By:
Submission
Fir Cove Campground is located on beautiful eastern shore of Ruth Lake, a 13,800-acre jewel situated in the thickly forested mountains of northern California. A variety of recreational opportunities abound.
Fir Cove is one of three Forest Service campgrounds in the area, and one of two on the lake. Bailey Canyon Campground is the companion to Fir Cove. It is located east of Fir Cove and is first-come, first-serve.
The lake provides boating, water skiing, fishing and countless other recreation opportunities.
Anglers can enjoy a catch of small and largemouth bass, catfish, rainbow trout, Kokonee salmon, bluegill and crappie.
Forested peaks and valleys offer ample opportunities for hunting, hiking and off-road vehicle use. The Bailey Vista and Lakeview Trailheads start from Fir Cove, and the Picket Peak Trailhead starts from Bailey Canyon.
The campground offers several tent-only and multiple combined sites, many of them overlooking the lake. All sites are within a short walk from Ruth Lake. Sites 11 and 12 are companion sites.
Tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as well as accessible vault toilets and drinking water.
The campground straddles a seasonal creek that empties into Ruth Lake. It is nestled in a mixture of mature Douglas fir, oak, pine and cedar trees at an elevation of about 2,700 feet.
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.
**From Highway 101**
When traveling north on Highway 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. Head 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 20 minutes to reach Fir Cove campground.
**From Highway 5**
Head west on Highway 36 at Red Bluff for 2 hours until you see the sign for Ruth Lake at Mad River Road.
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).
Lots of poison oak. Live music at the near by store/restaurant. Wifi at restaurant. Verizon works, AT&T does not. Great lake for kayaking.
Nice spot, below roadway - partial shade. The beach is a bit muddy, but the lake is beautiful. Campsites not that private except for one or two.
Living by the lake I get to experience all of the campgrounds in the beautiful views of Ruth lake!!! I say to you if you're from out of the area you should come and spend a little time at this lake it's beautiful great fishing great skiing really good people!!!! look forward to seeing you!!!
