Smith Falls SP Camping

Apparently, Smith Falls was named for Frederic Smith, an early settler who filed the first homestead patent on the land in 1896. Until recently, Smith Falls and the unique plant community near it, were protected by its remoteness. During the last 20 years, as canoeing became ever more popular on the Niobrara River, and Smith Falls became more widely known, an increasing number of people have come to see the falls or camp nearby. This increased foot traffic, and years of cattle grazing on the area, has caused serious erosion, threatening the future of this biologically unique area. Fred Krzyzanowski, who purchased the land including Smith Falls in 1941, tried to accommodate swelling public interest by establishing a primitive campground and picnic area. Until his death in 1988, Mr. Krzyzanowski would often walk to the from his house to the campground nearby to visit with
campers.