The Van Damme State Park sits on the California coast just below the historic town of Mendocino in the town of Little River. In the 1,831 acres you can find Van Damme Beach with its gentle waves, a canyon of ferns called Fern Canyon and a Pygmy Forest. You can camp, kayak and hike within this gem of a state park.
Named for Charles Van Damme who was born in the town of Little River in the year 1881. He left the property as a place for townsfolk to recreate. Though he passed away before he could see what became of the land, it carries his namesake today.
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Quick Information:
Address: 8125 US Highway 1
Little River, CA 95456
* Phone: (707) 937-5804
* Elevation: 65 feet
* Established: 1934
* Size:
1,831+ acres
Campsite Fee:
$45 a day
Add. Vehicle Fee:
$8 per vehicle
Pets:
Allowed on leash but never on trails
Showers:
Hot showers
($1 for 5 min.)
Potable Water:
Yes, many spigots around campground
Toilets:
Yes, flush toilets
Dump Station:
Yes
Van Damme State Park Campground:
This state park offers a few different options in camping. There are three different camping areas, pretty much something for everyone. There are three different areas to camp in. The campground is open year round except for the Upper Loop Sites, they are closed during the winter season.
During the summer time, this campground is pretty busy, so you will want to make reservations in advance. That can be done through reservecalifornia.com.
Campsites:
Handicap Sites:
Though I believe that there are ADA sites, I do not recall which ones they are. But in the lower loop, many of the sites are paved.
Unique Sites:
Along the road to the right of the visitor's center, you will see some really beautiful campsites. Sites 14-30 all have their own unique set up. Some are small and wouldn't be able to accommodate much more than a small tent (sites 26-30 are for tents only). But they are within the lushness of the fern canyon. It's a bit cooler and damp back in there.
There is also hike and bike in camping as well as primitive sites located way out back in Fern Canyon, or about 2 miles from the trailhead. Though as of right now, the environmental (primitive) sites are closed until further notice.
Campground Features:
As with most of our beautiful state parks, this one offers the same amenities at the campsites. A picnic table, a food box and a fire pit. Surprisingly, during the fire season, the campgrounds on the coast still allowed their campers to have campfires. Which if you have ever been camping, you know how important it is to be able to have a campfire to cook on and for heating. Not to say that will always be the case, but it was during the camping season of 2021.
If you are using the group campsites, and you need to use a Campfire Center, then this is the place to do it. Their campfire center is incredibly stunning. Moss covered and nestled in the hillside. This campfire center is found very near the trailhead to Fern Canyon.
Bathrooms/Showers:
In and around the campground you can find 3 different places to shower. They are all pay and will run $1 for minutes. There are also 7 different restroom locations including the one located at the beach area.
Van Damme State Park Map
Day Use Area:
Van Damme State Park offers a couple options for day use. The beach is one of the best and is free, but you can also day use at this state park and enjoy a hike through the lush fern canyon.
There is also another area that was more recently acquired by the State for inclusion in Van Damme State Park. It is the Spring Ranch Property, located just north of the beach on highway 1.
Van Damme Beach:
Little River runs into the Pacific Ocean at Van Damme State Beach. It varies from season to season, but Little River can at times reach into the ocean. It's pretty cold in the winter time but incredibly refreshing in the summer. You may also spot many birds enjoying the crisp water as it travels into the ocean.
Van Damme Beach is by far one of, if not the easiest beach to access off of Highway 1. This makes it a pretty popular place, especially during the summer season, but even in the off season people still drop in for a nice photo opportunity.
There is a foot washing station and shower right at the entrance to the beach, and this sand is pretty sticky. So it makes for an easy way to clean your feet before putting your shoes back on.
This beach is very popular during abalone season and scuba diving in general. At any time you can see a dive buoy tethered away from shore. I have actually seen folks stop by for a quick swim. The beach, specially on the right side, is pretty gentle for a northern California coastal beach.
Kayaking Van Damme:
The cove at Van Damme Beach is a perfect opportunity to set out in a kayak. You can always bring your own and venture out to the sea cave, or you can go with a tour. Those trips run $80 per person and last for about an hour and a half. Check out Kayak Mendocino for more information.
Trails in Van Damme State Park:
This park offers hikes for everyone, though most of it is very shaded and can be muddy at times. But do not let that detour you, many of the hikes are easy and are stroller accessible.
Fern Canyon - 8 miles - Moderate
Though this trail is listed as a moderate level hike, but most folks said that it was only for one hill in. The entire trail for the 8 miles has an elevation gain of about 700 feet. There are multiple bridges to cross, and the river follows a good stretch of the trail. This trail is accessed through Van Damme State Park all the way to the back. To park in the park, it is $8 (which isn't much for what you get to experience)
Old Logging Road-Fern Canyon Loop - 4.4 miles - Moderate
Located off of Little River Airport Road, this hike starts you at the Pygmy Forest and takes you into the Fern Canyon.
Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail - .02 miles
Also located off of Little River Airport Road, the Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail is an interpretive trail. It is wheelchair and stroller accessible and very easy. If you have school age children, this could be a great opportunity for them to do a little learning while on a short walk through the Pygmy Forest.
Spring Ranch - 4.2 miles
This hike, through a newer portion of Van Damme State Park, offers some great oceans views. To access the trail, park just past the Inn at Cobblers Walk on Peterson Lane. This is just north of Van Damme State Park and Beach. There can be coyotes in the area, so be sure to keep your kids close and your dog on a leash. If you are lucky you may get to see some seals on the beach below.
Scuba Diving Van Damme:
Van Damme cove is a favorite for scuba divers as it is a more gentle area of the California coast. Easy in and easy out. Though there is no further abalone season until 2026, it is still a great way to spend a day.
A Little Nod to Charles Van Damme:
Without the forethought and generosity of Charles Van Damme, we would not have this stunning park to visit.
Helpful Resources:
After visiting Van Damme State Park a number of times this year, I gathered quite a bit of info on my own research. But I will include a few links for further information.