Best Campgrounds near Petrolia, CA

Camping areas around Petrolia, California provide access to both coastal and inland natural settings through several established campgrounds. A.W. Way County Park sits alongside the Mattole River, offering tent and RV sites with basic amenities including drinking water, showers, and toilet facilities. Just a few miles from Petrolia, Mattole Campground provides beach access camping at the northern terminus of the Lost Coast Trail, with primitive tent and RV sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Camp Mattole offers additional camping options in the area, though with limited facilities.

The journey to reach Petrolia's camping destinations involves navigating winding, sometimes rough roads through remote terrain. Mattole Road, which connects to the area from either Ferndale or Humboldt Redwoods State Park, features steep grades and sections of unpaved surface. "The road from Ferndale (Mattole road) is paved but very rough in some places. Took me three hours to go 30 miles due to my rig being old and having to be very cautious in it," noted one camper. Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though winter conditions can make access challenging. Cell service is extremely limited throughout the region, requiring campers to plan ahead for supplies, as the nearest substantial stores are in Eureka or Fortuna, about 1-2 hours away depending on road conditions.

The Lost Coast camping experience offers remarkable coastal scenery and solitude. Mattole Campground sits near the beach where campers can fall asleep to ocean sounds, though sites provide minimal privacy and are exposed to coastal winds. Several visitors highlight the remote, undeveloped nature of the area as its primary appeal. River access at A.W. Way County Park provides family-friendly camping with flat sites frequented by local wildlife. Many campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis and fill quickly during summer months. Visitors consistently mention the need to be self-sufficient with water and supplies, as most camping areas have limited amenities, with Mattole Campground notably lacking potable water. The region's mix of tent and RV sites serves as a gateway to exploring the rugged Lost Coast Trail and surrounding wilderness areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Petrolia, California (79)

    1. Mattole Campground

    19 Reviews
    Petrolia, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 986-5400

    $15 / night

    "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!"

    "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."

    2. Albee Creek Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

    15 Reviews
    Redcrest, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 946-2409

    $35 / night

    "This park is gorgeous and the drive into the site rivals the avenue of the giants. The location is very remote. "

    "We are avid campers that prefer tucked away campgrounds which are often hard to find when you have a trailer but this one has everything on our list!"

    3. Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

    29 Reviews
    Weott, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 946-2409

    "Camp site 12 backs up to a fence (houses or cabins occupied behind the fence) and had decent space from other sites. Large picnic table, bear locker and tall fire pit on site."

    "Every site is nestled among a grove of old growth California Redwoods - books up a long time in advance / I was lucky to get a walk up site. Great amenities and right on Avenue of the Giants"

    4. Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

    23 Reviews
    Weott, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 946-2409

    $35 / night

    "The shade from the redwoods makes this a cool haven from the hot California summers. Campsites are mostly shaded. Campsites are large with good fire pits and picnic tables."

    "It's right next to the ranger station/visitor center and just a few minutes away from Miranda, where you can pick up some last minute supplies."

    5. Hidden Springs Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

    28 Reviews
    Myers Flat, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 946-2409

    $35 / night

    "There is a redwood grove hiking trail behind the campsites that takes you from one end of the campground to the other."

    "There is a paved space to park above the campsite, and a narrow little path leading down into the site - maybe 10-15 yards, it’s not far at all."

    6. Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination

    22 Reviews
    Myers Flat, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 943-9999

    $65 - $85 / night

    "We were driving south away from rain did not have any park camp booked and I just looked it up next to redwoods park and we popped in and they had a spot on Saturday."

    "This campground had an accessible river right next to it. Great big redwoods surrounded you on every side. The staff was helpful whether you met them in the store or on the grounds. "

    7. A.W. Way County Park

    2 Reviews
    Petrolia, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 445-7651

    8. Camp Mattole

    1 Review
    Petrolia, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 629-3308

    "I love the remoteness of this place, it is California's lost coast. Not for the faint of heart as you have to haul your own water in. The other people camping were really fabulous. Super laid back."

    9. Humboldt County Fairgrounds

    9 Reviews
    Ferndale, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 786-9511

    $20 - $45 / night

    "Because of recent rains and some soggy areas I had to overnight campers close to me. 30 amp and 50 amp power and water at each side."

    "Close to Ferndale, which is Must See. Access from Fernbridge of of 101 as the other roads are very twisty for all but the smallest RVs. Camp host was great! Short drive into Eureka."

    10. Stafford RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Carlotta, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 764-3416

    "The park is nicely situated among the trees with an easy access from the highway, right near the entrance to the Avenue of the Giants. Would stay here again."

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Recent Reviews near Petrolia, CA

419 Reviews of 79 Petrolia Campgrounds


  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Riverwalk RV Park

    Riverwalk RV Park

    Nice RV park. Close to highway so you get a little bit of traffic noise. The heated pool and hot tub were really nice to relax in.

  • D
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Benbow State Recreation Area Campground

    Closed for the season

    Tried to stay here,only to find out it was closed either for the season or due to toxic bloom. Also, beware the road is somewhat washed out for quite a distance at the top of the hill ,and we have a small 21’ trailer and we barely made it across it was so narrow and it was quite steep. Again only to find out the park was closed!

  • K
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Clam Beach County Park

    Great place

    Great place easy access to everything has on site bathrooms as well as running water, $30 a night, has fire rings and a hike to the beach near by if u need a spot to camp for the night or a few nights max is 3 this is definitely a easy place to go too just be aware it’s right off the freeway and close to an airport so you will hear all the cars and planes taking off but over I do recommend this spot

  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Usal Beach Campsites — Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

    Nice spot on the Lost Coast

    Nice camping on the Lost Coast! I came out here to get away from the crowds but it seems the people have heard about this out of the way spot. It was still pretty quiet with a few folks playing there music kinda loud. The beach was amazing and don't miss out on the Candelabra Trees!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Humboldt County Fairgrounds

    Good for a night

    Warm showers and quite with most spaces still available even on a Friday night

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Usal Beach Campground

    Usal Beach

    Pretty remote but great if that’s what you’re looking for. 30 minute drive up rocky dirt road in forest to get down there. Not many rules. Don’t get stuck in sand. Pick up trash please lots of firework junk and stuff

  • Ross F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Richardson Grove State Park Campground

    Clean

    Pros: Clean campsites spaced apart reasonably with picnic tables and fire pits. Clean bathrooms. Beautiful redwoods.

    Cons: no dogs allowed on the walking trails. $35 for a tent site is a lot but I’m coming to realize that’s pretty much what it costs in California. Firewood is $10.

  • Nathan P.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Mattole Campground

    The Lost Coast Is Pure Paradise!

    This was my first time to the Lost Coast. The drive from Ferndale to Mattole Campground was like entering another dimension. I drove in on a mild, sunny day in late July and as I began to make my way into the King Range I was spellbound with the magnitude of the beauty. I hardly took note of how rough the road was because of how gorgeous the surroundings were; mountains, valleys, ocean views, and wild flowers all added up to pure magic. The Mattole Campground is remote, oceanside, and the perfect spot to getaway. Most of the sites don't have much privacy, but there are a few that do. The vault toilet restrooms were clean enough to tolerate. The sites include a fire ring and picnic table. It was a little busier than I expected, though it was peak season. I hope to return during a slightly quieter time.

  • Nathan P.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Richardson Grove State Park Campground

    Redwood Camping at its Finest!

    The Madrone Campground in Richardson Grove State Park does not disappoint. Nestled in the redwoods along Hwy 101, this campground had everything I could want with lots of beautiful surroundings to explore. It's the perfect getaway and easy to access. Park staff are friendly, and helpful.


Guide to Petrolia

The Petrolia area sits at the southern end of the Lost Coast region, where the King Range meets the Pacific Ocean. This remote section of Northern California experiences a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and wet winters, receiving over 100 inches of annual rainfall in parts of the King Range. Camping near Petrolia offers access to both the Mattole River watershed and coastal beach camping opportunities, with most sites operating on a first-come basis.

What to do

River swimming: A.W. Way County Park provides access to the Mattole River for swimming during summer months. "This is a very family friendly lazy river camping area. Camp sites are flat. Deer and skunks frequent the area," notes a camper at A.W. Way County Park.

Redwood hikes: Visitors can explore ancient forests near several campgrounds within an hour's drive. "There is a redwood grove hiking trail behind the campsites that takes you from one end of the campground to the other. You can also walk across Avenue of the Giants from the entrance to a trail that leads you down to the South Fork Eel River," explains a camper at Hidden Springs Campground.

Lost Coast Trail: The northern terminus of this wilderness backpacking route begins near Mattole Campground. "This area is just unbelievably gorgeous. Some rough roads but well worth it," states one camper about the surrounding terrain.

What campers like

Coastal solitude: The remote beach location attracts those seeking quiet camping. "I stopped in at this site as I thought it was dispersed. It's ran by the BLM so it was $15. Sites are level, there is trash bins and paths to the ocean. I was here in June and it was still pretty chilly and windy," reports a visitor to Mattole Campground.

Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the region offer animal sighting opportunities. "We saw wild turkeys, a baby fox, deer, and our neighbors saw bears! A really cool spot to camp! Large campsites," shares a camper from Albee Creek Campground.

Peaceful atmosphere: The distance from major population centers creates a tranquil environment. "Our site felt secluded, but was only about 30 yards from one of the bathrooms. The best part was that we were right on the Avenue of the Giants, and there was plenty to do," notes a camper about Hidden Springs Campground.

What you should know

Weather conditions: Coastal winds can be intense, particularly at beach campgrounds. "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!" advises a Mattole Campground visitor.

Road accessibility: The roads to Petrolia and surrounding areas require careful navigation. "The journey to Mattole Campground was like entering another dimension. I drove in on a mild, sunny day in late July and as I began to make my way into the King Range I was spellbound with the magnitude of the beauty," reports one camper.

Limited supplies: There are few options for purchasing essentials near camping areas. "It's a good 25 minute drive each way to Myers Flat for provisions so stop on the way," recommends a visitor to Burlington Campground.

Tips for camping with families

River-focused sites: For families with children, riverside camping provides natural entertainment. "Great campground for families. Has an old apple orchard that bears frequently forage. A beautiful and quiet park," mentions a visitor to Albee Creek Campground.

Bear safety: Store food properly as bears are active in several campground areas. "The large meadow in front of the camp sites has tall grass that helps hide the deer and bears that like to come out and eat from the fruit trees that produce during the summer time," explains a camper about seasonal wildlife patterns.

Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature programs and visitor centers. "The highlight of the Burlington campground is that it's right by the Visitors Center so you have easy access to the wifi, free coffee in the morning, and lots of educational opportunities," notes one visitor.

Tips from RVers

Overnight options: RVers passing through the area have several choices for single-night stays. "Stayed in parking lot for an over night stay heading up the coast. Safe, easy, cheep. 14.00 for parking lot around $30 for hook ups in grass area," reports a visitor to Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Ferndale.

Size limitations: Many campgrounds near Petrolia have restrictions on larger RVs. "This campground can only accommodate smaller trailers in only a few spots. We are avid campers that prefer tucked away campgrounds which are often hard to find when you have a trailer but this one has everything on our list!" explains a camper with a 25-foot trailer at Albee Creek Campground.

Water quality considerations: Some RV parks in the region have mineral-heavy water. "The water jug we had filled with their water was full of rusty red residue at the bottom, ick. And that's with using a filter," cautions an RVer about local water conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Petrolia, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Petrolia, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 79 campgrounds and RV parks near Petrolia, CA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Petrolia, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Petrolia, CA is Mattole Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Petrolia, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Petrolia, CA.