Reservations are available at Mad River Rapids RV Park, though same-day online booking closes at 3 p.m., so late arrivals should call ahead. Rates run $64 to $68 per night for full hookups, including electric, water, and sewer, with a maximum RV length of 63 feet. The park sits near the Mad River in Arcata and gives campers drive-in access to level, paved sites. Staff typically leave by 5 p.m., so confirming check-in details, including bathroom codes and WiFi credentials, before arrival is worth the extra step.
Sites are closely spaced, and multiple reviewers note the park can feel crowded. That said, the grounds stay consistently well-kept, and "clean bathrooms and showers" are among the most frequently cited positives, according to Rory R.. Amenities include a laundromat with coin-operated machines, WiFi, a dump station, and a Mexican restaurant at the park entrance. During wet weather, campers recommend positioning steps away from grass areas to avoid tracking mud inside.
Mad River Rapids works well as an overnight stop or a base for day trips. The park sits south of Redwood State and National Parks, and nearby options include Blue Lake Casino to the east and The Retreat at Redwood Shores to the south for campers comparing stops along this stretch of the Northern California coast. Gas stations and a market are close by. If a no-frills, full-hookup stop with reliable facilities fits your itinerary, this one is worth a look.
Description
EXCELLENT FREE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET AT EVERY SITE
Long-Term and Daily Stays at a Pet-Friendly Paradise
Our 92 generously-sized pull-thru sites are large enough for any RV. Conveniently-located near Highway 101, Mad River Rapids RV Park offers affordable rates, full hook-ups, level paved pads, and a picnic table at every site. Bring your family, bring your pets. Work remotely with our FREE high-speed internet, while the youngsters play in the pool (when unavailable) or Activity Room.
Enjoy a carefree life with year-round comfort on nine beautifully-landscaped acres. Everything you want or need is right here…
Heated pool, Hot tub, Ping-Pong, Billiards, Basketball, video arcade, playground, large meeting room, fully-stocked mini-mart, and 2 on-site laundry facilities.
Restaurant adjacent to the park
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMad River Rapids RV Park is located in California near Essex
Directions
From jct Hwy 299 & US 101: Go 1/4 mi N on US 101 (Janes Rd & Guintoli Lane exit), then 1/4 mi W on Janes Rd.
Address
3501 Janes Rd
Arcata, CA 95521
Coordinates
40.90190585 N
124.0901734 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 40 usersLast on 8/1/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 27 usersLast on 8/1/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 40 usersLast on 8/1/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 27 usersLast on 8/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 35 min from Redding, CA
- 2 hrs 51 min from Grants Pass, OR
- 3 hrs 18 min from Medford, OR




