Mattole Campground

About this campground

<p>The Mattole Campground sits at the mouth of the Mattole River within the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/king-range" rel="nofollow">King Range National Conservation Area</a>, offering one of the only low-cost coastal camping opportunities on California's north coast. The campground provides direct access to the Mattole River estuary and a short 600-foot trail through sand dunes leads to the beach. Wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent — elephant seals are commonly seen along the shore.</p><p>The campground serves as the northern trailhead of the renowned <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/lost-coast-trail" rel="nofollow">Lost Coast Trail</a>, one of California's most spectacular coastal hiking routes. A 3.2-mile one-way hike from the campground leads to the historic Punta Gorda Lighthouse. Note that ocean swimming is strongly discouraged — rip currents, sneaker waves, sudden drop-offs, and powerful surf make these waters extremely dangerous.</p><h3>Hours and Seasons</h3><p>Open year-round. All sites are first come, first served.</p><h3>Features and Services</h3><ul><li><strong>Access and Parking:</strong> Paved access road to the campground at 3750 Lighthouse Road, Petrolia, CA 95558. Maximum trailer length is 24 feet. Two vehicles maximum per site. Day-use and trailhead parking available on site, with overflow parking also provided.</li><li><strong>Cell Service:</strong> Limited to none in the area.</li><li><strong>Toilets:</strong> Vault toilets on site.</li><li><strong>Drinking Water:</strong> No potable water available. Bring all water needed for your stay.</li><li><strong>Pets:</strong> Dogs allowed on leash only. Maintain a minimum of 100 feet from elephant seals at all times and keep dogs leashed near wildlife.</li><li><strong>Camping:</strong> 23 tent/trailer campsites, including two wheelchair-accessible sites and two equestrian sites. Maximum of eight people and two vehicles per site. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. Bear-proof trash cans on site. Fee is $15 per site per night.</li><li><strong>Nearby Amenities:</strong> The nearest services are in Petrolia, approximately 6 miles away. More complete services are available in Redway (approximately 1 hr 45 min via Wilder Ridge Road) and Eureka (approximately 2 hrs 20 min via South Fork/Honeydew exit).</li></ul><h3>Respect and Protect</h3><p>The King Range coast is home to sensitive wildlife, including elephant seals that haul out along the beach. These animals are unpredictable and can become aggressive — always maintain at least 100 feet of distance and keep pets leashed. Stay out of the ocean; dangerous surf conditions make swimming unsafe. Please practice responsible <a href="https://www.blm.gov/outdoorethics" rel="nofollow">outdoor ethics</a> to ensure that future visitors can appreciate this remarkable site.</p>

What's on site

Contact & location