Van Damme State Park



Van Damme Beach


Located just 3 miles south of Mendocino, Van Damme State Park is absolutely beautiful. Highway 1 divides the park in half. Turn inland off the highway to enter the campground and trail area. Van Damme Beach is west of the highway.


This beach is extremely popular with abalone divers. Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach.






You can meet in the parking lot to enjoy a kayak tour from a private company called Kayak Mendocino. Professional guides lead you through the sea caves in the area; letting you get up close and personal with the marine life. Reservations are required. Click here for More Information on Kayaking.








Little River Creek

There are 10 miles of trails for hikers or bicyclists. Most come to hike or bike the lush Fern Canyon Trail. This 5-mile roundtrip trail is carpeted with ferns as well as redwoods, red alder, maple, Douglas Firs, and wild cucumber and berry bushes.




Fern Canyon Trail

It's an easy paved trail that is well marked. It crosses the Little River creek nine times. When this trail ends, you can continue on another mile or so to the Pygmy Forest or return back the way you came. Dogs are not allowed on any of the trails.



The Pygmy Forest is an oddity that occurs in several spots in the county. Some visitors are fascinated by the 60 year old trees that are just a few feet tall and less than an inch in diameter, while others have no interest at all in these scrawny plants. They're caused by acidic soil with little nutrients combined with poor root penetration.


Van Damme camping

The lower campsites are located right next to the Little River Creek. Even in the summer water will be flowing close to your tent or RV. Some campsites are more spacious than others, but the surroundings are lush and green throughout the year.

If you are looking for seclusion, try one of the ten campsites that you must walk or bike to reach. Reservation Information







Van Damme State Park



Van Damme State Park

Address: Highway 1, south of Mendocino
Telephone: (707)937-5804





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