📷 blmcalifornia, Public domainPunta Gorda Lighthouse
Petrolia, CA
An abandoned 1912 lighthouse on the Lost Coast, reached on a beach walk of about three miles from Mattole Beach. Check the tide table before you go.
The Punta Gorda Lighthouse stands on the Lost Coast in the King Range National Conservation Area. It began operating in 1912 and was abandoned in 1951. Of the former station, which had about a dozen buildings, only the tower and a small oil house remain, and the BLM has recently restored both. Sea lions, elephant seals and harbor seals rest on the offshore rocks and on the beach. Keep your distance.
The starting point is Mattole Beach near Petrolia. The beach walk is about 5 km (3 miles) each way, so plan on half a day. Some sections are underwater at high tide, so be sure to carry a tide table and do not set out at high water. Creek crossings and large waves are further hazards. There are no facilities along the way. The basic campground at Mattole Beach is often full at busy times.
- Nearest town
- Petrolia, CA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 40.2493, -124.3503
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in April–May and July–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
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Nearby
© Alexey Komarov · CC BY-SA 4.0Black Sands Beach
© m01229 from USA · CC BY-SA 2.0Avenue of the Giants
© Sarah and Jason · CC BY-SA 2.0Glass Beach
© Taken by Scott D. Sullivan This image has been released for use worldwide under the licensing specified below. If you… · CC BY 3.0Sue-meg State Park
Campsites nearby
- Mattole CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Punta Gorda Lighthouse · 23 pitchesTents
- Cuneo Creek Horse CampCampsite18 mi from Punta Gorda LighthouseDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Tolkan CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Punta Gorda Lighthouse · 9 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Albee Creek CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Punta Gorda Lighthouse · 40 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Hike-Bike CampCampsite24 mi from Punta Gorda Lighthouse · 3 pitchesTentsDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Burlington CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Punta Gorda Lighthouse · 54 pitchesTentsCaravansShowersToiletsDogs allowed
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Punta Gorda Lighthouse?
Punta Gorda Lighthouse is in Petrolia, CA, at GPS 40.2493, -124.3503. It is about 12 mi from Honeydew.
Can you camp near Punta Gorda Lighthouse?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Mattole Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Punta Gorda Lighthouse?
Punta Gorda Lighthouse is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Lost Coast and Shelter Cove.
What is there to see near Punta Gorda Lighthouse?
Places worth a stop nearby: Black Sands Beach (20 mi), Avenue of the Giants (24 mi), Glass Beach (62 mi) and Sue-meg State Park (62 mi).
When is the best time to visit Punta Gorda Lighthouse?
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in April–May and July–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)