Fir Cove Campground

About

Fir Cove Campground occupies a scenic spot on the eastern shore of Ruth Lake, a 1,200-acre reservoir nestled in the forested mountains of northern California's Six Rivers National Forest. The campground sits at roughly 2,700 feet elevation beneath a canopy of oaks, maples, ponderosa pines, and Douglas firs, with campsites a short walk from the water's edge. The campground offers 18 standard nonelectric sites suitable for tents and small trailers up to 22 feet. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Vault toilets and drinking water spigots are provided, along with trash service. A quarter-mile Fir Cove Trail provides a picturesque walk along the lakeshore and connects to Bailey Canyon Campground to the east. Ruth Lake offers excellent fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, bluegill, and crappie. Boating, water skiing, and swimming are popular activities. The surrounding forest provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, with Bailey Vista and Lakeview trailheads accessible from the campground area.

Directions

From Highway 101 northbound, take the Highway 36 exit near Fortuna and head east for approximately one hour to the town of Mad River. After crossing the bridge at Mad River, turn right onto Mad River Road (signed for Ruth Lake) and continue 20 minutes to Fir Cove Campground. From Interstate 5, take Highway 36 west at Red Bluff for approximately 2 hours until reaching Mad River Road.