Top 5 Mendocino State Parks & Activities For Your Trip
All within 5 Miles of MendoCino Grove
Mendocino offers some of Northern California’s most scenic landscapes, making it an ideal home base for hikers, beachgoers, and outdoor enthusiasts. From dramatic ocean bluffs to quiet redwood forests, you won’t want to miss these panoramic views and unforgettable outdoor experiences. Additionally, when you stay at our oceanfront glamping retreat, you’re only minutes from the best Mendocino state parks.
Best Mendocino State Parks Nearby
Adventure is never far here. All within five miles of camp, the best Mendocino state park destinations offer a mix of coastal views, forested trails, and hidden beaches. Whether you are looking for an easy walk, a scenic hike, or a place to slow down and take it all in, these are the must see spots:
Mendocino Headlands State Park: This is considered the best Mendocino State Park. Only a 5 minute drive from Mendocino Grove, it features sweeping coastal bluffs and easy walking trails with nonstop ocean views.
Big River Beach: Part of the Headlands, this park offers wide sandy shores and access to the peaceful Big River estuary. Additionally, it’s a 15 minute walk from our glamping property.
Van Damme State Park: This park is known for its lush Fern Canyon, towering redwoods, and a protected cove ideal for kayaking and snorkeling.
Russian Gulch State Park: This park has one of the area’s most iconic waterfall hikes along with rugged coastline and tide pools.
Caspar Cove: This cove is a small sheltered beach that is perfect for families, picnicking, and calmer water activities.
Popular Hikes & Walks
The California State Parks near Mendocino Grove provide a wide variety of trails spanning different difficulty levels, distances, and environments. Always stay on the paths while walking bluff trails and keep away from the edge for safety, erosion control, and ecosystem rejuvenation. Our favorites trails include:
Loop Trail at Mendocino Grove brings you through the forest and along the campground’s western edge, with beautiful views of the ocean and the town of Mendocino.
Across Main Street in Mendocino, a collection of trails follow the Mendocino Headlands. These mostly level trails follow the bluffs and offer amazing ocean views and the occasional bench to rest and take in the view.
Spring Ranch trail along the bluffs to a secluded beach
Fern Canyon to Falls Trail at Russian Gulch for a 30’ waterfall hike
Van Damme’s Fern Canyon Trail with towering redwoods
Beaches
Arguably the highlight of any Mendocino State Park visit, these Northern California beaches offer space to relax, explore, and enjoy the coast.
Spacious with lots of room for flying kites, splashing in the surf, and relaxing by the waves, Big River Beach is just north of Mendocino Grove across the bridge, with Mendocino Village right nearby for picnic supplies.
A little farther north is Caspar Cove, a smaller, sheltered beach with typically calm water. It’s great for surfing, snorkeling, and picnicking, and particularly good for families with small kids.
A short drive to the south, Van Damme beach is tucked into a curve of the coastline and next to a protected cove, giving beach lovers the chance to whale watch, kayak, snorkel, and dive.
Ocean Adventures
Explore the ocean bay by kayak with professional guided tours by Kayak Mendocino. It’s very family friendly and great for sea pups 6 years and up!
Get salty with Ledges Ocean Sports! Rent surfboards, sup boards, boogie boards, snorkel gear, and wetsuits to immerse yourself in the world under the waves.
Calm days are great for a swim, but there are no lifeguards, so stay on the sand when the water is rough (and never turn your back on the water under any conditions).
River Excursions
River trips are a great way to truly unplug. Relax with just the water, the forest, and your crew. Campers love to walk to Catch A Canoe & Bicycles Too, just north of Mendocino Grove and next to the mouth of Big River.
Handcrafted and hard-to-tip outrigger canoes will take you up the river into the undeveloped wilderness of the Mendocino Headlands State Park Big River Property.
Most boats are built for two or four paddlers, and some models are dog-friendly, too.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like river otters, harbor seals, great blue herons, and deer.
FAQ When Exploring Mendocino
Is the beach safe for kids?
There are no lifeguards at any of the Mendocino Coast beaches, so be sure to keep an eye on your kids by the ocean. Sneaker waves, while rare, have been known to occur. Most beaches like Big River, Russian Gulch and Van Damme are fed by rivers which can be great swimming options for younger children or if the surf is looking rough.
What should I bring when hiking, biking, or beaching?
The weather can shift quickly on the Mendocino Coast, with inland summer heat pulling in the fog. A sunny day can turn chilly and damp in minutes, so bring an extra layer when you head out for a day outside. Cell service is unreliable on the trails, so have a physical map along with your bottle of water and snacks.
Are dogs allowed on the local beaches and inland trails?
Dogs on leashes are welcome on all local beaches. Inland hiking trails however, are not as pet friendly. Trails that do allow dogs require them to be on leash at all times in order to keep them and the local wildlife safe. These parks include:
Big River Estuary
Mendocino Headlands
Spring Ranch
Additionally, the outrigger canoes available to rent at Catch-A-Canoe are a great option paddling with your pup up Big River.
Are any of the trails wheelchair accessible?
0.9 miles of the Fern Canyon Trail at Russian Gulch State Park is accessible. The park also offers a beach wheelchair free of charge. Call (707) 937-5721 at least 7 days in advance to reserve it.
Stay Steps From A Mendocino State Park
After a day spent exploring, there is nothing better than coming back to a place that lets you stay connected to it all. From sunrise walks along the bluffs to afternoons in the redwoods and evenings by the fire, this is the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave. At Mendocino Grove, you are not just close to the coast, you are part of it. With ocean views, cozy canvas tents, and thoughtful touches that make it easy to unwind, it is the perfect home base for your next adventure. Book your glamping stay and enjoy oceanfront accommodations just minutes from your Mendocino State Park.