Van Damme State Park Campground

Star4.49
98 reviews
Van Damme State Park, Highway 1, Mendocino, CA

Quick Facts

220 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

65 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Van Damme State Park Campground
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard campsite fee is $45 per night. Additional costs include $10 for firewood and $10 for RV dumping.
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

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Reserve California
Provider
707-937-5804access@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 98 reviews

71 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanshowersbeach

Some mention

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"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."

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Campground Map

Van Damme State Park, Highway 1, Mendocino, CA

Van Damme State Park Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Van Damme State Park Campground

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: kayak rentals and interpretive programs make summer especially appealing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open year-round; fall offers mild weather, good trail conditions and fewer crowds than summer.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Peak season includes spring; trails and coastal access are prime in milder weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round but winter can be cold; quieter weekdays and reduced programming.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Spring through Fall (reservations strongly recommended during these periods).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Fern Canyon Trail partially closed from Bridge 4 to Bridge 7; caution needed crossing temporary bridge.

About Van Damme State Park 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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers

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.
HikingVan 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.
SwimmingVan Damme Beach offers opportunities for swimming, but reviews focus more on kayaking and exploring tide pools.
BikingBiking 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.
BoatingKayaking 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 viewingVisitors 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 activitiesBeach activities include sunbathing, kayaking, and exploring tide pools. The beach is described as having white sand and being kid- and dog-friendly.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRogue 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.
Food Storage RequiredBear lockers available at campsites to store food securely.

Weather at Van Damme State Park Campground

Reviews

4.5
98 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Van Damme State Park Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 98 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 98 reviews

Common 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...
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Based on 98 reviews

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...
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Based on 98 reviews

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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Based on 98 reviews

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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Based on 98 reviews

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...
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Based on 98 reviews

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 98 reviews

Pet-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 98 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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