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.
$15 / night
"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."
"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."
"Every site is nestled among a grove of old growth California Redwoods - books up a long time in advance / I was lucky to get a walk up site. Great amenities and right on Avenue of the Giants"
$35 / night
"This park is gorgeous and the drive into the site rivals the avenue of the giants. The location is very remote. "
"We are avid campers that prefer tucked away campgrounds which are often hard to find when you have a trailer but this one has everything on our list!"
$35 / night
"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."
"It's right next to the ranger station/visitor center and just a few minutes away from Miranda, where you can pick up some last minute supplies."
$35 / night
"There is a redwood grove hiking trail behind the campsites that takes you from one end of the campground to the other."
"There is a paved space to park above the campsite, and a narrow little path leading down into the site - maybe 10-15 yards, it’s not far at all."
$65 - $85 / night
"We were driving south away from rain did not have any park camp booked and I just looked it up next to redwoods park and we popped in and they had a spot on Saturday."
"This campground had an accessible river right next to it. Great big redwoods surrounded you on every side. The staff was helpful whether you met them in the store or on the grounds. "
"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."
$20 - $45 / night
"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."
"The park is nicely situated among the trees with an easy access from the highway, right near the entrance to the Avenue of the Giants. Would stay here again."
ScoutI’m here the first of April, still off season. I think I’m only camper here right now. The office and store are open but bathrooms/showers are closed. Off season rate here is $20 night, middle of April it goes up to $34 waterfront and $28 for other sites. Nothing is free anymore. But it’s very restful with no one here yet. That might change over the weekend. I think there’s around 50 sites here total.
LegendWow. The redwoods are magical and this park is surrounded by the magic!
It's dark and damp and quiet. The sites are tucked in among the trees. Dry camping--good for tents, small RVs and vans. Didn't see any big RV here. Not sure they would fit.
A drive through the avenue of the Giants brings you to this place with hiking trails through the magnificent trees. I loved it!
TravelerMy family goes to needle rock just about every year! All of my photos are from April of 2022 because I didn't have this app till now. It's a beautiful location and a really nice escape from "the grid". Definitely pack light enough to carry your stuff in because the best spots are away from the parking lot.
GuideI’ve done a lot of camping over the years, and this place is the best yet! Gorgeous campground in the redwoods right along the river, perfect for swimming or fly fishing. Many of the campsites are extremely spacious and offer more privacy than you’d expect. Great amenities and friendly staff. Open year round, first come first serve. Though Memorial through Labor Day can pose some challenges for finding an available site. During the off season there’s far less traffic and lots of great sites available. I plan to return many times in the months and years ahead!
TravelerNice campground- well maintained and has vault toilets and picnic tables- perfect for winter and early spring for a midweek stay - obviously it gets busy on weekends and I’m sure the summer time is very busy - no thanks! 😊- good trail heads abound the area -
TravelerKings Peak road a little funky out here and the entrance down to HC too - nothing here but a few old fire rings and some clear spots to camp - make sure to pack out any trash - quiet, empty and clean of the usual human garbage-
TravelerI was here 2/12/26 both Nadelos and Wailaki campgrounds are closed until 3/15/26 as the signs say - hiking trails are still open - very low lying campsites next to rivers and plenty more rain coming - probably flood issues / just a heads up -
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.
LegendWe drove the hard road from Honeydew to get to this beautiful site. Well maintained and only one other camper in the area. Well enjoyed a peaceful evening with a warm fire and lots of stars. One of my favorites, worth the drive for us. I would only recommend taking that road if you have a high-clearance vehicle and it hasn’t been storming. You can also get there from Garberville. If you mountain bike, it is a great place as there are tons of what appeared to be well managed trails.
The Petrolia area sits at the southern end of the Lost Coast region, where the King Range meets the Pacific Ocean. This remote section of Northern California experiences a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and wet winters, receiving over 100 inches of annual rainfall in parts of the King Range. Camping near Petrolia offers access to both the Mattole River watershed and coastal beach camping opportunities, with most sites operating on a first-come basis.
River swimming: A.W. Way County Park provides access to the Mattole River for swimming during summer months. "This is a very family friendly lazy river camping area. Camp sites are flat. Deer and skunks frequent the area," notes a camper at A.W. Way County Park.
Redwood hikes: Visitors can explore ancient forests near several campgrounds within an hour's drive. "There is a redwood grove hiking trail behind the campsites that takes you from one end of the campground to the other. You can also walk across Avenue of the Giants from the entrance to a trail that leads you down to the South Fork Eel River," explains a camper at Hidden Springs Campground.
Lost Coast Trail: The northern terminus of this wilderness backpacking route begins near Mattole Campground. "This area is just unbelievably gorgeous. Some rough roads but well worth it," states one camper about the surrounding terrain.
Coastal solitude: The remote beach location attracts those seeking quiet camping. "I stopped in at this site as I thought it was dispersed. It's ran by the BLM so it was $15. Sites are level, there is trash bins and paths to the ocean. I was here in June and it was still pretty chilly and windy," reports a visitor to Mattole Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the region offer animal sighting opportunities. "We saw wild turkeys, a baby fox, deer, and our neighbors saw bears! A really cool spot to camp! Large campsites," shares a camper from Albee Creek Campground.
Peaceful atmosphere: The distance from major population centers creates a tranquil environment. "Our site felt secluded, but was only about 30 yards from one of the bathrooms. The best part was that we were right on the Avenue of the Giants, and there was plenty to do," notes a camper about Hidden Springs Campground.
Weather conditions: Coastal winds can be intense, particularly at beach campgrounds. "Be prepared for weather changes and cooler weather, it can change rapidly. Be prepared to be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves crashing against the shore!" advises a Mattole Campground visitor.
Road accessibility: The roads to Petrolia and surrounding areas require careful navigation. "The journey to Mattole Campground was like entering another dimension. I drove in on a mild, sunny day in late July and as I began to make my way into the King Range I was spellbound with the magnitude of the beauty," reports one camper.
Limited supplies: There are few options for purchasing essentials near camping areas. "It's a good 25 minute drive each way to Myers Flat for provisions so stop on the way," recommends a visitor to Burlington Campground.
River-focused sites: For families with children, riverside camping provides natural entertainment. "Great campground for families. Has an old apple orchard that bears frequently forage. A beautiful and quiet park," mentions a visitor to Albee Creek Campground.
Bear safety: Store food properly as bears are active in several campground areas. "The large meadow in front of the camp sites has tall grass that helps hide the deer and bears that like to come out and eat from the fruit trees that produce during the summer time," explains a camper about seasonal wildlife patterns.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature programs and visitor centers. "The highlight of the Burlington campground is that it's right by the Visitors Center so you have easy access to the wifi, free coffee in the morning, and lots of educational opportunities," notes one visitor.
Overnight options: RVers passing through the area have several choices for single-night stays. "Stayed in parking lot for an over night stay heading up the coast. Safe, easy, cheep. 14.00 for parking lot around $30 for hook ups in grass area," reports a visitor to Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Ferndale.
Size limitations: Many campgrounds near Petrolia have restrictions on larger RVs. "This campground can only accommodate smaller trailers in only a few spots. We are avid campers that prefer tucked away campgrounds which are often hard to find when you have a trailer but this one has everything on our list!" explains a camper with a 25-foot trailer at Albee Creek Campground.
Water quality considerations: Some RV parks in the region have mineral-heavy water. "The water jug we had filled with their water was full of rusty red residue at the bottom, ick. And that's with using a filter," cautions an RVer about local water conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Petrolia, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Petrolia, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 80 campgrounds and RV parks near Petrolia, CA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Petrolia, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Petrolia, CA is Mattole Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Petrolia, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Petrolia, CA.
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