The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Situated beside the Pacific Coast in northern California, Mattole Campground is a fairly remote camping area near the town of Petrolia, CA. The campground is wheelchair-accessible and offers nearby opportunities for activities like hiking, surfing, fishing, and swimming. Many who spend time at the campground also visit nearby areas like the King Range National Conservation Area and Humboldt Redwoods State Park, both of which are popular destinations for outdoor recreation.
Mattole Campground is one of over 800 sites in the United States administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM watches over a wide variety of natural areas, which contain landmarks, recreational opportunities, campgrounds, and various geographical features. If you're interested in checking out the BLM sites in your region, you can search online for "BLM camping near me" to find the nearest options.
This long loop trail is located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park to the east of Mattole Campground. Technically, the loop consists of two trails, and the entire route can only be hiked during summer and fall. During the rest of the year, the creek becomes too fast and deep to safely cross. You can still visit during winter and spring, but you'll only be able to access one section of the loop.
Length: 8.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This out-and-back trail is also found in Humboldt Redwoods State Park and is known for its many majestic redwood trees. There are excellent opportunities for camping and bird-watching along the route, and the trail is manageable for hikers of all skill levels. Unfortunately, dogs aren't permitted on this trail.
Length: 1.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
This scenic loop trail is located south of Mattole Campground in the King Range Wilderness. The trail is popular for both hiking and biking, and it features a fair amount of elevation gain. While navigating the route, you'll enjoy plenty of spectacular views of the surrounding forests. To enter the King Range Wilderness, you'll need to purchase a permit in advance.
Length: 4.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
There are several good fishing opportunities located near Mattole Campground. The closest option is the Mattole River, a relatively gentle stream that flows very close to the BLM site. No bait is allowed for fishing the river; anglers can only use artificial lures and flies with barbless hooks. During the winter, the Mattole River is considered one of the best streams in California for catching steelhead. The nearby Humboldt Redwoods State Park also offers great opportunities for both fishing and swimming.
The region surrounding Mattole Campground is known as the Redwood Coast, and it's home to quite a few climbing destinations. Most of the routes in the nearby area are used for sport climbing, and a few of the most popular spots are Moonstone Beach, Trinity Arêtes, and Promontory. The routes in the region vary in difficulty from 5.7 to 5.12b, providing opportunities for both beginner and advanced climbers.
If you explore the area surrounding Mattole Campground, there are many wildlife species you might catch a glimpse of. Some of the species found in the nearby forests and wilderness include black-tailed deer, bobcats, gray foxes, raccoons, mountain lions, coyotes, black bears, great blue herons, turkey vultures, barred owls, red-shouldered hawks, and a variety of raptors, songbirds, frogs, and lizards.
Picnicking is a popular activity for guests at Mattole Campground. All of the campsites feature picnic tables, and the site provides a tranquil atmosphere for enjoying a meal. If you prefer to have a picnic beside the water, consider bringing along a blanket. Then, you can find a nice spot near the Mattole River or even along the nearby coastline.
If you're a surfing enthusiast, you may have some good opportunities to ride a few waves near Mattole Campground. The Redwood Coast is generally considered to be a very good area for surfing, and there are several beautiful beaches located near the BLM site.
BLM RV camping is a possibility at Mattole Campground. The campground features 14 campsites, all of which can accommodate RVs. However, there are no hookups or modern amenities, and you won't find other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds nearby. All campsites at the site are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're hoping to stay somewhere with RV hookups, you'll need to drive a bit. One of the nearest options is the Ancient Redwoods RV Park, which is located about 20 miles northeast of the BLM site.
Because the campsites at Mattole Campground require a nominal fee, you'll need to venture outside the campground for Bureau of Land Management free camping. You may be able to find some nice spots for dispersed camping if you head south down the coast. However, if you travel far enough south to enter the King Range Wilderness, you'll need a permit to continue.
When you're planning a trip to the Mattole Campground BLM site, keep in mind that the campground no longer offers potable water as of 2016. Since the site is fairly remote, it's suggested that you bring plenty of extra drinking water for your trip. It's also advisable to bring quite a bit of food that's easy to prepare. In case you get stranded or encounter an emergency, it would be prudent to have enough supplies in your RV for an extended stay. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The BLM requests that all visitors to Mattole Campground respect the land and make an effort to practice the Leave No Trace protocol durning their stay. If you find anything interesting in nature while exploring the area, please refrain from moving it or taking it with you when you leave.
To reach the Mattole Campground BLM site from the US 101 Highway, take either the exit for Garberville, South Fork/Honeydew, or Ferndale. After that, you'll want to follow the signs for Petrolia. When you come into Petrolia, turn onto Lighthouse Road heading toward the coast. You'll reach the campground just before you arrive at the Pacific Ocean.
Ready to visit Mattole Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
