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Camping near Little River, CA

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    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 (86)

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      1. Van Damme State Park Campground

      4.2(29)0mi from Little River66 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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      2. Mackerricher State Park Campground

      4.5(46)15mi from Little River111 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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      3. Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground

      2.8(19)6mi from Little RiverRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      4. Pomo RV Park & Campground

      4.7(16)9mi from Little RiverRVs, Tents

      "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

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      5. Russian Gulch State Park Campground

      4.7(12)4mi from Little River26 sitesRVs

      "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

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      6. Navarro Beach Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park

      3.8(12)6mi from Little RiverRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      7. Hidden Pines RV Park & Campground

      3.7(10)10mi from Little RiverRVs, Tents

      "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

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      8. Hendy Woods State Park Campground

      4.7(28)21mi from Little River81 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      9. Navarro Beach - Navarro River Redwoods State Park

      3.4(5)6mi from Little RiverRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      10. Albion River Campground

      3.0(5)3mi from Little RiverRVs, Tents

      "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."

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    Recent Camping Photos near Little River, CA

    325 Photos of 86 Little River Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Little River, CA

    503 Reviews of 86 Little River Campgrounds

    • EThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 5, 2026

      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!

    • GThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 5, 2026

      Navarro Beach Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park

      Last dose of vitamin sea.

      I convinced myself to stay on the coast one more night and gambled I'd get a spot here, and it paid off gangbusters. Cramped sites were a bummer, but cool neighbors and an awesome sunset made it a minor detail.

    • Jasmin W.
      Sep. 1, 2026

      COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground

      Peaceful and Empty

      Upside: almost no one here, including security and onsite host (private and undisturbed), no road noise, great playground, bathrooms, showers and water views.

      Downside: no onsite host, book online (reserveca.com). Some spots are VERY OPEN no privacy and all overgrown meadow. Campsite is above lake, no access feom campground. Not all water faucets have hose attachment.

      See attached map for most private $35 spots ( not waterfront) and the blue dot has a water spiket with hose attachment.

    • GThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 30, 2026

      Mackerricher State Park Campground

      Salt Air

      Needed a hot shower and some chill time. And some saltwater. All the superlatives apply; just wish the spaces were more private. And paying for showers after the $45 camping fee was a bummer.

    • GThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 27, 2026

      Standish-Hickory State Recreation Area Campground

      Nice wooded area!

      We were here at the end of August not busy at all. There is a park service employee (booth) at the entrance. She was very helpful!

      We stayed one night as we are headed north on highway 101. Nice little campground for the night.

    • Brandon A.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 15, 2026

      Red Mountain

      Beautiful views

      Got to this spot towards dark. Set up tent from my cars headlights. Woke up to absolutely beautiful views. The dirt road up to this site is rough. I have a car and made it up just fine but I also have off road experience and took my time.

    • Alicia C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 6, 2026

      Westport Union Landing State Beach — Westport-Union Landing State Beach

      Perfect Coastal Cliffs

      Snag a spot at the Abalone Point campsite if you can! Perfect views of the ocean. Multiple water spots and bathrooms. Short walk to the beach. At most, campsites were maybe at half capacity. Right off the road but minimal noise to distract from the ocean. No cell service but about 30 min to Fort Bragg for whatever you need.

    • Michael I.
      Aug. 3, 2026

      Gualala River Redwood Park

      Big, family friendly campground with great river access

      We stayed for three nights at this large, well-developed campground. As big as this campground is, with the layout and the thick forest, you don't feel like you're camping with hundreds of other people. The one exception to that is at night time. The campground has quiet hours beginning at 10pm, but during our stay that was not enforced and at least four groups were having parties well past 11pm, or found that to be a great time to race remote control cars.

      The camp store has every you could possibly need if you forget something, but be prepared as the mark-ups are steep!!

      The river access is easy and great with plenty of space along the river to set up and enjoy the day. The beach is all rock, so plan accordingly. Next time we will bring kayaks or SUPs to explore more of the river, but the areas accessible by foot are nice with shallow spots for kids, swimming holes, rope swing, and even a big buried log to jump off of.

      Overall we had a great time and will be back.

    • Carrie P.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 23, 2026

      Navarro Beach Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park

      Great Beach Spot for the Prepared

      We arrive about 5:00 pm on a Wednesday and only 1 of 10 campsite were taken. Most filled in by sunset. It is a beautiful spot but camp sites are tight with no privacy. There are port-a-potties. It is also a day use area so they get lots of use and stink. We loved it for the beauty and the chance to be right at the beach. It was just a one night stop for us but if I had a toilet I could see staying a few days. No hooks ups. No water. Each site has a concrete picnic table and fire ring.

    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?

    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?

    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?

    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.

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