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.
