Can you reserve a site at Mad River Campground?

Yes, Mad River Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Mad River Campground?

35 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Mad River Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Mad River Campground.

Are campfires allowed at Mad River Campground?

Campfires are allowed at Mad River Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Mad River Campground, California — 35 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

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.

The facts

Season: 5/20/2024 – 9/29/2024 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
35 bookable sites
7 accessible sites
Vehicles up to 35 ft
Up to 8 people per site
Loops: Loop A, MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND

Site types

35 Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Picnic tables
Grills
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits.

Book on Recreation.gov

35 campsites at Mad River Campground

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 2:00 PM

Accessible only

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Water	Max rig	People
09	Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	24 ft	8	🐾
10	Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	24 ft	8	🐾
11	Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	25 ft	8	🐾
12	Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	20 ft	8	🐾
13	Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	35 ft	8	🐾
14	Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	22 ft	8	🐾
15	Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	35 ft	8	♿ 🐾
16	Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	24 ft	8	🐾
17	Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	35 ft	8	🐾
18	Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	24 ft	8	♿ 🐾
06	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	22 ft	8	🐾
07	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Pull Through	Gravel	Riverfront	35 ft	8	🐾
08	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	24 ft	8	🐾
19	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	19 ft	8	♿ 🐾
20	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	22 ft	8	🐾
21	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	22 ft	8	🐾
22	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	35 ft	8	🐾
23	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	30 ft	8	🐾
24	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	30 ft	8	🐾
25	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	26 ft	8	🐾
26	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	18 ft	8	♿ 🐾
27	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	24 ft	8	🐾
28	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	26 ft	8	♿ 🐾
29	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	21 ft	8	🐾
30	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	26 ft	8	🐾
31	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
32	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	31 ft	8	🐾
33	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	21 ft	8	🐾
34	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	21 ft	8	🐾
35	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	35 ft	8	♿ 🐾
36	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	21 ft	8	🐾
37	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	21 ft	8	🐾
38	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	35 ft	8	🐾
39	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	15 ft	8	🐾
40	MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	25 ft	8	🐾

Getting there

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.

40.40361, -123.46722 · 40°24'13.0"N 123°28'2.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Low °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Precip in	12.4	10.5	9.4	6.0	3.8	1.3	0.3	0.2	1.0	3.6	8.6	13.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 13.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

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).

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Mad River Campground

Can you reserve a site at Mad River Campground?: Yes, Mad River Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Mad River Campground have?: 35 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Mad River Campground?: 35 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Mad River Campground?: Yes, pets are allowed at Mad River Campground.
Are campfires allowed at Mad River Campground?: Campfires are allowed at Mad River Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Mad River Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Mad River Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

$12 per night (includes 1 vehicle); $5 extra vehicle fee. Cash (exact change) or check, made out to USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Mad River Campground

Fir Cove Campground 5.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Forest Glen Guard Station 8.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Bailey Canyon Campground 5.6 mi · Campground
Forest Glen Campground 7.6 mi · Campground
Hell Gate Campground 8.4 mi · Campground
Scott Flat Campground 8.7 mi · Campground
Hayfork Area 13 mi · Facility
Philpot Picnic Area 15.2 mi · Campground
Little Rock Picnic Area 17.1 mi · Facility
Big Slide Campground 18.1 mi · Campground
Slide Creek Campground 18.4 mi · Campground
Mad River Ranger District 21.6 mi · Facility

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-07-20.

Mad River Campground