Petrolia, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Petrolia, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"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."
$58 - $70 / night
"Great, spacious and clean space with amazing bathrooms and showers. Couldn’t have asked for a better spot. Hope to be back soon."
"The sites are widely dispersed and circle around a beautiful meadow. Bathrooms and shower are easily found and clean. The hosts were kind and helpful."
$20 / night
"If you're looking for a hidden, out-of-the way campground oasis that will provide privacy, solitude and an intimate experience within the best of what nature has to offer, than look no further than Baxter"
"We did a west coast camping road trip around September. Once we hit red wood national park, all site were booked. But we ended up at the state campground and it was great!"
$35 - $200 / night
$300 / night
"A pay by the day and rangers will enforce. Dress in layers. Nestled in with large pieces of driftwood trees acting as berms between your campsite and the beach sand."
"When we were there a few years ago, there was no water available because illegal pot growers had "poached" the park's water for their crops, forcing the BLM to shut down the water system."
"Campsite had access to a few different foot paths which we didn’t explore too far down but certainly seemed nice. Pit toilets were fine by pit toilet standards."
"The road itself is rough and could be very unsettling for anyone trying to do this trip in a vehicle without good off-road clearance. The ruts can be big and cause bottoming out of street cars."
"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. Camped on the beach with the woods to our backs."
TravelerGreat place to just get away and do some mountain biking. Minimal services available bring what you need and leave no trace. very quiet, 9 sites and no crowds. Be aware this is bear country and no bear boxes available. Also note that the mosquitoes are relentless. The vaulted toilets are clean and well kept. The Paradise Royal Loop is worth the drive I rate it as a moderate trail the climbing can be a challenge when the trail is covered in leaves….slippery! I do not recommend trailers or large RV’s.
GuideWe came here in early October 2020 for a Friday - Monday trip. The campsite is large and spots are spaced out. Due to COVID a lot of sites were closed, which made everything feel very spaced out.
The area is beautiful. The campsite it self has tons of beautiful redwoods and ferns on the property. It was beautiful to just sit and admire the scenery.
Bathrooms and showers were clean and the campsites were across the street from some short but beautiful hikes.
The visitor center was closed but right next door. The area to check in did sell wood and we noticed a lot of staff throughout our trip.
The campsite was super quite and very peaceful.
We brought our dog which was great. Lots of trees and lots of shade. I think almost every site was shaded. Bring your hammocks because there was plenty of locations on each site to set them up. I would be aware that many of the upper sites are on a slope.
Each site came equipped with a fire ring/grill, picnic table and bear box.
We had the best time and went a little ways up north to go fishing outside of Fortuna. We actually caught a fish this time :) Fishing near the campsite was not recommended due to the low water level. However, their were plenty of options just a short drive away.
We stayed at site #35 which was large but had a slope. However, we were able to find two kind of flat spots to put tents and it was totally fine.
Legend
GuideWe’ve been camping up and down highway 101 for about two weeks now, and this was by far our favorite place! We practically had the place to ourselves! The trees are absolutely massive and gorgeous. The river is clean, and relaxing. Swimming here is so fun! Cold, but refreshing! Plenty of space for our two tents, grated on the fire pits and fire wood available. Very easy drive to get to it and super easy to find. Come check this place out! Remember to follow Leave No Trace Principles though!
TravelerThe campgrounds are pretty open, with little privacy, but that’s not what you’re there for.
The drive is intense, but manageable in good weather in a fwd Mazda 3. Mattole Rd from Weott is far better in terms of the road condition, but Mattole Rd to Ferndale is absolutely breathtaking. I wouldn’t attempt either with a large rig or trailer.
The lost coast is absolutely breathtaking. You’ll get 4 seasons of weather in a day, so plan accordingly. A short walk outside of the campground reveals incredible scenes.
The campgrounds are first come first serve. We snagged the last spot around 3PM on a Tuesday afternoon.
THERE IS NO WATER. Pack in what you need.
TravelerYou're literally in the Redwoods. They provide a picnic table, fire pit and food storage boxes. The restrooms were okay, I didn't bother with the showers which were coin operated. My only real complaint is that for a state park, the fee was pretty high.
GuideThere are 9 sandy campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. There are two permanent vault toilets and a one clean portable are available. There is running water. Large pull through parking spots are convenient for campers/RVs.
Campsites are divided by logs and offer no privacy from each other. There is beach access from the campground. The beach is large with sand dunes, marsh, beach grass, and drift wood. Wooded hills and shrubs surround the campground.
3 stars due to proximity to freeway, you can see and hear vehicles; as well as lack of privacy. Also near a local airport, the campground directly under takeoff path.
Located near many great attractions and not far outside of town. 25 dollars a night makes this a cheap alternative to the Private and State Parks in the area that are often booked up.
Please leave the campsites cleaner than you found them.
Happy camping!
GuideThis campsite was great. Bear boxes and fire rings with access to a great swimming hole. We were also located across the 101 from the Peg House which is worth the stop.
GuideWe just needed a place to set up camp for a night and while this place is right off the Highway, it is simple, quiet, and right on the beach. We watched the gorgeous sunset, and made sand castles. When we first pulled up we weren’t impressed, but by the time we left, we realized it was very nice. All sights have fire rings, picnic tables, and enough space for our two tents. I would stay here again.
Petrolia, California, offers a fantastic backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Petrolia, CA is A.W. Way County Park with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Petrolia, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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