Ruth Lake Campground

For Californians seeking a refreshing escape to a beautiful lakeside setting, Ruth Lake Campground in Mad River offers an exceptional outdoor experience. Nestled within the expansive Six Rivers National Forest, this campground is a true gem, providing a serene environment with direct access to the sparkling waters of Ruth Lake. Whether you’re an avid boater, a dedicated angler, or simply yearning for a peaceful spot to relax amidst nature, Ruth Lake Campground promises a memorable and rejuvenating getaway.

Described by visitors as "one of the best campgrounds on the lake," Ruth Lake Campground is celebrated for its lovely setting, spacious sites, and friendly atmosphere. It’s a destination where the beauty of Northern California's forests meets the inviting allure of a vast reservoir, creating a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Imagine waking up to a view of the lake, spending your days on the water, and unwinding by a campfire as the sun sets over the surrounding mountains. As a local Californian, you understand the value of these accessible natural escapes, and Ruth Lake Campground is perfectly positioned to become your favorite spot for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Ruth Lake Campground is strategically located at 12200 Mad River Rd, Mad River, CA 95552, USA. This address places it directly on Ruth Lake within the vast Six Rivers National Forest, which spans nearly one million acres of diverse landscapes in northwestern California. The campground's position on the lake's shore provides direct access to the water, making it incredibly convenient for boating, fishing, and swimming enthusiasts.

For California residents, the accessibility of Ruth Lake Campground is a significant advantage. While it offers a secluded and immersed-in-nature feel, it is reachable via well-maintained roads. From major population centers, the journey typically involves scenic drives through the picturesque Northern California countryside, enhancing the anticipation of your outdoor adventure. The remote yet accessible nature of the location means less time traveling and more time enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Its proximity to the small community of Mad River, and the presence of a small store and boat launch right at the campground, ensure that essential needs are within easy reach, striking an ideal balance between wilderness immersion and practical convenience for local visitors.

Ruth Lake Campground provides a range of services and facilities designed to enhance your camping experience, ensuring comfort while maintaining a connection to nature:

• Campsites: Offers a good number of campsites suitable for both tents and RVs (with comments suggesting some sites are large). While some sources mention specific numbers like 20, 23, or 25 sites in various sections, the key is they are well-spread out. Many sites are first-come, first-served, so early arrival is often recommended during peak season.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings with Grills: Designated fire rings are available at each site, often with grills, for cooking and campfires (subject to seasonal fire restrictions, which are crucial in California).
• Vault Toilets: Clean and maintained vault toilets are available throughout the campground for convenience.
• Potable Water: Access to potable water is available, typically through water spigots within the campground.
• Boat Launch: A significant amenity, the campground boasts an on-site boat launch, providing direct access to Ruth Lake for all types of watercraft.
• Small Store: There is a small store nearby, often referred to as Ruth Lake Recreation Area or Marina, which provides "gas, fishing and boating supplies, licenses, bait store, patio and fishing boat rentals, wet moorage, and dry storage," as well as quick grocery grabs.
• RV Waste Station: While not directly at the campground, an RV waste station with potable water is available for no fee at the privately run Hobart Creek RV campground at the south end of Ruth Lake, offering a convenient service for RV campers.
• Friendly Staff: Reviewers frequently mention "friendly staff" and a "great" overall atmosphere, indicating good on-site management.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times.

The features and highlights of Ruth Lake Campground make it a standout destination for outdoor recreation in California:

• Lakeside Location: Directly on Ruth Lake, a 13,800-acre reservoir known for its beauty and recreational opportunities. Some campsites even offer a view of the reservoir.
• Boating Paradise: Ideal for power boating, sailing, water skiing, kayaking, and canoeing. The on-site boat launch is a major draw. Watercraft must be registered and inspected to protect against aquatic invasive species.
• Excellent Fishing: Ruth Lake is renowned for its fishing, with abundant rainbow trout (especially in cooler months at the northern end), smallmouth bass, catfish, and occasional kokanee salmon. An "abundant fishery draws ospreys and bald eagles."
• Spacious and Wooded Sites: Campsites are generally large, offering privacy and shade from the surrounding conifers, including massive 200-year-old fir trees.
• Wildlife Viewing: The forested and lakeside environment provides exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation, including deer, bears, eagles, ospreys, common mergansers, wood ducks, and river otters. "Wildlife commonly visit you."
• Hiking Opportunities: While not extensive within the immediate campground, the surrounding Six Rivers National Forest offers numerous hiking and riding trails.
• Swimming: Ruth Lake is popular for swimming, offering refreshing waters, though there may not be designated swimming areas with lifeguards.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite being popular, the campground maintains a relatively uncrowded and peaceful ambiance due to its secluded location. Visitors describe it as "peaceful, pleasant and unwinding."
• Scenic Views: Surrounded by the majestic South Fork Mountain Range, with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding forest.

For inquiries, reservations (if applicable, as many sites are first-come, first-served), or to learn more about Ruth Lake Campground, you can use the provided contact information. Given its location within a national forest, it's often beneficial to contact the relevant forest service district for the most up-to-date information on conditions, availability, and specific regulations.

Address: 12200 Mad River Rd, Mad River, CA 95552, USA

Phone: (707) 574-6196

Mobile Phone: +1 707-574-6196

It is always recommended to call ahead, especially during peak seasons, to confirm operating hours, any fire restrictions, and current conditions of the lake (e.g., water levels that might affect boat launches). For broader information regarding the Six Rivers National Forest, the main forest office can also be contacted.

For California locals, Ruth Lake Campground stands out as an exceptional outdoor retreat, offering an ideal blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities close to home. The convenience of a boat launch and a small on-site store, as highlighted by customer reviews, simplifies your trip, allowing more time for enjoyment and less for logistics. Whether you're a family looking for a fun lake vacation, an angler seeking abundant fish, or simply someone who desires a peaceful escape into Northern California's stunning wilderness, Ruth Lake provides the perfect setting.

Despite minor considerations such as potential wind on some lake-facing sites or occasional jet skier traffic, the overwhelming sentiment from visitors is one of deep satisfaction and a desire to return. Its spacious sites, friendly staff, and the sheer beauty of the lake and surrounding forest make it incredibly suitable for Californians seeking an authentic and accessible outdoor experience. Embrace the opportunity to explore the tranquil waters and lush landscapes of Ruth Lake, and discover why this campground is a true local treasure for creating lasting memories in the Golden State.

Ruth Lake Campground

12200 Mad River Rd, Mad River, CA 95552, USA