Van Damme State Park
|
Location: County: Mendocino. Nearest City: Little River. See map 5.
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 95460Operating hours, seasons: Call the park for information; open all year round.
Park Kiosk Hours:
- Hi Season: 8am-10pm
- Lo Season: Varies
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.
Where to go Camping -V-1-
Miwok Lodge 439