Best Campgrounds near Little River, CA
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.
