Mad River Campground in CA -- Campground & RV Camping

Mad River Campground is located in Six Rivers National Forest, set on a bluff above the Mad River under Douglas fir and oak trees. Most single-family campsites sit directly along the riverbank and include picnic tables and campfire rings. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are available on site. Fishing for trout in the river is a primary draw. Ruth Lake sits three miles south, providing access to boating, swimming, and water sports via a public marina and boat ramp.

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.

• Little separation from through roads or other sites here, a 35-site campground with the nearest through road 0.1 miles off.
• Pine Butte stands 1,766 ft above the map pin, 1.3 miles west.
• Mad River runs 0.1 mi off.
• 35 on the water, with most of them shaded.

Rules