Fantastic outdoor fun and delightful scenery await you at Van Damme State Park, where you can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing and abalone diving among other recreational activities. The park straddles Hwy 1 where Little River empties into a protected rocky bay that is very popular with divers and kayakers. The surf here is usually calm enough to allow launching boats and sea kayaks from the beach.
Daytime parking and picnicking at the beach are free. Most of the park’s 2069 acres lie east of the highway, up verdant Fern Canyon. The park offers beautiful and shady campsites, available on a first come, first served basis. A paved trail follows the Little River 2.5 miles up the lovely canyon, connecting with a dirt path that climbs to the Pygmy Forest. For the more adventuresome hiker, there is an extensive system of trails that meanders throughout the park over ten breathtaking miles. Whether your stay is short or extended, you can always count on finding an unforgettable adventure at Van Damme State Park.
WHERE: 3 miles south of the town of Mendocino on Hwy 1.
MORE INFO: 707-937-5804 | Parks.Ca.gov
