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Camping · California

MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND

USFS · Campground · Fee

Fast facts

Cost
Fee charged
Managed by
USFS
Type
Campground
Reservations
recreation.gov
Phone
707-574-6233
Coordinates
40.4036, -123.4672
Last verified
September 19, 2026
40.4036° N · 123.4672° W
Last verifiedSeptember 19, 2026

About this place

Overview Mad River Campground is located on banks of its namesake river, about two miles south of Ruth Lake in the thickly forested mountains of northern California. Recreation Fishing is a popular activity and anglers can expect to catch a variety of trout in the Mad River. Nearby Ruth Lake is open for boating, swimming and other water-related activities. A marina and boat ramp are available for easy lake access, and maps and directions to the marina are located on the information boards in the campground. Facilities The campground offers multiple single-family campsites, available for tent and RV camping. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A majority of the sites are adjacent to the Mad River. Tables and campfire rings are available at each site. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are also provided. Natural Features The campground is situated on a bluff overlooking the river among a forested area of oak trees and evergreen shrubs. Portions of the campground are capped with tall Douglas fir trees, providing ample shade. The Six Rivers National Forest lies east of Eureka in northwestern California, stretching southward from the Oregon border for about 140 miles. U.S. 101, the famed "Redwood Highway," parallels the inland Forest along the coastline. The Forest is just east of the Redwood National Park. Nearby Attractions The 13,800-acre Ruth Lake is about three miles south of the campground.

From the USFS.Official page

Is MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND free?

No. MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.

How do I get to MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND?

MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND is at 40.4036, -123.4672. We do not hold written directions for this one, so navigate to the coordinates.

Nearby

No other services within 50 mi on the record.

SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.

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Disclaimer TerrainKit is an independent product with no affiliation with, sponsorship from or endorsement by the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service or any other public agency. Site and access information is compiled from publicly available sources and can go out of date without notice. Confirm current rules, closures, fire restrictions and stay limits with the managing ranger district or field office before you camp.
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47.5053° N · 111.3008° W
MAD RIVER CAMPGROUND, Camping in California - TerrainKit