Fir Cove sits on the eastern shore of Ruth Lake, a 13,800-acre reservoir tucked into the forested mountains of Six Rivers National Forest. The camp puts you within a short walk of the water at 2,700 feet elevation, with sites scattered among Douglas fir, oak, pine, and cedar. It's a solid choice for families wanting lake access without the reservation headaches.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 💵Fee per Night
- $12
- 📋Reservations
- First-Come, First-Served
- 📍GPS
- 40.34417, -123.40306
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 707-574-6233
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The campground straddles a seasonal creek that feeds Ruth Lake, offering a mix of tent-only and combined sites. Many overlook the water, giving you morning views across the 13,800-acre lake toward forested peaks. Sites 11 and 12 are companion sites if you're camping with another group. You'll find the usual developed campground setup: picnic tables, fire rings with grills, vault toilets, and drinking water.
The setting feels removed despite the amenities. Mature trees provide decent spacing between sites, and the creek adds a soundtrack when it's running. At 2,700 feet, you're high enough to escape valley heat but not so high that nights get frigid.
What to Know
Fir Cove runs first-come, first-served, making it one of two lakeside options alongside Bailey Canyon Campground to the east. No reservations means flexibility but also uncertainty during busy periods. At $12 per night, it's reasonably priced for lakefront camping with amenities.
The campground serves as a trailhead for Bailey Vista and Lakeview trails, so expect some foot traffic from day hikers. Bailey Canyon Campground handles the Picket Peak Trailhead if you're planning longer hikes into the surrounding mountains.
On the Water
Ruth Lake delivers the full menu of water sports: boating, water skiing, and fishing. Anglers can work the lake for smallmouth and largemouth bass, catfish, rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon, bluegill, and crappie. The variety keeps fishing interesting whether you're trolling deep water or working the shallows near camp.
The forested peaks surrounding the lake offer hunting and off-road vehicle opportunities, though specific details on trails and access roads aren't spelled out in campground materials.