Mad River Campground

Star3.96
16 reviews
741 State Hwy 36, Bridgeville, CA, 95526, USA

Quick Facts

2,533 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open Season: May 21 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

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
Mad River Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Season dates: May 21 to September 13. Daily rate is $12 per night. Extra vehicle fees apply at $5/night. Fee is due at entrance kiosk and can be paid...
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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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
707-574-6233angeliquerussell@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

3.96

Mixed Reviews

Based on 16 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacylake

"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."

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Campground Map

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

Mad River Campground

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

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.
Accessible from Hwy 36 near Fortuna or Red Bluff depending on direction. Roads include winding back roads that can be challenging. Avoid Zenia Road exit at Garberville, which causes a 2-hour delay.
Nearby places
Bridgeville (approx. distance unavailable), Mad River (close proximity), Fortuna (approx. 1-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Details about the closest supplies are unavailable in the source.

Best Time to Camp at Mad River Campground

Blessed with Northern California's signature dry climate, Mad River Campground enjoys comfortably moderate temperatures that make outdoor adventures a pleasure. While morning mist often dances above the river, afternoons bring warm sunshine filtering through the forest canopy. The Mediterranean-like conditions create perfect camping weather, though visitors should always prepare for the occasional mountain shower that keeps this verdant landscape thriving.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (May 21–Sep 13) offers boating, swimming at Ruth Lake and warm weather rec.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.5 / 5

Open only into early fall (closes Sep 13); water availability can decline late in season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 21 so late spring access available; milder temps but limited spring window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed in winter (open May 21–Sep 13).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 21 - September 13. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open Season: May 21 - September 13

About Mad River Campground

Perched along the pristine banks of the Mad River, this hidden gem rests just two miles south of the tranquil Ruth Lake. Here, where ancient forests carpet the rugged mountains of northern California, Mad River Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape within the vast Six Rivers National Forest. The soothing sounds of rushing water blend with the whisper of wind through towering trees, creating a natural symphony that welcomes weary travelers.
Mad River Campground offers tent and RV camping options. Some sites are first-come, first-served.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time unavailable.
Check-out
Check-out time unavailable.
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingHiking is listed as an activity, but no specific trails or difficulty levels are provided.
FishingFishing is a popular activity in the Mad River, with opportunities to catch trout. User review: "Caught a good size silver salmon... awesome place."
SwimmingSwimming is available at nearby Ruth Lake, which also has day-use areas with shade and sun for solar options.
BoatingBoating is available at Ruth Lake, which has a marina and a boat ramp for easy access.
Wildlife viewingWildlife observation is possible, with deer hunting mentioned as a popular activity in the area.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison oak is abundant.

Weather at Mad River Campground

Reviews

4.0
16 reviews
Mixed 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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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