Mattole Campground
Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No potable water available on-site. Limited to 14 days per calendar year within King Range National Conservation Area.
Hydrologic Outlook issued December 29 at 9:26PM PST by NWS Eureka CA
ESFEKA A series of atmospheric rivers will bring an increased risk for urban and small stream flooding late this week and into this weekend. The first round of rain will arrive Wednesday night into Thursday and provide generally light to moderate rainfall amounts. Locally heavy rain is expected in the King Range. This initial period of rain will set the stage for a more intense rainstorm expected to arrive Friday into Friday night. Current indications are for the heaviest rainfall to occur during the day on Friday into Friday night. The greatest risk for small stream flooding will occur during this time period and probably continue into Saturday after heavy rain has ended due to the lag in rainfall run-off. Road closures will be possible. At this point, the area of greatest concern is in southern Humboldt and northwest Mendocino counties. Small rivers, streams and creeks such as Elk river, Jacoby creek and Mattole river could exceed their banks and flood area roads. Southern Mendocino and Lake counties may also experience heavy rain and road flooding will be possible. Mainstem rivers will also likely rise sharply and will need to be monitored for possible flood stage exceedance. Be on the lookout for watches, advisories and warning as this next heavy rain event unfolds. Stay alert and remember to never attempt to drive through water covered roads. Water may be moving much faster than you think.
About
Mattole Campground provides one of the only low-cost coastal camping opportunities on California's North Coast, offering solitude and spectacular scenery at the mouth of the Mattole River. Located at the northern end of the King Range National Conservation Area, this rustic campground features 23 tent/trailer sites scattered among sand dunes with ocean views. The campground serves as both a destination for those seeking remote coastal camping and as the northern trailhead for the famous Lost Coast Trail. The setting is spectacular, with the Mattole River estuary meeting the Pacific Ocean and creating habitat for diverse fish and wildlife. A short 600-foot trail provides beach access through the dunes, while a 3.2-mile one-way hike leads to the historic Punta Gorda Lighthouse. The campground includes two equestrian sites for visitors exploring the backcountry on horseback. Swimming is not recommended due to rip currents, sneaker waves, and forceful surf. Facilities are minimal to preserve the remote, natural character of the area. The campground operates first-come, first-served with no reservations required. Visitors should be prepared for primitive conditions and bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water, as no potable water is available on-site.
Directions
From US-101: Take Garberville/South Fork/Honeydew exit (about 2 hours 20 minutes from Eureka) or Ferndale exit. Follow signs toward Petrolia. Turn onto Lighthouse Road toward the ocean. Campground located at 3750 Lighthouse Road, Petrolia.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| BLM_CA_Web_KR@blm.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (707) 986-5400 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!