Ashley J.
Scout
ScoutBenbow KOA & Golf Course
Decent Camp Spot
Shared group showers, small dog park, ok park for kids to play on. Water spickets at group sites. Friendly people.. decently well kept
Dog-Friendly Camping near Petrolia, CA
59 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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A.W. Way County Park permits dogs throughout its family-friendly camping area along the Mattole River. Pets stay on-leash at this year-round Petrolia destination where campsites accommodate both tents and RVs on flat, accessible terrain. The riverside location provides natural pet exercise opportunities with deer frequently visiting the grounds. Camp Mattole, another pet-friendly option in the immediate Petrolia area, allows dogs at its remote campground. Both locations provide trash collection and picnic tables at each site. The campground environment remains laid-back with a community atmosphere where campers often share meals. Dogs must be supervised at all times with proper waste disposal required.
The Mattole River flows through A.W. Way County Park, providing dogs water access during warmer months when river levels typically run lower. Wildlife encounters occur regularly, with deer and skunks frequently visiting campsites, requiring careful pet management. Wonderfully remote location means limited services, so campers should bring all pet supplies needed for their stay. Camp Mattole requires visitors haul in their own water, a consideration when camping with pets that need regular hydration. The Lost Coast region's weather patterns include chilly nighttime temperatures when coastal winds increase, necessitating proper shelter for pets at night. For RV campers with dogs seeking more amenities, Stafford RV Park near Scotia offers full hookups approximately 30 miles northeast of Petrolia.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Petrolia (59)
1. Mattole Campground
"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."
"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!"
from $15 / night
Check Availability2. Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park
"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."
"You'll hear a tiny bit of highway traffic, but not much. It's really serene, especially if you can grab a site that's farther off the road.
Access to nearby trails is obviously exceptional."3. Albee Creek Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park
"Like all state parks in California, dog are welcome in the campground but not on any trails. You can’t access any of the streams legally with a dog. Probably best enjoyed without the the fur babies."
"This park is gorgeous and the drive into the site rivals the avenue of the giants. The location is very remote. "
from $35 / night
Check Availability4. Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park
"Walking distance to the visitor center and other great hikes. Dog-friendly, clean restrooms/coin showers, and relatively private sites - some more than others. Beautiful surroundings!"
"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability5. Hidden Springs Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park
"Campsite was pleasant, though the neighbors were loudly coughing the whole time and we could hear dogs barking all night."
"There is a redwood grove hiking trail behind the campsites that takes you from one end of the campground to the other."
from $35 / night
Check Availability6. Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination
"Driving and biking along Avenue of the Giants was the highlight of this area! There is a little dog park, volleyball court, playground, swimming area."
"We had a hilarious encounter with a cat that was in the cabin when we arrived which we wrote about in the Cabin #2 Guest Journal before we left (see picture uploaded)."
from $65 - $85 / night
Check Availability7. A.W. Way County Park
"Deer and skunks frequent the area. dog-friendly. River is usually low on water in the summer months."
8. Camp Mattole
"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
"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
Check Availability10. Stafford RV Park
"We almost didn’t stay here, as on the Passport America site they state that they do not allow certain breeds of dogs, and we generally try to not support places that discriminate against certain breeds"
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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Petrolia, CA
42 Photos of 59 Petrolia Campgrounds
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Petrolia, CA
442 Reviews of 59 Petrolia Campgrounds
- Colleen E.
TravelerGiant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination
Quiet Redwoods Getaway
This is a beautiful campground in Meyer’s Flat, CA. The area of Myers Flat is a little “sketchy” but the campground is very well kept and they close the gates at night which is nice. There are nice little cabins on site as well as RV sites. We stayed for 3 nights and it was very enjoyable. Driving and biking along Avenue of the Giants was the highlight of this area! There is a little dog park, volleyball court, playground, swimming area. (we didn’t swim due to the algae warning for northern CA) It’s along Eel River. There’s also a great market and coffee shop nearby that we took advantage of! (pricey but the only place around) The staff is so kind and Vicki was a great help while we made our reservation over the phone. Overall, we would stay again!
Justin L.
GuideMattole Campground
Our favorite weekend getaway. Great sunsets.
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.
- BBenjamin C.Scout
Mattole Campground
Stunning and sunny
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.
Scott M.ScoutBenbow KOA & Golf Course
Okay
It’s a ok place to stay. There are a lot of cats on property which got our dog riled up. Good location to see area attractions. Hookups we’re good. Seems like a lot of extended guests in cabins. If we stay again we’ll get a pull through site rather than back in. It didn’t help that we had a family with 2 ATVs staying in a cabin right by us and they’re kids (guessing ages 10-14) would drive around the camp for hours at a time. First time I’ve seen that at a koa.
Queeriam A.GuideVan Duzen County Park - Pamplin Grove
Best place to camp!
Incredible views, quiet, easy river access, pet and kid friendly, showers, on site friendly hosts, and the best trails through old growth that you rarely get in a campground. It’s a magical place, and affordable. Worth sacrificing the cell signal, there’s a pay phone in the entry lot. I’ve been twice now, and can’t wait to go back.
- JJessica R.Guide
Samoa Boat Ramp County Park
Glorified parking lot with transients and rude neighbors
I stayed at this campsite twice two years ago. The first time was in the spring (April) with my daughters and the second time was in August that year. This is not a campsite per se, but rather a parking lot in which you chose a parking spot directly next to someone else and if you have a tent pitch it directly behind your car in the scraggly grass and sand sticker plants. There is zero privacy or distance between campers.
The fee is $20 per night. The bathrooms are disgusting. The best thing about them was a family of nesting birds above the door to the ladies restroom. We were able to watch the babies for a while which was fun, but there is also the chance that you’ll be pooped on while entering or leaving the bathroom.
The first time was just okay. We camped inside the back of my Toyota Highlander amongst mostly RVs, most of which left their loud generators and bright outside lights on long after quiet hours. I finally had to knock on our neighbors R.V. door to ask them to turn out the outside light which was shining directly into our car.
This wasn’t terrible and was completely outshone by a half day spent on the beach in the dune area. Locals surfed as families. The community seemed so tight knit and inviting. We left deciding that we’d definitely come back to spend a day on the beach later in the summer. Also, the local Samoa Cookhouse is nearby with family style breakfast, lunch and dinner served. It is a historic site and museum that used to serve the loggers in the area the food and service is awesome and has become a much looked forward to stop on our road trips to California.
When we came back we came with my husband, choosing to camp at the boat launch area again because of its proximity to the beach. The late summer campers were a very different crowd. Mostly they seemed transient. There was garbage everywhere. Beer bottles, wild pets - even an actual pig, run down RVs that were clearly full time housing for large, loud families filled the parking lot. There was loud partying far into the night.
I had my daughters car camp and locked them in while my husband and I slept in a tent behind the car. We kept being woken by a loud noise that I couldn’t identify. I thought it sounded like a bear, then maybe a plastic barrel being pulled across the concrete. Eventually - after very little sleep - we discovered it was our neighbor who had some sort of terrible sleep disorder. It was bizarre. After he woke in the morning he proceeded to urinate in from of my daughters onto the water spigot rather than in the restroom which was 50 feet away. My husband was horrified and asked what would ever possess me to bring him there. Lets just say that the beach was not reason enough.
I would not stay here again. I did not feel safe or that this was a sanitary. The price seems to attract people who are not camping so much as homeless. The bathrooms don’t get serviced often and even if they did I’m sure they’d be trashed in a matter of hours.
Katie S.GuideGrizzly Creek Redwoods State Park Campground
Camping amongst giants
Amazing campground nestled amongst the heart of the Redwood Trees. Lots of shade throughout area but limited privacy due to proximity of sites and road noise. Bathhouse has water and basic shower amentities. Nice hiking trails to explore the Redwoods within walking distance of campground. Great location to explore the forest and access the rugged California coastline.
Ross F.TravelerRichardson 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.
Guide to Petrolia
Petrolia camping areas offer diverse experiences within the Lost Coast region's temperate climate zone where coastal fog influences temperatures year-round. The area sits at approximately 121 feet of elevation and marks the location where the Mattole River meets the Pacific. Campsites throughout the region require advance planning due to their remote nature and limited supplies in the immediate vicinity.
What to do
River activities: Explore the South Fork Eel River's swimming areas. The river provides natural swimming locations during summer months when water levels are appropriate. A camper at Humboldt Redwoods State Park shared: "We went strolling around the redwoods and swimming in the Eel River (south fork)."
Redwood hikes: Access trails directly from campgrounds. Many camping areas feature walking paths through impressive old-growth forests. At Burlington Campground, "There are lots of old redwood stumps to explore and climb on for kids. The Gould nature hike is easy and informative with lots of interesting sites."
Wildlife observation: Watch for native fauna during early morning or evening. The region hosts diverse wildlife in meadow areas. A visitor to Albee Creek Campground noted: "We saw wild turkeys, a baby fox, deer, and our neighbors saw bears! A really cool spot to camp! Large campsites."
What campers like
Peaceful environment: Minimal light pollution for stargazing. The remote location offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities. One camper mentioned: "We left our tent fly off so that we could look straight up and see the redwoods towering over us, and the stars were also amazing."
Community atmosphere: Social interactions among campers. Many visitors appreciate the friendly environment. A visitor at Camp Mattole shared: "The other people camping were really fabulous. Super laid back. A lot of younger hikers and older hippy types all hanging out together and often sharing meals amongst other campers. A true community of people."
Access to small towns: Proximity to Ferndale's historic buildings. The Victorian architecture provides cultural interest within driving distance. A visitor at Humboldt County Fairgrounds noted: "Ferndale is a gorgeous old Victorian town and you are still close to eureka and don't underestimate the safety factor."
What you should know
Water considerations: Bring supplies for dry locations. Some campgrounds require self-sufficient water planning. At Camp Mattole: "Wonderfully remote. Not for the faint of heart as you have to haul your own water in."
Weather patterns: Prepare for temperature fluctuations. The coastal proximity creates variable conditions. "Excellent weather in August. Chilly at night if wind starts to blow."
Limited services: Plan shopping before arrival. The remote location means few purchasing options. A camper at Hidden Springs Campground advised: "The closest store for firewood and beer (aka camping essentials) was in Myers Flat. Stop on your way north if you can as it's a 25-minute drive each way."
Tips for camping with families
Exploration opportunities: Utilize stumps and natural features. Children enjoy climbing on the large redwood remnants. One family reported: "My daughter and her friend loved playing among the trees and stumps, and riding her scooter around the loop."
Educational resources: Visit ranger stations for activities. Park programs enhance the experience for children. A parent mentioned: "Rangers frequently walked/drove around the campground... daily planned activities, so many great hiking trails."
Safety awareness: Monitor for poison oak. Plant identification helps prevent rashes. "LOTS of poison oak but it's mostly contained in fenced areas between sites. We were able to avoid it fairly easily."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose campgrounds that accommodate your vehicle size. Not all locations work for larger rigs. At Stafford RV Park, a visitor advised: "We ended up not using the laundry- they are $2 each for washer and dryer (they take quarters, and there's no change machine), with a sign saying that your clothes may stain due to the iron in the water."
Road considerations: Prepare for narrow access roads. Many campgrounds have challenging approaches. "Not meant for big rigs and the 5 mile road back is very narrow and windy but the drive is beautiful."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Petrolia: Check breed restrictions. Some locations limit which dogs are permitted. "We almost didn't stay here, as on the Passport America site they state that they do not allow certain breeds of dogs."
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Petrolia, CA?
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Petrolia, CA is Mattole Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Petrolia, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 59 dog-friendly camping locations near Petrolia, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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