Mattole Campground

Definitely an underdog beach campground! It is very hard to find anything online. But this spot is amazing. Its as close to a dispersed spot as you can find with just a few amenities. I guess I was the first one who wanted to share the spot, I added it to the app for you all!

Beautiful little campground bordering a secluded beach. Its about an hour and a half to drive through some pretty windy roads through the mountains once you get off the highway, but very pretty. The road can be pretty intense/unpaved at times so would recommend 4WD or AWD vehicle

The campgrounds are pretty open, with little privacy, but that’s not what you’re there for.

The drive is intense, but manageable in good weather in a fwd Mazda 3. Mattole Rd from Weott is far better in terms of the road condition, but Mattole Rd to Ferndale is absolutely breathtaking. I wouldn’t attempt either with a large rig or trailer.

The lost coast is absolutely breathtaking. You’ll get 4 seasons of weather in a day, so plan accordingly. A short walk outside of the campground reveals incredible scenes.

The campgrounds are first come first serve. We snagged the last spot around 3PM on a Tuesday afternoon.

THERE IS NO WATER. Pack in what you need.

Easy to find and easy to drive into.

It was windy when we arrived, but that died down in the early evening through the night. We were able to take several walks down to the beach with our dogs, you have to be careful near the sites because there are foxtails.

The campground became full pretty quickly, but it didn’t feel crowded. I think many people backpack from the campground.

Bathroom was clean enough.

There were bunnies and quails near the berry bushes.

Much like life, the journey is truly the best part. Reaching the destination includes beautiful views straight out the Sound of Music. I haven’t had such peace camping in awhile. The Lost Coast is truly a hidden gem. Before arriving please make sure you have everything you may want or need. It is not a quick run to grab snacks type situation. Goes without saying but be careful with your speed as there are very large pot holes on the unpaved roads heading up and down the mountains towards the coast. Also be mindful of all wildlife as you truly will be in their habitat and they are around every turn the further up the mountain you go. The camp spots are clean. Right over the hill is nothing less than gorgeous nature. Hiking the trailhead is miles of ocean and hillsides. Do not play in the water. That is the Northern Pacific Ocean! The waves are no joke and who knows what sea creatures are out there. Also pending your phone you won’t have any service heading through the mountains or once your there. ( There were brief moments of some service near the lighthouse up the trailhead though) Bathrooms aren’t much but for those that don’t want to dig a hole it will do. The trip was beautiful, breathtaking and refreshing. The ocean and breeze will rock you to sleep at night. Beyond amazing and so glad I made the trip.

Listen. I’m sure this is a great spot if you just hiked on the windy beach from Shelter Cove and you finally can enjoy a rest at the end of your journey. But if you’re in any other situation, this campground leaves a lot to be desired. Toilets had literal poop smeared on them and there was no trash service, so bins were overflowing. Sites are close together with basically no privacy — think KOA. The location is gorgeous. Brace yourself for winds. Not recommended for a tent.

(3/12/21) A wonderful little campground!

Although there’s no access to potable water, amenities that were available were generous in nature. Pit toilets were plentiful stocked with tp (a hot commodity, as we all know) and both recycling and trash receptacles were present.

Each of the 15 campsites had a concrete picnic bench and fire pit - firewood has to be brought in or you can scavenge for any downed wood (driftwood on the beach near by).

Would 10/10 visit again. A note of caution: camping here is first-come, first-served and the road coming into the site (Lighthouse Rd) is compact dirt and full of potholes - very muddy when raining. Just be mindful and drive safe! 🏕🚗🌲🌊

This spot is so incredible I almost don't want to share about it. One note to make is that it is not an easy drive-in. The road is very bumpy and winding. I don't think it would be a good idea to bring a large RV, trailer or a very low clearance car. You can't see the beach from the campground because of the dunes, but they do offer some protection from the wind which is nice. We woke up to cows roaming our site. Well worth the trip if you can manage the road.

I should give it one star to keep the secret. She is Gorgeous. Not to private, no water source but the whole Ocean and Beach to yourself. Amazing views and constant wind. Great bonfires and greater friends. What a great weekend to spend eternity. Park Rangers were super polite and passed out maps of local 65,000 square foot wilderness. The place was really clean and everything was perfect. The road down there is not for lowered vehicles. The road has been torn up by all the off road vehicles. Make sure you take your time and avoid the black hole pot holes. I give it five Stars cause it was nature and beauty at her finest.

But to fall asleep to the sound of the ocean wanes hitting the shore, that's heaven for me!

Not a whole lot of people when I went for the first week of November 2020. Had some great conversation with some that were there. It was a solo trip for me and my first time camping in over 20 years. I'll come better prepare next time but overall had an amazing experience.

This area is just unbelievably gorgeous. Some rough roads but well worth it.

Nice beach camping spot. Trash was over flowing, but bathrooms were surprisingly clean. Trailer spots were easy to park in, very exposed area, plan it around some good weather for sure

Great spot at the entry to one of my favorite backpacking spots. Camped here for a night in transit to SD from Seattle, was super remote but the drive in itself was an adventure! Loved how close to the ocean the sites were and got uber lucky with a beautiful sunset and sunrise.

Definitely come here if you’re looking for a quiet spot with rugged ocean views! Happy camping!

Incredible area, so remote you gotta commit to it!

No water at the site but we got some on our way at the county park between Honeydew and the campground. Could probably get water in Petrolia too. Plan ahead for that!

Plan ahead for lots of sun — we camped in mid-July and had a full day of sun! The ocean water was super cold (and dangerous) but the river was just right. Nice to have options.

Most stunning was these massive cliffs that open into this wild California coast. You can hike to the (non-working) lighthouse and enjoy yourself with a driftwood fire at night. Camping on the side away from the very close by beach was smart as you get a little reprieve with some shade from the shrubs and hedges (with some wildlife running through).

Animal proof trash on site, recycling too. Toilets were fine (hand sanitizer in them!) and generally pretty quiet.

One of the best little hidden gems I’ve ever camped at.

This is a relatively small campground and fills up quickly during the summer so my advice is to get there early to be able to secure a campsite. What can I say? It's all about camping by the ocean! Be prepared for weather changes and cooler weather,it can change rapidly. Be prepared to be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves crashing against the shore!

We camp here as much as possible. Just good ol' pit toilets, but usually not crowded, and very quiet. As Humboldt locals, we like to be away from the crowds, in the most beautiful natural areas in California. This is the trail head to the famous Lost Coast Trail, and just a stunning beach campground. Dogs allowed on leash, pop your tent in the sand. Super nice.

No big stores nearby, so you should probably get groceries in Eureka or Fortuna before heading over the hill to Petrolia. There is a small store, but this is Humboldt so they could be closed at any given point, wouldn't depend on it.

Be careful in the summer, not really sandal appropriate. The native dune plants have lots of little prickers in the sand among the campsites.

Make sure to stroll along the beach north to where the Mattole river flows into the Pacific. You will almost always find a bunch of seals hanging out on the other side of the river spit and hunting in the estuary for fist.

It's a journey to get here, and well worth it. A small, secluded campground with access to a broad sandy beach. Nice pit toilet.