Fir Cove Campground

Star4.22
11 reviews
741 State Hwy 36, Bridgeville, CA 95526, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,700 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open season from May...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Fir Cove Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Daily rate is $12/night. Extra vehicle fee is $5/night. Payments must be made at entrance kiosk via cash or check payable to USDA.
Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
707-574-6233angeliquerussell@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 11 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullake

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

741 State Hwy 36, Bridgeville, CA 95526, USA

Fir Cove Campground

741 State Hwy 36, Bridgeville, CA 95526, USA

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.
Accessible via paved roads from major highways (Highway 101 and Highway 5). Some winding back roads should be avoided for quicker access.
Nearby places
Bridgeville — approximately 34 miles, Mad River — approximately 20 minutes drive
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping essentials, and fuel available in Mad River town. Larger supply centers in Eureka.

Best Time to Camp at Fir Cove Campground

The campground transforms with each passing season, offering unique experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the landscape in snow and brings dramatic rainstorms that showcase nature's raw power. As spring melts into summer, the campground truly comes alive—warm sunshine filters through the canopy, wildflowers dot the forest floor, and perfect camping weather creates endless opportunities for outdoor adventures from late May through early September.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 21–Sep 13; peak season for swimming, boating, fishing and water skiing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open only into mid-September, so early fall use is possible but limited after closing date.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 21 (late spring); spring access limited to late-spring period only.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed in winter (open May 21–Sep 13); winter-season rating not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 21 - September 13. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season from May 21 to September 13 annually.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Fir Cove Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of Ruth Lake, Fir Cove Campground offers an enchanting escape into the heart of Northern California's Six Rivers National Forest. This lakeside haven beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of water adventures and forest exploration, where days are filled with casting lines into crystal-clear waters, paddling across the lake's glassy surface, and discovering hidden trails that wind through towering evergreens.
Fir Cove Campground accommodates tent camping and combined camping sites. It is well-suited for individuals seeking a lakefront camping experience.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
Hiking"Forested peaks and valleys offer ample opportunities for hiking." The Bailey Vista and Lakeview trailheads start directly from Fir Cove, offering convenient access to trails.
Fishing"Anglers can enjoy a catch of small and largemouth bass, catfish, rainbow trout, Kokonee salmon, bluegill, and crappie." Fishing is a prominent activity for visitors.
SwimmingSwimming is available, as noted in user reviews. Mark Kochendorfer commented, "Nice campground with good swimming."
Boating"The lake provides boating, water skiing, and countless other recreation opportunities."
Wildlife viewingThe natural surroundings provide ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Specific species are not listed.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and seasonal creek flooding. Boat inspections for invasive species required.
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.

Weather at Fir Cove Campground

Reviews

4.2
11 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Fir Cove Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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...
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Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints are evident in the provided reviews.
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...
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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

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 11 and 12 are noted as companion sites.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features (vault toilets) are noted but not specifically addressed in reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related details are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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