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Mad River Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — Bridgeville · California · Six Rivers National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Six Rivers National Forest |
| Location | Bridgeville · California · Six Rivers National Forest · 40.40361, -123.46722 · Map |
| Sites | 35 public sites counted from the federal listing — 35 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 35 sites Water hookups at 0 of 35 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 35 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 35 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 35 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 16 sites · 30 ft: 11 sites · 35 ft: 7 sites · 40 ft: 0 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Season Dates: 5/21/2021 - 9/13/2021 Daily rate $12/night Extra Vehicle $5/night Fee is due at entrance kiosk Cash or Check made payable to USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 2:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 35 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 7 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 707-574-6233 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-07-20.
From the official listing
Overview Mad River Campground is located on banks of its namesake river, about two miles south of Ruth Lake in the thickly forested mountains of northern California. Recreation Fishing is a popular activity and anglers can expect to catch a variety of trout in the Mad River. Nearby Ruth Lake is open for boating, swimming and other water-related activities. A marina and boat ramp are available for easy lake access, and maps and directions to the marina are located on the information boards in the campground. Facilities The campground offers multiple single-family campsites, available for tent and RV camping. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A majority of the sites are adjacent to the Mad River.
Tables and campfire rings are available at each site. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are also provided. Natural Features The campground is situated on a bluff overlooking the river among a forested area of oak trees and evergreen shrubs. Portions of the campground are capped with tall Douglas fir trees, providing ample shade.
The Six Rivers National Forest lies east of Eureka in northwestern California, stretching southward from the Oregon border for about 140 miles. U.S. 101, the famed "Redwood Highway," parallels the inland Forest along the coastline. The Forest is just east of the Redwood National Park. Nearby Attractions The 13,800-acre Ruth Lake is about three miles south of the campground.
Directions, from the listing
When traveling north on Hwy 101, do not turn off at the Zenia Road exit at Garberville. This will result in a 2-hour delay driving on winding back roads. Instead, continue north until you reach the Hwy 36 exit near Fortuna. Turn right, heading east for approximately an hour until you reach the town of Mad River. After you cross the bridge at the Mad River, look for the Mad River Road turn-off on the right. The sign will say Ruth Lake. Continue for 10 minutes to reach the Mad River Campground.
If traveling on Interstate 5, turn at Hwy 36 at Red Bluff and head west for 2 hours until you see the sign for Ruth Lake at Mad River Road.
Nearest federal campgrounds
5 mi straight-line · Bridgeville CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBailey Canyon Campground
6 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceForest Glen Guard Station
8 mi straight-line · WEAVERVILLE CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServicePhilpot Picnic Area
15 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBig Slide Campground
18 mi straight-line · California
Trip Card — Mad River Campground
Bridgeville · California · Six Rivers National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Bridgeville · California · Six Rivers National Forest |
| Fees | Season Dates: 5/21/2021 - 9/13/2021 Daily rate $12/night Extra Vehicle $5/night Fee is due at entrance kiosk Cash or Check made payable to USDA (United States Department of… |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 35 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 35 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234650 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.