Is Fir Cove Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Fir Cove Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Fir Cove Campground before I book?

Yes! Fir Cove Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Fir Cove Campground?

Fir Cove Campground is open Open season from May 21 to September 13 annually.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Fir Cove Campground?

Fir Cove Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Fir Cove Campground have?

Fir Cove Campground has 26 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Fir Cove Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Fir Cove Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Fir Cove Campground?

Fir Cove Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Fir Cove Campground?

Popular activities at Fir Cove Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Fir Cove Campground

3.45

11 reviews

741 State Hwy 36, Bridgeville, CA 95526, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,700 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open season from May...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,700 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open season from May...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Fir Cove Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$12.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

707-574-6233angeliquerussell@fs.fed.us

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

741 State Hwy 36, Bridgeville, CA 95526, USA

Fir Cove Campground

741 State Hwy 36, Bridgeville, CA 95526, USA

Nearby places

Bridgeville — approximately 34 miles, Mad River — approximately 20 minutes drive

Driving directionsFrom Highway 101: Continue north past the Zenia Road exit at Garberville (avoiding a 2-hour winding backroad delay). Take Hwy 36 exit near Fortuna and head east for one hour to Mad River town. Cross the Mad River bridge, then turn onto Mad River Road (signposted Ruth Lake). Continue 20 minutes to Fir Cove Campground. From Highway 5: Take Hwy 36 west from Red Bluff for 2 hours until Mad River Road sign for Ruth Lake.

Weather at Fir Cove Campground

Best Time to Camp at Fir Cove Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers warm, mostly dry weather and full access to Ruth Lake — ideal for boating, swimming, and lakeside camping. Daytime highs are commonly in the 70s–80s°F with cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F, so water activities are pleasant and trails are clear. Services and the campground are open (May 21–Sept 13), but expect moderate to busy weekends and holiday crowds. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer; full access to Ruth Lake for swimming, boating and fishing.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open season from May 21 to September 13 annually.

About Fir Cove Campground

Fir Cove Campground sits on Ruth Lake in Six Rivers National Forest near Bridgeville, California. This USDA Forest Service site in the foothills offers direct lake access for boating, fishing, and swimming during the summer season. The small campground provides tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, drawing visitors who want quiet lakeside camping and water recreation.

Fir Cove Campground accommodates tent camping and combined camping sites. It is well-suited for individuals seeking a lakefront camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers warm, mostly dry weather and full access to Ruth Lake — ideal for boating, swimming, and lakeside camping. Daytime highs are commonly in the 70s–80s°F with cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F, so water activities are pleasant and trails are clear. Services and the campground are open (May 21–Sept 13), but expect moderate to busy weekends and holiday crowds. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryRuth Lake, a reservoir on the Mad River, dominates the setting. Douglas fir, oak, pine, and cedar cover the surrounding slopes. A seasonal creek runs through the campground. Wildlife sightings are common. The lake reflects the forested ridges, and several sites have direct water views. At this elevation, you're in the transition zone between lower oak woodlands and higher montane forest.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are mentioned. The campground primarily caters to tent and combined sites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are detailed.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov and on-site kiosk.

AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible, but no additional accessibility details are provided.

Site SizeSites are not described in terms of standard, large, or extra-large dimensions.

PrivacyPrivacy is implied given the statement that many sites overlook the lake. Specific privacy levels are not detailed.

Total Campsites26 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose lakeside sites for better views. Avoid sites close to creek during rainy season as flooding may occur.

Best CampsitesSites 11 and 12 are companion sites, good for groups camping together. Lakeside sites offer better views and quicker access to the water.

Need help booking Fir Cove Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Fir Cove Campground provides basic amenities suitable for tent and combined camping sites. Tables, campfire rings with grills, accessible vault toilets, and potable drinking water are available. "The campground offers several tent-only and multiple combined sites, many of them overlooking the lake." All sites are within a short walk from Ruth Lake, which is a highlight for campers.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Fir Cove Campground

Fir Cove Campground offers a variety of activities centered around its proximity to Ruth Lake and the surrounding forested area. "The lake provides boating, water skiing, fishing, and countless other recreation opportunities." Hiking trails, fishing, wildlife viewing, and water sports are popular activities.

Hiking4.0/5

Bailey Vista and Lakeview trailheads start directly from Fir Cove; forested peaks/valleys noted.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Wildlife viewing3.0/5

Water Sports3.0/5

Winter Activities

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not mentioned; the campground is reported to have vault toilets.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.5

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Fir Cove Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities at Fir Cove Campground. "Living by the lake I get to experience all of the campgrounds in the beautiful views of Ruth Lake!!!" writes James W. Robertson. Mark Kochendorfer adds, "Nice campground with good swimming." The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive with an average rating of 4.5.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's proximity to Ruth Lake, opportunities for fishing and swimming, and its peaceful surroundings. "Great fishing, great skiing, really good people!!!!" - James...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints are evident in the provided reviews.

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 11 and 12 are noted as companion sites.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are recommended to take advantage of the lake's recreational offerings such as fishing and swimming. Additionally, James W. Robertson encourages out-of-town visitors to spend time at Ruth...

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not specify seasonal differences, but the sentiment of 4.5 suggests a consistent positive experience.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Living by the lake I get to experience all of the campgrounds in the beautiful views of Ruth Lake!!!" - James W. Robertson. "Nice campground with good swimming." - Mark Kochendorfer.

Based on 11 reviews