Petrolia, California sits between the Mattole River and the King Range National Conservation Area at an elevation of 121 feet. The location provides campers with access to both river recreation and coastal wilderness experiences within a 25-mile radius. Weather patterns shift dramatically between the inland areas and coastal zones with summer fog common along shorelines.
What to do
Beach access at Usal Beach: Drive approximately 45 minutes down a rough dirt road to reach this remote camping area where both forested and beachfront sites are available. "It was our first time dispersed camping. We fell in LOVE!! The 45 min dirt road was filled with amazing views early morning," notes one Usal Beach Campground visitor. Beware that 4WD or AWD vehicles are recommended for access.
River swimming: Many campgrounds near Petrolia offer river access for cooling off during summer months. "Park was mostly empty and very quiet. Plenty of full and partial RV hookups and tent spots. Very clean facilities and well maintained. Friendly staff. Walking distance to the river and has a small enclosed dog run," reports a visitor to Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination.
Tide pooling: Coastal campgrounds provide opportunities to observe marine life. "We stayed 10 nights all up the west coast and this was the best tide pooling we had. We went to sleep and woke up to sea lions and Harbor Seals barking," shares a camper at Shelter Cove Campground.
What campers like
Secluded beach camping: The remote nature of coastal sites appeals to those seeking solitude. "Very long road but absolutely wonderful site. It's literally your own private beach for the night," writes a Usal Beach visitor regarding their camping experience.
Small-town amenities: Despite rural locations, many sites offer unexpected conveniences. "Shelter cove is possibly the most beautiful place I've been! This campground has all the amenities you could need with a fully stocked deli area and very attentive staff," notes a camper at Shelter Cove Campground.
Long-term stays: Some RV parks near Petrolia accommodate extended visits. "Needed a spot for 30 days while we were in town. This spot fits the bill. The price wasn't bad and it seems to be clean," reports a traveler at Shoreline RV Park in Eureka.
What you should know
Road conditions: Routes to coastal campgrounds require caution and appropriate vehicles. "The road in is a long and windy road but the site is worth the drive. We got there at night but the windy road did not deter us," mentions a Usal Beach camper. This applies to many camping destinations in the area.
Water quality considerations: Some campgrounds have mineral-heavy water systems. One visitor to Stafford RV Park noted: "The water jug we had filled with their water was full of rusty red residue at the bottom. And that water is what we used to fill our onboard RV tank (and that's with using a filter)."
Reservation reliability: Some campers report challenges with booking systems. A visitor to Redwood Coast Cabins noted: "The most frustrating part was reservations. The website showed only tent sites with water and electricity. I called and left a message to get clarification. No one called me back."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When traveling with children, campgrounds with play areas provide needed activity options. "Children's play area was nice. Grassy areas needed mowing. Dog area had agility items for the dogs," reports a visitor to Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort.
Swimming opportunities: Many families prioritize water access when camping in summer. "Perfect first trip in our travel trailer. Our site backed up to the Eel river with Giants redwoods everywhere. Just hung out at the beach the whole time, but the Avenue of the giants is right there," shares a Giant Redwoods RV visitor.
Cabin options: For families not equipped for tent or RV camping, several parks offer cabin rentals. "The cabins are cute and charming (be prepared, no kitchen) and the grounds clean," notes a family staying at Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Shore power reliability: Electrical service can fluctuate at some RV parks near Petrolia. "The 15A outlet worked until the last day," reports a camper at Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort, highlighting the importance of being prepared for potential outages.
Site spacing: Many RV parks in the region feature closely positioned sites. "It's one of those run down, but in a comfortable kind of way, places. The RV park seems to be mostly long-termers or seasonal campers," observes a Stafford RV Park visitor about the campground layout.
Dump station locations: RV parks near Petrolia offer varying waste disposal options. "There's also a dump station (free for campers), a laundry room, and free showers," notes a visitor to Stafford RV Park, which is important information for planning longer stays.
