Campsite AtlasMad River Campground
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. 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. The campground offers multiple single-family campsites, available for tent and RV camping. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Campsites
| Standard, no hookups | 35 |
| Total | 35 |
Amenities & rules
Fees: Season Dates: 5/21/2021 - 9/13/2021. Daily rate $12/night. Extra Vehicle $5/night. Fee is due at entrance kiosk. Cash or Check made payable to USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). .
Compiled from site-level records; individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
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.
Campgrounds nearby
Data source: Recreation.gov RIDB, retrieved August 30, 2026. The Campsite Atlas is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Recreation.gov or any federal agency. Always confirm critical details on the official Recreation.gov page before you travel.