Cuneo Creek Horse Camp in Humboldt Redwoods State Park offers the only dedicated equestrian camping facilities near Petrolia, California. Located approximately 20 miles east of Petrolia, this seasonal campground features individual horse corrals, making it suitable for overnight stays with horses. The campground operates from early May through mid-October and includes amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, toilets, and showers. Horse owners appreciate the campground's proximity to riding trails within Humboldt Redwoods State Park, where ancient redwood groves provide shaded trail riding opportunities. The campground accommodates both tent camping and RVs, with electric hookups, fifty-amp service, and water connections available at sites.
Trail access from Cuneo Creek connects riders to the extensive network of paths winding through Humboldt Redwoods State Park's old-growth forest. The surrounding terrain offers varied riding experiences from riverside trails to more challenging routes through the mountains. When planning a visit, equestrians should note that reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends when the campground frequently reaches capacity. The remote location requires preparation, as the nearest supply points are in Weott or Garberville. For those seeking alternative options, Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Ferndale (about 40 miles north) occasionally permits horse camping during special events, though it lacks permanent equestrian facilities. The drive to Cuneo Creek involves navigating winding mountain roads that can be challenging for large horse trailers.
"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."
from $15 / night
"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."
"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."
from $20 - $45 / night
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 - $200 / night
"There is even access to them from the parking lot. Was here over a weekend, and it was pretty back with ATV and Side by side riders and rigs."
"For a boat ramp camping site near town, this place is special. Remote from town but water 360 degrees. You can hear the ocean while looking at the towns across the water."
"But make sure you only go during the week, because of the rowdiness, hell raising, dune driving doing donuts, drunken idiots that are there on the weekends."
"Some nice hikes close by."
"Located in the city limits mere minutes from just about anything you may need and very centrally located for many sea shore and forest park locations. "
from $38 - $100 / night
"Having the gas station right next to the campground is great since you ca. Go buy anything you need / run out of such as sodas and beer oh and ice also."
from $25 - $35 / night
"follow titlow hill road until you get to a fork in the road with 3 roads and a take a left. follow it up past the cell tower and drive until you reach 2 pullouts close together where the bottom one has"
GuideRough getting here but worth the struggle! Had it to ourselves during the week left Friday. Very windy at night but great sunny in the day. No cell service (Verizon) for me but starlink was fine. Headed out now because we heard it might rain but and that one way dirt road will be a nightmare!
GuideThis site was great for touring the Redwood Forest and Crescent City area. Camp hosts are friendly and easy to work with. There's a handful of tiny homes scattered about. Many are long term live-ins. Nice dog park. Friendly neighbors.
Scoutthe directions in the review were accurate and easy to follow. the road gets pretty steep, though 90% is paved and only turns to gravel at the end. no water source that we could find for filtering, so pack in as much as you need 💕🏔️
ScoutCampground mainly got rvs
GuideThe road in is hilly and twisty. You don’t need 4x4, but you’ll want it. It’s a very amazing area and is in the middle of nowhere. BUT, there is trash and toilet paper everywhere. Avoid the place on weekends, unless you like drunks, idiots and loud trucks. During the week, it’s quiet and you can see elk on the sand, or a bear.
ScoutMy boyfriend and brother and I spent the evening restoring an old campsite we found. we put lots of love into this place.
amazing view of the ocean and sunset was crazy beautiful!!
follow titlow hill road until you get to a fork in the road with 3 roads and a take a left. follow it up past the cell tower and drive until you reach 2 pullouts close together where the bottom one has a camp fire, park at the top pullout. look for the trail to the right and pretty much bushwash your way to the best campsite ever.
RangerPulled in on Wednesday night in mid May and there were plenty of sites left. Was windy at first but it eventually calmed down. Decent amount of activity around as it is a trailhead as well.
Really cool to see wildlife on the beach and an easy walk over the berm to the waters edge.
LegendGreat campground when out exploring the Lost Coast. Easy beach access. Road in was a bit rough but worth the drive. Toilets were quite smelly so come self contained but it is primitive camping.
TravelerIt is $45 per night. The area is full of cows. It has a nice rural feel. People waved as they passed me walking my dog.
Equestrian camping near Petrolia, California offers several options beyond Cuneo Creek Horse Camp. The coastal region sits where the King Range meets the Pacific Ocean at elevations between sea level and 4,000 feet. Winter temperatures average 40-55°F while summer brings 60-75°F days with frequent fog along the coast. Road access becomes challenging during the rainy season from November through April.
Beach exploration: 5 miles north of Petrolia at Mattole Campground, where campers can access the start of the Lost Coast Trail. "Nice beach camping spot. Trailer spots were easy to park in, very exposed area, plan it around some good weather for sure," notes Joseph H., highlighting the area's weather variability.
Horseback riding trails: Alternative routes exist around Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Ferndale, about 40 miles from Petrolia. While not offering permanent horse facilities like Cuneo Creek, the fairgrounds occasionally permits horses during events. "We were there at first with just a couple rvs there. By the end of the four days - it was filling up and was still quiet," reports Jerilyn M.
Wildlife viewing: Roosevelt elk herds frequently appear in the meadows near Usal Beach Campsites. "I've now been 3 times and each time its a little different and always Total Zen Peace to be had!" shares Mike C., though he cautions, "make sure you only go during the week, because of the rowdiness, hell raising, dune driving doing donuts, drunken idiots that are there on the weekends."
Remote coastal access: Mattole Campground provides direct beach camping 20 miles west of Petrolia. "This area is just unbelievably gorgeous. Some rough roads but well worth it," explains Jessica N. The campground marks the northern trailhead for the Lost Coast Trail, popular with hikers and equestrians seeking coastal views.
Forest solitude: Deep in the redwoods near Camp Mattole, travelers find quiet camping spots away from crowds. "Wonderfully remote. Excellent weather in August. Chilly at night if wind starts to blow. 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," advises Ann N.
Unique overnight options: Equestrians camping near Petrolia can find less crowded alternatives. "Super quiet on a Monday only 3 other RV's there. Walked around Ferndale and had great Mexican food. The coffee shop in town was super cool and cozy," reports Maureen F. about staying at Humboldt County Fairgrounds, which provides a more developed option than wilderness camping.
Road conditions: Prepare for challenging access to most campsites near Petrolia. "Getting there was so slow and tedious for me. 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," warns Noah C. about reaching Mattole Campground.
Limited facilities: Pack all supplies including water at most sites. Unlike Cuneo Creek's developed amenities, most camping options have minimal facilities. At Usal Beach, one camper notes, "There is a toilet and there are fire rings. There are some established spots off the beach or you can set up right on the beach. Plan on packing everything you need in and out!"
Weather preparedness: Coastal conditions change rapidly. "Be prepared for winds. Not recommended for a tent," cautions Nicki A. about Mattole Beach. Most campgrounds near Petrolia lack shelter from sudden coastal storms, unlike the more protected inland location of Cuneo Creek Horse Camp.
Safety considerations: Choose weekday visits when possible for wilderness camping with children. For Usal Beach Campsites, Joshua T. advises, "be prepared for people blasting terrible music all hours of the day and night. Plus the fireworks, loud trucks, and guns going off at all hours of the night. Feels like camping in the movie Mad Max..."
Calmer alternatives: The Ferndale area offers more controlled environments. "Safe and quiet," notes Jerilyn M. about Humboldt County Fairgrounds, adding "Ferndale is a gorgeous old Victorian town and you are still close to eureka and don't underestimate the safety factor."
Planning for temperature swings: Pack layers for children as coastal temperatures fluctuate significantly. "It got really cold at night and SUPER WINDY (December)," reports Jesse H. about Usal Beach, a consideration when selecting alternatives to Cuneo Creek Horse Camp for family equestrian camping.
Site selection: Consider larger spaces at Richardson Grove RV and Campground for horse trailers. "It's a large campground and great for large groups our group is usually about 60+ people :). Having the gas station right next to the campground is great since you can go buy anything you need / run out of such as sodas and beer oh and ice also," recommends Arturo C.
Access challenges: Measure clearance requirements before attempting routes to remote beach sites. A visitor to Mattole Beach notes, "The road from Ferndale (Mattole road) is paved but very rough in some places. Also be prepared for very steep grades, almost smoked out my brakes cause I wasn't in a low enough gear."
Self-sufficiency: Pack maintenance supplies as service locations are limited. "Plenty of room for all RV's large to small. 30 & 50 amp power and water. Clean restrooms, heated and free," reports a camper at Humboldt County Fairgrounds, one of the few locations with hookups for larger rigs near Petrolia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Petrolia, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Petrolia, CA is Mattole Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Petrolia, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Petrolia, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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