Location: County: Mendocino. Nearest City: Little
River.
Campsites, facilities: There are 74 sites for tents
or RVs up to 35 feet long, 10 primitive hike-in sites, and one
group campsite. Piped water, flush toilets, a sanitary disposal
station, showers, picnic tables, and fire grills are provided.
A grocery store, a Laundromat, and propane gas are available
nearby. Pets are permitted.
Reservations, fees: Reserve by phoning 1-800-444-PARK/7275
($7.50 reservation fee); $14-$16 per night, $1 pet fee.
Contact: Phone the park at 1-707-937-5804 or 1-707-865-2391.
Van Damme SP
P.O. Box 440
Mendocino CA 95460
Operating hours, seasons: Call the park for information;
open all year round.
Park Kiosk Hours:
Directions: From Mendocino on Highway 1, drive south
for three miles to the town of Little River and the park entrance
road on the east side of the road.
Weather, clothing: The weather can be changeable; layered
clothing is recommended.
Trip notes: Van Damme State Park consists of 1,831
acres of beach and upland on the Mendocino Coast. The park features
the lush Fern Canyon scenic trail system; the Pygmy Forest where
mature, cone-bearing cypress and pine trees stand six inches
to eight feet tall; and the bog, or Cabbage Patch, where skunk
cabbage grows in abundance. The park's ten miles of trail go
along the fern-carpeted canyon of Little River. A paved road
is used by joggers and bikers. The beach is popular with abalone
divers. The campsites at Van Damme are extremely popular, usually
requiring reservations, but with a bit of planning your reward
is a base of operations in a beautiful park with redwoods and
a remarkable fern understory. The hike-in sites on the Fern Canyon
Trail are perfectly situated for those wishing to take one of
the most popular hikes in the Mendocino area, with the trail
crossing the Little River several times and weaving among old
trees. Just across from the entrance of the park is a small but
beautiful coastal bay with a pretty beach, ideal for launching
sea kayaks.
© 2001, Miwok Lodge 439, Order of the
Arrow, Santa Clara County Council Inc., BSA
Revision 1.2
