Is Mad River Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mad River 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 Mad River Campground before I book?

Yes! Mad River 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 Mad River Campground?

Mad River Campground is open Open Season: May 21 - September 13. 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 Mad River Campground?

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

How many campsites does Mad River Campground have?

Mad River Campground has 42 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mad River Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Mad River Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Mad River Campground?

Popular activities at Mad River Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mad River Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Mad River Campground?

Fire policies at Mad River Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.53

16 reviews

741 State Hwy 36, Bridgeville, CA, 95526, USA

Featured in:Fishing Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,533 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open Season: May 21 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,533 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open Season: May 21 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Mad River Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$12.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Mad River Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

741 State Hwy 36, Bridgeville, CA, 95526, USA

Mad River Campground

741 State Hwy 36, Bridgeville, CA, 95526, USA

Nearby places

Bridgeville (approx. distance unavailable), Mad River (close proximity), Fortuna (approx. 1-hour drive)

Driving directionsWhen traveling north on Hwy 101, 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 crossing the bridge at 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.

Weather at Mad River Campground

Current alerts(4)

Boat inspections for quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species are required at the Ruth Lake marina; an additional fee applies.
Click here for more information about Six Rivers National Forest
First come, first serve
Watch for poison oak

Best Time to Camp at Mad River Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit because the campground is fully open (May 21–Sep 13) and warm, dry afternoons make river swimming, boating on nearby Ruth Lake, and fishing particularly enjoyable. Daytime highs typically range from the low 70s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s, so days are comfortable for long hikes through Douglas fir stands while evenings are crisp. Expect moderate weekend use — the site feels remote compared with coastal parks but draws more visitors for Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May 21–Sept 13; summer weather (70s–80s) is the reliable, peak season.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open Season: May 21 - September 13

About Mad River Campground

Mad River Campground sits in the foothills of Six Rivers National Forest near Bridgeville, offering direct river access and a short drive to Ruth Lake. This mid-sized USDA Forest Service campground provides tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors hike through Douglas fir stands, fish the Mad River, and enjoy the privacy between sites.

Mad River Campground offers tent and RV camping options. Some sites are first-come, first-served.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit because the campground is fully open (May 21–Sep 13) and warm, dry afternoons make river swimming, boating on nearby Ruth Lake, and fishing particularly enjoyable. Daytime highs typically range from the low 70s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s, so days are comfortable for long hikes through Douglas fir stands while evenings are crisp. Expect moderate weekend use — the site feels remote compared with coastal parks but draws more visitors for Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2533 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a bluff carved by the Mad River, which runs below through smooth river stones. Douglas firs and oaks create a shaded canopy above the sites, with evergreen shrubs filling the understory. The elevated position offers views of the surrounding mountain terrain. Tectonic forces and erosion have shaped the landscape over centuries, creating the dramatic topography visible from camp. Poison oak grows in the area, so watch where you step.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodge-style accommodations are mentioned; only tent and RV camping options are described.

Programs & ActivitiesNo mention of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Groups

The campground supports single-family campsites
no mention of group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available, but no other specific accessibility features are mentioned.

Site SizeSites vary in size but no explicit measurements are provided.

PrivacySome sites offer privacy as they are adjacent to the Mad River and located among shaded oak and Douglas fir trees.

Total Campsites42 campsites

Recommended SitesConsider sites adjacent to the Mad River for access and privacy. Bring water shoes for river activities due to rocky terrain.

Best CampsitesSites adjacent to the Mad River get the best reviews for scenic views and privacy. The riverside spots sit among shaded oaks and firs, offering more seclusion than interior sites. Watch for signage if you're heading to Ruth Lake's marina, it's easy to miss the turn.

Need help booking Mad River 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

Mad River Campground provides basic amenities ideal for those seeking a simple camping experience. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings, as noted in the official source: "Tables and campfire rings are available at each site." Accessible vault toilets and potable water are also available, and the campground is situated on a bluff overlooking the Mad River among oak trees and Douglas firs, providing ample shade.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Mad River Campground and nearby areas provide opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and general wildlife observation. Ruth Lake, located three miles south, expands recreational options with a marina and boat ramp.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Trash & RecyclingTrash is collected in the mornings as noted in a user review: "Nobody monitoring the campground except for emptying the trash in the morning." Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageNo explicit mention of cell phone service availability in either the authoritative content or user reviews.

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

Rate Mad River Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

3.5

16 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews highlight the campground's privacy, proximity to Ruth Lake, and natural beauty, but also mention issues with facilities and local attitude. Several users appreciated the peaceful environment and recreational opportunities.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes privacy, river access, proximity to Ruth Lake, and opportunities for fishing and deer hunting. User review: "Great fun all around, just the bathroom was a turn off."

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include poor bathroom conditions, poison oak presence, and discourteous local interactions and staff. User review: "The bathroom closest to our camp site was just awful. Others were...

Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Few site-specific details are available, but some sites are located directly on the river and offer privacy.

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring water shoes for river access due to rocky terrain. Watch out for poison oak. Pay attention to signage for Ruth Lake marina access as it can be easily missed.

Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors should note water availability may be affected late in the season, as one user stated: "After paying and setting up our campsite is when we found out the water had been turned off for the...

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very few people here. I pulled in on Sunday afternoon I was the only one here." "Caught a good size silver salmon... awesome place." "After paying and setting up our campsite is when we found out...

Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are accessible, but no additional accessibility features are mentioned.

Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific mentions of pet policies or experiences.

Based on 16 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want river access and forest hiking with a quiet, private site near Ruth Lake.

Skip if

You need spotless facilities or plan to visit outside the late spring to early fall season.

Nearby Campgrounds

3.5

(11)

Fir Cove Campground

741 State Hwy 36, Bridgeville, CA 95526, USA

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.