Van Damme State Park Campground
4.5431 reviewsVan Damme State Park, Highway 1, Mendocino, CA
Van Damme State Park Campground
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$45.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard campsite fee is $45 per night. Additional costs include $10 for firewood and $10 for RV dumping.
About this campground
Discover a magical retreat where 65 campsites are tucked beneath towering coastal redwoods at Van Damme State Park Campground. Wake to the sound of ocean waves mingling with forest birdsong, explore miles of scenic hiking trails just steps from your tent, and enjoy the rare combination of pristine beaches and ancient forests. With spotless facilities and the charming village of Mendocino just minutes away, this campground serves as your gateway to the best of Northern California's rugged coastline.
Van Damme State Park Campground offers standard, tent-only, group, and hike-in primitive camping options. Sites are suitable for families, small groups, and RVs under 35 feet.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of the Pomo people who called this land home for thousands of years, then trace the dramatic story of California's lumber boom that forever changed these forests. The campground's visitor center, housed in a beautifully preserved 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps recreation hall, stands as a testament to Depression-era craftsmanship and the enduring American spirit of conservation that helped protect these magnificent trees for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's perfect climate control as cooling summer fog rolls through the redwood canopy, creating an ethereal atmosphere that keeps temperatures comfortable even on the warmest days. Winter transforms the forest into a lush wonderland as gentle Pacific rains nourish the ancient giants, filling the air with the fresh scent of damp earth and evergreen. This year-round temperate paradise ensures every season offers its own unique magic.
ElevationPerched at the edge of the continent where forest meets sea, the campground enjoys a coastal elevation blessed by the moderating influence of Pacific Ocean currents. This unique position creates a microclimate where morning mists dance through the trees and afternoon sunshine filters through the canopy, offering campers the perfect balance of mountain freshness and ocean air.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a cathedral of coast redwoods and Douglas firs, where shafts of sunlight illuminate emerald ferns carpeting the forest floor. Just a short hike away lies one of nature's most intriguing mysteries—the pygmy forest, where century-old trees stand no taller than a person, creating an otherworldly landscape that seems straight from a fairy tale. This diverse ecosystem showcases nature's incredible adaptability and beauty.
Geological RegionExplore a fascinating geological tapestry where ancient redwood groves thrive alongside the winding Little River, creating rich riparian corridors teeming with life. The nearby pygmy forest reveals nature's chemistry experiment in action, where centuries of heavy rainfall have leached nutrients from the soil, creating highly acidic conditions that stunt tree growth and produce one of the rarest forest types on Earth. This unique coastal region tells a million-year story written in stone, soil, and living wood.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCampsites 7 and 10 are paved and feature wheelchair-accessible tables. Site 11 has a generally accessible combination toilet room/shower. The pygmy forest includes a wheelchair-accessible self-guided boardwalk with interpretive exhibits.
Sites SizeSites vary in size; campsite 60 accommodates up to 7 tents and 3 trucks, while site 64 is suited for a small tent.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels differ across sites. Sites near the entrance are small and closely spaced, while Highland Meadows and inner sites offer better spacing and privacy. Site 30 is noted as being very private and at the edge of the campground.
Total Campsites65 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid campsites 66-69 for lack of shade; choose inner sites in Highland Meadows for more privacy.
Best CampsitesSite 30 (private, edge of the campground), Upper Loop sites for larger groups.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Reservations allow up to 7 consecutive months in advance booking.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per family campsite and 3 vehicles permitted.
Groups
The group campsite can accommodate up to 3-4 trailers or multiple cars. The bridge leading to the group site is narrow, requiring careful navigation for trailers between 24-27 feet.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSet in loops including Highland Meadows and drive-in sites; environmental hike-in sites along Fern Canyon.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available on ReserveCalifornia.com or via phone at 1-800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-in availability; recommended to check during off-peak weekdays for better chances.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies follow the guidelines on ReserveCalifornia.com; cancellations must be made 48 hours before arrival.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and beach exploration. Trails range in difficulty and include accessible options like the pygmy forest boardwalk. Fern Canyon Trail is particularly highlighted for its stunning scenery with redwoods and ferns. Kayak rentals are available at Van Damme Beach.
Hiking
Van Damme features multiple hiking trails, including the easy Pygmy Forest Trail (0.25 miles) and the moderate Fern Canyon and Old Logging Road Trail Loop (4.15 miles). The strenuous Fern Canyon Lollapalooza (9.15 miles) showcases diverse habitats including redwood forests and pygmy terrain.Swimming
Van Damme Beach offers opportunities for swimming, but reviews focus more on kayaking and exploring tide pools.Biking
Biking is allowed on designated trails such as the 2.5-mile Fern Canyon Scenic Trail and 1.2-mile Old Logging Road Trail. Bikes are prohibited on certain sections of Fern Canyon Trail and the pygmy forest boardwalk.Boating
Kayaking is popular at Van Damme Beach, with rentals available during the summer. The protected cove allows easy entry for beginners and access to nearby sea caves.Wildlife viewing
Visitors have reported sightings of birds such as pileated woodpeckers, peregrine falcons, and chipmunks. Some reviews mention unique experiences like a friendly skunk visiting campsites.Beach activities
Beach activities include sunbathing, kayaking, and exploring tide pools. The beach is described as having white sand and being kid- and dog-friendly.Cultural and Educational Programs
Summer interpretive programs include hikes, campfire events, and Junior Ranger activities for ages 7-12. The park also offers guided and self-guided educational field trips.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the campground remains open year-round.Water Sports
Kayaking is the primary water sport available, facilitated by rentals at Van Damme Beach. Access to tide pools and sea caves enhances the experience.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed only in designated fire rings; firewood must be purchased on-site.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsRogue waves and cold ocean water near the coast; wildlife including raccoons and birds that may forage at campsites.
Active alertsFern Canyon Trail partially closed from Bridge 4 to Bridge 7; caution needed crossing temporary bridge.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 84%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include a hospital in Fort Bragg (~18 minutes away), ranger station on-site at Van Damme State Park.
Good to know
Peak season datesSpring through Fall (reservations strongly recommended during these periods).
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are provided, and users are encouraged to dispose of garbage promptly to deter wildlife. No recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated across from the beach; Little River runs alongside Fern Canyon trail.
Common complaintsBathrooms lack soap and paper towels; most sites near entrance are small and lack privacy.
HostCamp hosts sell firewood ($10 a box) and perform regular rounds to ensure safety.
Campground Map
Van Damme State Park, Highway 1, Mendocino, CA
Driving directionsThe park is located three miles south of the town of Mendocino on Highway 1. The highway runs through the park, separating the campground and the Fern Canyon trailhead to the east from the beach and parking lot to the west.
Access is via Highway 1, with a temporary single-lane bridge installed for access to certain campsites east of Little River. The bridge is 10 feet wide and 53 feet long, requiring right turns and U-turns to access group camps and upper sites.Nearby places
Mendocino (3 miles, ~8 minutes), Fort Bragg (~15 miles, ~18 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available at a deli/gas station 0.5 miles south, and Safeway in Fort Bragg (~15 miles north). Firewood can also be purchased at the campground or nearby stores.
Camper Reviews
4.5
31 reviews
Van Damme State Park Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Van Damme Campground is widely praised for its cleanliness, serene atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. Positive reviews frequently highlight the friendly park staff and hosts, proximity to the beach, and enjoyable hiking trails. Negative feedback often revolves around the high camping fees and the lack of basic bathroom amenities like hand soap.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean bathrooms and showers, picturesque trails, proximity to Van Damme Beach, and helpful camp hosts. Many reviewers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the ease of access to trails and the beach.
Based on 31 reviewsCommon Concerns
High nightly fee of $45, lack of soap and paper towels in restrooms, and limited privacy in lower sites near the entrance. Some campers also found the bridge to the upper sites challenging to...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring quarters for showers, additional hand soap, and paper towels. Reserve early for weekends as the campground fills up quickly. Site 30 is recommended for privacy, and sites 66-69 are noted for...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season due to kayak rentals and interpretive programs. Weekdays in the off-season provide a quieter experience with more availability. Winter weather can be cold, so warm...
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Camper Quotes
"Worth every penny. Campground is pristine, the bathrooms are probably the nicest I've ever used while camping." - Vanessa Naranjo. "The showers are huge, private, and had endless hot water with...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 60 accommodates up to 7 tents and 3 trucks, making it ideal for large groups. Site 30 is described as very private, located at the edge of the campground. Sites 66-69 lack shade due to tree...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible features include wheelchair-friendly campsites (7, 10) and a restroom/shower near site 11. The pygmy forest boardwalk is fully accessible, and beach wheelchairs are available upon request.
Based on 31 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcomed at the campground and beach but not allowed on trails. Owners are advised to keep dogs leashed and confined to tents or vehicles at night.
Based on 31 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025