Mattole Campground
4.1527 reviewsBureau of Land Management, Arcata Field Office, Arcata, CA, 95521, USA
Mattole Campground
$8.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Use Fees are $8 or $15 per night depending on sources. Payments must be in cash or check and cannot be reserved ahead of time. No refunds are available due to walk-in nature.
About this campground
Where the wild Mattole River meets the thundering Pacific, Mattole Campground stands as your gateway to one of California's last untamed frontiers. This remote coastal haven features 14 rustic tent and trailer sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While amenities remain deliberately simple—vault toilets and no water or hookups preserve the wilderness experience—the real luxury lies in your front-row seat to nature's grand theater. Rolling sand dunes create a natural buffer between your campsite and the dramatic Lost Coast, where the northern trailhead beckons adventurers to explore miles of pristine shoreline. As visitor Susan Brinkerhoff notes, this 'wonderful but primitive campground' offers an authentic escape from the modern world.
Mattole Campground is a primitive, first-come, first-served campground ideal for tent and trailer camping. It also features two equestrian sites.
Historical SignificanceMattole Campground serves as more than just a place to rest—it's your basecamp for exploring centuries of coastal heritage. A scenic 3.2-mile hike leads to the historic Punta Gorda Lighthouse, a lonely sentinel that has guided mariners through these treacherous waters since the late 1800s. As part of the King Range National Conservation Area, this protected landscape preserves both natural wonders and the stories of those who've called this rugged coast home, from indigenous peoples to hardy pioneers who carved out lives in this remote paradise.
Weather and SeasonsThe Lost Coast lives up to its wild reputation with weather that shifts like the tides. Winter months bring dramatic storms and heavy rainfall, transforming the landscape into a moody masterpiece of crashing waves and windswept dunes. Cold, blustery conditions dominate much of the year, making proper gear essential for comfort. Summer emerges as the golden season, delivering warmer temperatures and drier skies—though the exposed coastal setting means you'll trade shade for spectacular, unobstructed ocean views. Come prepared for nature's full spectrum, from gentle morning mists to fierce afternoon winds that remind you why this stretch of coastline remains so beautifully untouched.
ElevationNestled at sea level where river meets ocean, the campground offers an intimate connection with the coastal environment.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the symphony of roaring waves crashing against ancient rocks, the salty breeze carrying tales from the deep Pacific. Mattole Campground sits cradled between windswept sand dunes and expansive grassy meadows, where the Mattole River completes its journey to the sea. This dynamic estuary creates a rich tapestry of habitats, drawing magnificent wildlife—from basking sea lions to massive elephant seals that lumber across nearby beaches. The landscape shifts with each tide and season, offering endless opportunities for beachcombing, wildlife watching, and simply losing yourself in what many describe as 'epic Lost Coast solitude.' Here, nature performs its daily drama on a stage of endless horizon and untamed beauty.
Geological RegionPerched at the edge of the continent, Mattole Campground occupies a remarkable geological crossroads where tectonic forces have sculpted one of North America's most dramatic coastlines. This northern gateway to the legendary Lost Coast sits amid ancient sand dunes that tell stories of centuries of wind and wave. The campground's unique position near the Mattole River estuary creates a constantly evolving landscape where freshwater mingles with salt, carving new channels with each season. These grassy dunes and the rugged coastline beyond represent millions of years of geological drama—uplifted seafloor, grinding tectonic plates, and relentless Pacific storms that continue to shape this remote corner of California into a place of raw, untamed beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is wheelchair accessible, featuring two ADA-compliant campsites.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, but some are spacious enough to accommodate groups of up to 8 adults.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly between sites. Some are described as more secluded, while others lack privacy. None offer total seclusion.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites offering privacy and space, and avoid overgrown sites. Ensure proper gear for windy and rainy conditions.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers not mentioned; reviews highlight larger sites fitting up to 8 adults.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No formal check-in specified due to walk-in nature.
Check-out
No formal check-out specified.
Stay Limit
14 days per calendar year within the King Range National Conservation Area.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Varies by site size
- up to 8 adults based on a user review.
Groups
Details about group sites are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground is small, with sites near dunes and beach access. Sites are not evenly private, offering mixed spaciousness.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; however, potable water is unavailable after October 31, 2016, and no running water is currently provided.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable, as sites are walk-in only.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are walk-in only. 'Not all sites are created equal and sites fill up fast on weekends and holidays,' according to Michael Siraj-Eldin.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are allowed; therefore, cancellation policies are not applicable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Mattole Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and beach activities. It is especially popular as the northern trailhead of the Lost Coast Trail, a challenging 25-mile hike along the rugged coastline.
Hiking
The Lost Coast Trail starts at Mattole Campground, offering a 25-mile coastal hiking experience. Shorter hikes include the 3.2-mile round trip to Punta Gorda Lighthouse and a 7-mile loop to Windy Ridge. The terrain is rugged and requires careful preparation.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are seasonal, with availability from March to October. Types of fish are not specified.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife includes sea lions, deer, frogs, and a variety of marine life. Visitors have reported seeing 30 or more sea lions at the Mattole River mouth.Beach activities
Beach activities include walking, sunbathing, and exploring the sand dunes. However, the ocean is not safe for swimming.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings only. Firewood must be brought in; gathering wood is possible but unreliable.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent hazards include rough weather, aggressive elephant seals, sneaker waves, rip currents, and poorly maintained roads. 'Be prepared for a long slog,' warns Susan Brinkerhoff.
Active alertsNo current alerts provided.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not explicitly mentioned - null.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is typically in the summer months, but the campground is frequently visited year-round according to sentiment data.
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash cans are available, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresSituated near Mattole River and ocean. River access allows for fishing (limited from March to October) and kayaking. Beach access available via dunes.
Common complaintsNo potable water, overgrown sites, challenging road access, and persistent wind are recurring issues from user reviews.
HostNo host available at this campground.
Campground Map
Bureau of Land Management, Arcata Field Office, Arcata, CA, 95521, USA
Driving directionsFrom U.S. 101 at Garberville, South Fork/Honeydew, or Ferndale exits, follow signs toward Petrolia, then turn on Lighthouse Road toward the ocean. Alternatively, address: 3750 Lighthouse Road, Petrolia, CA 95558. Approximate travel times: From Eureka via South Fork/Honeydew exit - 2 hrs 20 min; From Redway via Wilder Ridge Road - 1 hr 45 min.
Roads to the campground are described as remote, winding, steep, and minimally maintained, including potholes and rough patches. Reviewers suggest going slow and preparing for challenging terrain. Jeremiah Becker notes, 'The drive out is pretty rough, but I guess that's what you get when you're looking for a more secluded camping experience.'Nearby places
Eureka (approximately 2 hours, 20 minutes drive)
Redway (approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Stores near Petrolia provide limited supplies and are approximately 5 miles away. Users strongly recommend bringing essential items like water and firewood, as they are unavailable locally.
Camper Reviews
4.2
27 reviews
Mattole Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mattole Campground is praised for its remote and scenic location, offering solitude and proximity to the beach. However, the lack of amenities such as potable water and the challenging drive on rough roads are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include its proximity to the ocean, scenic views, and access to the Lost Coast Trail. Many reviewers appreciated the solitude and natural beauty.
Based on 27 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent complaints include the absence of potable water, rough and windy weather, overgrown campsites, and the long, poorly maintained access road.
Based on 27 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing plenty of water, firewood, and warm clothing due to the windy conditions. Checking tide charts is essential for safe beach hikes. An SUV or high-clearance vehicle is...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer and early autumn are popular seasons due to favorable weather, although windy conditions are common year-round. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier.
Based on 27 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'This place is the boondocks. No amenities whatsoever, but the immense light from the Milky Way and the crashing waves make it worthwhile.' - Jay Hauss. 2. 'The Lost Coast beach is rough, rugged,...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
1. Reviewers often mentioned the variability in privacy and overgrowth of certain sites. 2. Early arrivals on weekdays generally find better site options.
Based on 27 reviewsAccessibility Features
The ADA-compliant campsites received positive mentions; however, the remote location and rough roads may pose challenges for some visitors with disabilities.
Based on 27 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but it is advised to keep dogs leashed due to wildlife and unpredictable ocean conditions.
Based on 27 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025