Mattole Campground

About this spot

The Mattole Campground sits at the mouth of the Mattole River within the King Range National Conservation Area (https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/king-range), offering one of the only low-cost coastal camping opportunities on California's north coast. The campground provides direct access to the Mattole River estuary and a short 600-foot trail through sand dunes leads to the beach. Wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent — elephant seals are commonly seen along the shore. The campground serves as the northern trailhead of the renowned Lost Coast Trail (https://www.blm.gov/visit/lost-coast-trail), one of California's most spectacular coastal hiking routes. A 3.2-mile one-way hike from the campground leads to the historic Punta Gorda Lighthouse. Note that ocean swimming is strongly discouraged — rip currents, sneaker waves, sudden drop-offs, and powerful surf make these waters extremely dangerous. Hours and Seasons Open year-round. All sites are first come, first served. Features and Services • Access and Parking: Paved access road to the campground at 3750 Lighthouse Road, Petrolia, CA 95558. Maximum trailer length is 24 feet. Two vehicles maximum per site. Day-use and trailhead parking available on site, with overflow parking also provided. • Cell Service: Limited to none in the area. • Toilets: Vault toilets on site. • Drinking Water: No potable water available. Bring all water needed for your stay. • Pets: Dogs allowed on leash only. Maintain a minimum of 100 feet from elephant seals at all times and keep dogs leashed near wildlife. • Camping: 23 tent/trailer campsites, including two wheelchair-accessible sites and two equestrian sites. Maximum of eight people and two vehicles per site. Each site include