had panicked when the host tried to lecture her and she ran off to find me. There was no phone reception so I had to go find her.
Once I had my daughter I came back and we started packing up.
The female host came and was very aggressive towards us. I explained that we followed all the steps and the reservation sign clearly was for yesterday and not today. The male host asked her if she had updated the reservation sign. She said “yes I did it at 10am.” But we had got there at 10:30 and it wasn’t updated. We were there until 12:30 and it still wasn’t updated.
It was clearly her fault but she was yelling at us.
I raised my voice and told her to stop speaking to us with so much disrespect. I said we were leaving and there was no need for her to yell at us.
Then my daughter and I went back to packing. The host had moved all of our stuff and put our clothes in the dirt.
The guests who had also books the site kept apologizing to us. They were very sweet and I told them it was ok and not their fault.
When we were done packing up the ranger came. I explained the situation and he asked if he could find us another site. He said there were plenty.
I thanked him but my kids had already been traumatized and I had to get them home.
The ranger had the right response, this wasn’t an emergency or a crime like the Host was making it out to be, it was a simple misunderstanding.
Oh and there was no way for them to reimburse me because my payment was in a lock box and it was after 5 on a Friday.
So my conclusion and advice to campers is 1. I hope they don’t keep that host and 2. If you are camping do not do the first come first served option even though the website tells you to. We were lucky to only live 2 hours from home but if you traveled further and then was treated like this it could be a real emergency and leave you scrambling to find a place to stay.

It’s nice and well cared for by the camp hosts but the road noise ruins it. It’s not in the old growth redwood trees either so doesn’t quite hit the mark for camping in this area. Sites feel a bit close together as well.

The cleanest campground we’ve stayed in.
Sites are fairly private. You can hear the rushing river always.
There’s a great cafe down the road.

Clean Campgrounds, welll kept sites with fire ring. Clean bathrooms with showers.  Self pay at front of Campgrounds that honored national parks disable pass with half off camping fee.  Camp host was present but non intrusive.

Great campground with decent space between campers. Has restrooms and showers in two locations, with the showers being coin operated so bring some quarters.

Fantastic base camp for Six Rivers adventures! We stayed at Panther Flat and it exceeded expectations! At just $15/night, this hidden gem offers incredible value with clean flush toilets and hot coin-operated showers (50¢ for 3 minutes—rare for Forest Service!).

Our spacious site (#16) was surrounded by towering Douglas firs with privacy from lush huckleberry bushes between campsites. The short 3-minute walk to Smith River's crystal-clear swimming holes was perfect for cooling off after exploring nearby redwood groves. Highway 199 creates some road noise, but the pristine river access and proximity to Redwood National Park make it worthwhile.

Camp host kept facilities immaculate. Note: book through Recreation.gov for summer; first-come first-served off-season.

One of the cleanest campgrounds I've stayed in. I still had cell service but my boyfriend didn't. Nice large sites and parking spots.

There was a standing dead tree with bring green marking. I reported it to the host and the FS showed up and removed the flagging. Said it was a "watch tree" and not a remove tree. It was in striking distance of 2 tent pads and 2 tables.

Really beautiful campground. The whole thing is protected by a bluff so even if there is a lot of wind on the highway, the campsite itself is calm. Each site is clean and spacious but with enough foliage that you get decent privacy. And bathrooms are really nice, they have flush toilets, motion-sensor lights at night and are kept quite clean. And there is a cute creek a 5-minute walk away. Was really impressed with this one, highly recommend!

Fabulous campground. Sites are nicely separated. If you can get a spot closest to the river, you’ll have less road noise and more sounds of the river. It even has showers but bring quarters.

Came here in 2024, had a lovely, lovely time. The site is clean, the showers are hot, and the location is divine. But we visited again this year and had a drastically different experience. We stayed Tues-Monday. The only day that didn't have hours, literally hours, of noise coming from a gas-powered leaf blower was Sunday. It echoed through the campground making it hard to hold a conversation. It drove us out of our campsite to seek peace elsewhere on more than one day. When it happened Wed-Fri, I thought maybe they were preparing for the weekend but it happened Saturday morning too starting at 9am. I go camping for peace and quiet of the wilderness, not endure the fluctuating roar of a 90 decibel leaf blower for hours on end. Sad to say, we won't be returning because I won't risk our much anticipated vacation being ruined by this nuisance again.

Camp host April and her husband were friendly, restrooms and showers (need quarters) were always clean and well stocked.  Great location with sites not too close to each other for some privacy.  Will definitely come again!!

Very clean,  peaceful,  and fairly quiet.  By 9:30pm there was only the wind and the river to be heard.  Restrooms were very clean and modern.  Camp spaces were roomy and separated so there was a sense of privacy.  Camp host was present and readily available.  Beautiful campground over all.

This stay was unplanned, but Panther Flats could become a planned stop, even a destination visit in the future.

Nice place to camp. Lots of trees to help keep it cool on hot days. Good swimming hole pretty crowded but nice for swimming. They need to develop another trail the the first swimming hole could not find a way to it. The trail was washed out. Was a bummer no running water other than the flush toilets this season but the camp host had a large tank of water we could fill our containers with.

Reviews

Six Rivers/Big Flat