G
Grace P.
Scout
ScoutUsal Beach Campground
4x4 needed but easy drive
Beautiful. Not too many people. I would only take a 4x4x
Camping near Little River, CA
87 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
The Mendocino coastline near Little River, California features several state park campgrounds nestled among redwoods and along beaches. Van Damme State Park Campground offers sites for tents, RVs, and cabins in a valley setting just across Highway 1 from a beach area. Nearby, Russian Gulch State Park Campground provides additional developed camping options with reservable sites. Other choices include Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground with cabin accommodations, and Mackerricher State Park Campground approximately 10 miles north. These mixed-use campgrounds typically include picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage boxes, with varying levels of amenities from primitive to more developed.
Coastal campgrounds in this region experience cool, foggy conditions year-round, particularly during summer months. Most developed campgrounds require reservations through California State Parks or private operators, with booking windows opening 6 months in advance. While some areas like Van Damme and Russian Gulch State Parks maintain facilities throughout the year, visitors should prepare for potentially wet conditions even in summer. Cell service remains limited throughout the coastal region, though stronger signals may be found closer to Fort Bragg and Mendocino. Water availability varies by campground, with some offering drinking water and others requiring campers to bring their own supplies. One camper noted: "This place is cold year round so dress in layers. Restrooms were clean. Firewood available at the entrance kiosk, which is a hell of a hike up a hill so drive there."
Campers consistently mention the redwood settings and beach proximity as highlights of the Little River area. The combination of forest camping with easy beach access creates a distinctive coastal experience, though fog can impact views during summer months. Sites along creeks are particularly sought after, offering the sound of running water alongside forest shade. Several developed campgrounds feature clean bathrooms and some provide coin-operated showers, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Campers report varying levels of privacy between sites, with some campgrounds offering more secluded options than others. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many visitors appreciate the lush, moist environment: "This campground is in a lush forest right next to the beach. What more could you want?" While most campgrounds allow pets, many restrict dogs from trails, limiting hiking options for those traveling with animals.
Best Campgrounds near Little River (87)
1. Van Damme State Park Campground
"The trail for the Bog Trail is right next to the site and the bathroom is around the corner. Campground: The park ranger was super nice and showed us the areas where we could take our pup."
"The campground is dog friendly, although only the Bog Trail allows dogs (or you can walk along the paved road). Dogs are also allowed at the beach across Highway 1."
from $45 - $160 / night
Check Availability2. Mackerricher State Park Campground
"There are many sites next to the ocean."
"PROS Campground is adjacent to the beach. You can hear the ocean and sometimes catch peeks of the ocean from the campground.
→ Campsites have bear lockers."
from $45 - $260 / night
Check Availability3. Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground
"The walk in sites are secluded and this park has all the amenities including free showers. Dog friendly. I hear it gets very busy in the summertime."
"Our spot was nice and clean and next to the creek. Large enough for our three cars three tents and extra table and plenty of room to set up chairs around the fire for us."
from $47 - $72 / night
Check Availability4. Pomo RV Park & Campground
"The convenience of being so close to town, yet feeling like you’re in the forest is hard to beat. There are showers & restrooms, although the showers operate on quarters."
"Even though you are so close to town this is off the beaten path and you can’t even get into this campground unless you have a reservation."
from $50 - $73 / night
Check Availability5. Russian Gulch State Park Campground
"Clean bathrooms, drinking water was right next to our site."
"While this campground is set off from the highway it is very busy on weekends from tourists out for the day. Lush setting with the hike and bike area located near showers and restrooms."
from $45 - $140 / night
Check Availability6. Navarro Beach Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park
"It is right off of the highway, yet it feels so secluded. The beach is beautiful and the campsites are roomy."
"We got there at around 2pm and there were only 2 other campers. By the end of the night most of the spots had filled up. The beach was very quiet with few other visitors."
7. Hidden Pines RV Park & Campground
"It's not much to look at when you drive up on highway 1 but behind that facade is a great Campground. There are different sections and the upper loop is definitely the best."
"The entrance to this campground is behind a store so it technically is hidden. What it lacks in privacy of sites it definitely makes up for in amenities."
from $59 - $99 / night
Check Availability8. Hendy Woods State Park Campground
"This California State Park is located in the Anderson Valley, a historic agricultural area located in the Navarro river watershed. While only 120-ish miles from San Francisco, this area is remote. "
"The sites are situated among towering redwoods. Which blocks the amazing clear night skies, but offer there own beauty.
It was great! The nearby towns or phill and boonville are super cute."from $45 - $70 / night
Check Availability9. Navarro Beach - Navarro River Redwoods State Park
"The beach has lots of character, tons of driftwood that people have moved around and made crude huts out of. The river is off to the side and flows out to the ocean, and is great for kayaking."
10. Albion River Campground
"Actual RV sites are not special but the campground sits underneath the wooden bridge and at the mouth of the river, so beautiful location. Fog horns at night make it quite mystical."
"The drive to Albion, Ca was beautiful. We arrived at the Campground and the nice fact was being able to reserve and choose our campsite."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 49 min from Santa Rosa, CA
- 2 hrs 34 min from Napa, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Little River, CA
325 Photos of 87 Little River Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Van Damme State Park CampgroundM
Albion River CampgroundE
Russian Gulch State Park Campground
Navarro Beach - Navarro River Redwoods State Park
Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground
Jughandle Creek Farm
Pomo RV Park & Campground
Hidden Pines RV Park & CampgroundD
Paul M. Dimmick Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park
Woodside RV Park
Camp Navarro
Dunlap CampgroundL
Recent Reviews near Little River, CA
511 Reviews of 87 Little River Campgrounds
- MMATTHEW R.
RangerWildwood RV Park & Campground
Tired from the drive over the mountains rolled in here for a secure night of sleep. Plenty of spots. Electric water, flushers, but bring your quarters for the shower.
Juliana J.RangerUsal Beach Campground
Beautiful Spot, fun drive, family/group friendly
Heck of a drive getting here, but worth the trek. I absolutely would not recommend hauling a camper up here. One way, winding road off of highway 1 that was actually pretty well marked. No service or amentities. Pack in and pack out! Both wide open spots near the beach or you can tuck your vehicle in by the trees with about a 1/4 mile walk to the beach. There was some group event going on and individuals who brought dirt bikes, so it was not quiet/peaceful, but the scenery made up for that. No marked sites, but plenty of fire pits to show where others have camped in the past. Lots of beautiful birds.
- KKathryn T.
TravelerNavarro Beach Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park
Beach Front Campinh
These camp spots have the most epic view of the ocean and a massive rock arch. The spots are close to each other (I’d recommend grabbing spot #1 as it’s the most private). The porta potties were clean and the beach was nice.
This spot reminds me more of dispersed camping than a traditional campground. No fee tube and people saw some people camping on the beach in tents. Great spot, would definitely come back.
- KKate G.Scout
Navarro Beach Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park
Surprise bonus spot
There’s no campground sign at the turnoff, no envelopes to pay, and no ranger. So beach front camping for free. Nothing fancy, no running water, but clean portos. 8 sites
Whitney R.
GuideBushay Recreation Area
Needs TLC but Perfect Spot!
I was hesitant about booking this campground because the reviews said it was overgrown, unkempt, and dirty in spots. However, I had been driving all day and saw other reviews of the gorgeous lakeside campsites and did it. I stayed at 93 right next to the restrooms and a weird overgrown amphitheater. I'll add the photo 😀 When it says lake side- I am sure at one point it was when the water could fill the lake to the top! But it was still amazing. You can walk down to the beach below. And enjoy the lake. I was on a deadline and had to head out early the next morning. Many sites were overgrown so they should state that when booking- or have them unavailable.
Kylee R.RangerWestport Union Landing State Beach — Westport-Union Landing State Beach
West Union Beach
Bathrooms were terrible but views were awesome. Right off the US1 with picnic tables, bear boxes, and fire rings.
Ryan S.GuideUsal Beach Campground
I brought my rig here....
I read the reviews but decided to try it anyway, bringing my 42 foot rig, a 1960 Chevy C20 with a 21' Geo Pro camper that has a 3' cargo hitch on the back. I made it down and back, and if I could call my past self I would say not to do it at all. Aside from the aggressive bouncing that throws all your stuff everywhere (male sure to stow everything tight) the problem for a rig, even one with good ground clearance, is there are long very narrow sections of the road with no pull outs so if you happen to meet someone coming the other way, one of you needs to back up for a long way, either up or down very windy and rutted roads until you find one. And it does have very steep areas, and the pot holes are pretty dramatic at times. Near the end, the road grade was so steep that I cooked my brakes and was still sliding down the road with very little traction. Then I came upon two very deep pothole/ruts (would have been fun in a jeep), one in front of the other and offset so that there was a big hump to high center on, no mater which way you took it. Going down I was able to control my speed and get by ok but one the way up I had to hit it with some speed, and bent the hell out of one of my stabilizers which caught the dirt coming up and over. But if you do bring a rig, there are eventually good places to get turned around, but you'd better hope you don't break down along the road because you'll cause quite the traffic jam for both directions. I stayed at the site just before the bridge but there are many more sites down farther. And be sure to check out the Cathedral Trees, there is a trail that is marked there near that bridge. There is no cell service here.
- EEdgar V.Traveler
Russian Gulch State Park Campground
Amazing
I had such a great experience at Russian Gulch Campground! I stayed at Site 12, and it was quiet, clean, and surrounded by beautiful scenery. There was a spring nearby, and the bathrooms and showers were very clean. The showers even had warm water, and at just $1 for five minutes, the price was very reasonable.
The campground staff were also incredibly helpful and friendly—always happy to answer questions. There is no cell reception at the campsites, but if you need to connect, the recreation center near the entrance has Wi-Fi, which was a really nice option.
Overall, this was honestly one of my favorite camping experiences. I had a very pleasant stay and will definitely be returning!
Guide to Little River
Camping options near Little River, California range from riverside sites to coastal campgrounds within redwood forests. The region sits at elevations between sea level and 400 feet, creating microclimates that can vary significantly within short distances. Winter temperatures average 40-55°F with rainfall heaviest from November through March, while summer brings fog that frequently blankets coastal sites even when inland areas experience sunshine.
What to do
Explore tide pools: The beach at Mackerricher State Park Campground offers exceptional marine life viewing. "Sunset was fantastic and at sunrise, sea lions were out playing and sunning on rocks which were fun to watch," notes Melissa W., who visited the oceanside campground.
Kayak the Navarro River: Navarro Beach Campground provides direct access where the Navarro River meets the Pacific. "The river follows the road to the campsite and connects to the ocean right on the beach," explains Kealan B. The gentle river current makes for easier paddling compared to ocean kayaking.
Hike through redwood groves: Russian Gulch State Park features a waterfall trail through ancient forest. "Great Fern Canyon trail and waterfall trail back in the gorge," writes MarinMaverick. Trail distances range from 0.5 miles to 5-mile loops, with moderate elevation gains.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Pomo RV Park & Campground offers unusually secluded sites. "Very private sites divided by hedges. Sites are fairly large and very well maintained," reports Scott P. This stands in contrast to most coastal campgrounds where sites tend to be more exposed.
Proximity to towns: Many campsites near Little River provide easy access to nearby communities. "It's right on the outskirts of Fort Bragg, CA. Very private sites, each site has shrubbery around it. It feels like you are in a world by itself," explains Loren P. about Pomo Campground.
Access to both forest and beach: Van Damme State Park Campground sits in a valley with both woodland and coastal access. "The campground sits in a deep narrow valley of trees with a stream running through just across highway 1 from a beach," describes Jessica R. This dual-environment setting is uncommon in most camping regions.
What you should know
Weather conditions: The coastal campgrounds experience persistent fog, especially in summer. "This campground is in a lush forest right across the street from the crashing surf. Lovely! It has a forest of trees right across the street from the crashing surf," notes Rosemary A. about Caspar Beach RV Park.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have spotty connectivity. "Spots have tons of trees/greenery in between so it feels very secluded. Definitely expect to be off the grid as Service and WiFi are pretty intermittent," warns Tasha P. about Pomo Campground.
Pay showers: Many campgrounds charge for shower use. "Showers require tokens. This seems pretty standard in California State Parks... One token gives 4 minutes of showering. Each token is $1," explains Mea H. at Mackerricher State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Little River Camping in Mendocino?
What amenities are available at Little River Camping in Mendocino?
Little River camping areas in the Mendocino region typically offer picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes at each site. Russian Gulch State Park Campground nearby features clean bathrooms, drinking water stations, and access to hiking trails in a quiet, secluded setting with plenty of trees for privacy. Many campgrounds in the area provide access to beaches and coastal attractions. Some locations have shower facilities, though amenities can vary by specific campground. The camping experience generally includes lush natural surroundings with redwoods and coastal vegetation.
Is there a fee to camp at Little River Campground?
Is there a fee to camp at Little River Campground?
Yes, there is a fee to camp at Little River Campground and other camping areas in the Mendocino coastal region. While specific Little River fees aren't detailed in the reviews, nearby Redwood Campground — Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area and most state park campgrounds in the area charge standard camping fees. California State Parks typically range from $25-45 per night depending on the season, location, and amenities. Some campgrounds may have additional fees for extra vehicles, premium sites, or reservation services. It's advisable to check the official California State Parks website for current fee information.
Where is Little River Campground located in California?
Where is Little River Campground located in California?
Little River Campground is located along the picturesque Mendocino coast in Northern California. The area is part of the broader Mendocino coastal region, situated near the small community of Little River. It's in close proximity to Van Damme State Park Campground, which is just outside the towns of Mendocino and Fort Bragg. This coastal location provides easy access to beautiful sandy beaches and the stunning California coastline.
Keep Exploring