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The best camping near Van Damme State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Van Damme adventure.

97% (46 reviews)
97% (46 reviews)

A lush fern canyon and pygmy forest hug the coast just a few miles south of Mendocino.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Van Damme State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Van Damme State Park

96%
(4748)

Jug Handle Creek Farm

20 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres ¡ Caspar, CA
Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center is a nonprofit with a five minute walk to Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle beach and the Ecological Staircase trail. We offer 11 unique campsites with plenty of space and privacy. Each site has two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two cars and plenty of space for your tents. We also offer three lovely cabins, which have power and access to a shared kitchen and bathroom with a hot shower. Our 33 acres include a native plant nursery, community gardens, forests, meadows, and nature trails. Our site has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful and just a 5-minute walk to Jug Handle Beach and the Jug Handle Preserve. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural word. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about special rates and our immersive nature education programs.
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(143)

CAMPFIRE!

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Mendocino, CA
Come make yourself at home on our beautiful 10 acre property just up the road from the town of Mendocino. This site is only a 5 min drive to town, so it’s close to the beach, river access and local restaurants and shops.. Walk through the redwoods or enjoy the sunshine, the property offers a bit of it all! All we ask is that you make yourself at home!
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$60
 / night
99%
(291)

Heartwood Mendocino

6 sites ¡ Lodging40 acres ¡ Mendocino, CA
Our property is just minutes from Mendocino's beaches, parks and sweet town, yet private and quiet as it is surrounded by 50,000 acre state forest with world class hiking and biking trails directly accessed from our place.  Around the giant redwoods and meadows we have sprinkled in the most amazing little cabins and deluxe bath house. We have a great outdoor camp kitchen available for your use. This is a very special experience for us to share with you.  We are a family of campers. We agree, there's nothing better than a rest in a hammock following a hike and a river swim and a night under the stars without the constant dinging of cell and internet!  Guests love staying here: "Such a lovely getaway! Our family of four and little dog thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Heartwood. The cabins are great, with comfortable (warm) beds, very clean and cozy. It’s well worth the visit even in the winter! Really appreciated being outdoors surrounded by Redwoods, hiking the trails around the property, the modern bathrooms with hot showers, and the indoor sitting area to make coffee in the mornings. Our stay was relaxing, memorable and special!"
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$165
 / night
100%
(31)

Foxfern Forest

1 site ¡ Lodging8 acres ¡ Mendocino, CA
A unique private home milled glamping cabin designed and built by the host. Tranquility on the edge of a whimsical forest full of Redwood trees, Pines, Oaks, Hemlocks, Rhododendrons, Ferns, wildflowers and mushrooms. The cabin is on our 8 acre property, only about 7 minutes to the historic village of Mendocino. Beaches and trails close by and waiting for you to explore! Hear the ocean waves crashing in the distance, if you listen closely you may even hear the seals chatting. In the spring see the tall brilliant pink rhododendrons bloom. Star gaze at night and listen to the trees talking through the costal breeze while keeping warm by the fire pit, and stay cozy inside the cabin by the mini wood burning stove. Use the tea kettle to brew up a delicious drink to sip. All while making memories to last!
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$180
 / night
99%
(47)

House of Trees

1 site ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Albion, CA
The property is one acre of rural woods. One and a half miles down the ridge and across the Albion Bridge is a campground with canoeing, fishing, and small beach. Mendocino Village is 7 miles and Fort Bragg is 17 miles. At the bottom of Albion Ridge Road is a restaurant called the Ledford House. Beautiful sunsets can be seen from the restaurant. The surrounding area offers hiking, kayaking and fishing in the Noyo Harbor. House of Trees has NO cooking facilities inside or outside. Food to go can be warmed up in the toaster oven or toast made in the morning. I have provided a notebook with some of the restaurant menus in the area. The fire ban has been lifted so you can have a bonfire in the garden which is also not for cooking. 3/6/24 In late spring or early summer, I will have the sink I purchased installed with hot and cold running water. I will also provide a gas grill with a side burner for cooking outside only. Looking forward to being able to provide these amenities for my guests.
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$125
 / night
97%
(113)

Root's End

4 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres ¡ Mendocino, CA
Nearly four acres close to town and amenities, yet quiet and secluded. Away from any major roads and on quiet nights, the fog horn from the Big River buoy can be heard. Wildlife on the property include piliated woodpeckers, deer, raccoons, jack rabbits, bears (keep your trash and food inside!), mountain lions, foxes, and of course, our resident ravens. Wild huckleberries and rhododendrons are abundant among the redwoods and fir. A beautiful spot to spend the night!
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$70
 / night
98%
(485)

Baby Banana Slug Farm

10 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Albion, CA
Once an ancient Redwood grove full of mature redwood trees towering 250 feet in the air, This is a beautiful piece of property, very private, with an old growth Redwood snag still remaining and 30 foot diameter re-sprouted Redwood fairy rings. it has its own private entrance.In the redwood forest, lots of trees and other vegetation. Good wildlife watching area. 4 miles from the ocean. Campsites have own access point. Pack it in, pack it out. Please be respectful of neighbors and land around you.2 sites available - both with potable water, and area for campfires (outside of any burn ban), and toilet access. Firewood available for fee. Pets allowed.Guests love staying here: "This was such a treat. Nathan was a responsive, present host--made sure we had all of the wood we wanted. We were tucked away in the woods with great amenities... bathroom included. There is a beautiful tree on the campsite that made the whole experience magical. And my pup was free to run and around and bring me sticks. I will definitely come back again!"
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$60
 / night
100%
(37)

The Oak Show

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents33 acres ¡ Albion, CA
We are Albion locals lucky enough to call the Oak Show home. We live on the other end of the Oak Show property, a distance providing ample privacy for guests. We have two young children and two Lab mix dogs. You may see us walking along the driveway. Please drive slowly. We share this space with our neighbors, children, and pets. We also ask that campers be mindful of noise in the evenings and respect our rule of all amplified music being off between the hours of 10pm-8am.The water on our property comes from our well. Please be respectful of the drought conditions in our area and conserve water in any way possible.The base rate for this site includes up to four people, there is an extra charge of $15 per day, per person for any extra people. Campers can set up tents or trailers around the site and have access to the kitchen and bathroom, as well as an outdoor shower. There is a kegerator, gas grill, propane heater, and a corn hole set available (see Extras). There is plenty of space to set up multiple tents, perfect for a group. Navarro Beach and Van Damme State Beach are 15 minute drives away. The village of Albion has a general store and deli, as well as beautiful river and marina. A 20 minute drive North will get you to the village of Mendocino where you'll find shopping and restaurants, as well as access to hiking, biking, kayaking, and whale watching. Should you have any questions or need any help during your stay, we are just a short walk away and happy to help.We hope you enjoy our site and we look forward to hosting you!
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$150
 / night
100%
(66)

The Deck and Cozy Container

1 site ¡ Tent60 acres ¡ Albion, CA
**NEW** Rent our Cozy Container (see Extras) for a dry, warm and cozy Winter getaway!! Hello and welcome to The Deck on Albion Ridge! A Bit About Us and The Deck Site: Albion and the surrounding areas are the original home of the Pomo peoples Northern California and we honor their stewardship of this land for millennia before us. This property sits just above the Salmon Creek watershed which is home to coho salmon and steelhead, northern spotted owls, bears, dear, mountain lions, pileated woodpeckers, along with thousands of other species big and small, and so we feel it is our duty to uphold that stewardship of this land for future generations. We were both born and raised on the Mendocino Coast, and are now raising our two young children here. We have been developing and preserving the natural beauty of our coastal Redwood property here in Albion for the past 13 years. One of the first things we built on this property was a 2,000 sq ft deck that cantilevers over the hillside with a view of the Redwood ridges and Eastern sunrises beyond, all with wood milled from the property. Our vision for this deck was to host our family and friends and bring people together in this gorgeous outdoor setting. We have had many a birthday party, movie nights, baby showers, as well as a couple weddings and yoga retreats at this site, and now you can too! We can't wait to share the beauty and tranquility of this campsite with you! What We Offer: Camp next to, and make use of, our large Redwood deck with sweeping ridge top views. The base rate for this site includes up to four people, there is an extra charge of $25 per day, per person, for any extra people. We allow up to 16 campers total but if you're looking to have more please message us and we can talk details. Campers can set up tents just off the deck, OR for an extra fee (see Extras), you can rent our new addition of The Cozy Container, for the people that want to be in nature but don't quite want the fuss of pitching a tent. This sleeping container, not to be confused with the shipping container connected to the deck that houses the bathroom and kitchenette, houses a full size bed as well as a fold out futon and sleep 3-4 people comfortably. When booking the Cozy Container we will make up the full size bed with pillows, sheets and down comforter, however if you would like to also use the futon, we ask that you bring your own bedding for that. We also allow trailers and small RVs, we just ask that during the wet Winter months, you park in our gravel parking spaces. Connected to The Deck we have another 30 ft shipping container converted into a kitchenette and bathroom with toilet and running water. Behind that you'll find an enclosed shower with hot and cold water. We also have a grill, propane heater, cooler and a cornhole set available to rent (see Extras). There is plenty of space to set up multiple tents so this is the perfect spot to wrangle all those friends or family you’ve been missing and enjoy some quality time together in nature. The Area: The village of Albion has a well equipped grocery store and deli, as well as a hardware store and post office. There IS gas if you are in a pinch, but we recommend filling up long before you get to the coast, or making the drive up to Fort Bragg for gas. You will also find EV charging stations in Fort Bragg at the Boatyard Shopping center. Drive just 20 minutes North to the village of Mendocino where you'll find plenty of shops and restaurants as well as access to hiking, biking, kayaking, surfing and bird and whale watching. Please don't hesitate to ask us for recommendations for all things to eat, see and do while you're here. We love to share the beauty of the area with our guests! Dogs: We live on the property as a family of four with two young children and two friendly dogs. Our dogs Olive and Blue may greet you when you arrive, and might bark at your car, but rest assured they are friendly and when you get out of your car, call their names and they should come begging for pets. If you're not into dogs, that's totally fine. You can always text us and we will do our best to keep them home. Tenants/Neighbors: We do have one tenant on the property whose rental shares a road with The Deck site so you may see them coming and going, but there is no line of site from their rental to The Deck site. However, being that they are somewhat close we ask that campers be mindful of noise in the evenings and we ask that all amplified music be turned off between the hours of 10pm-7am. Should you have any questions or need any help during your stay, we are just a short walk away and happy to help. We love sharing the beauty of our land and all that the Mendocino Coast has to offer so don't hesitate to ask for our recommendations on all things Mendocino! Trash and Clean Up Expectations: We provide dish ware, glasses, utensils and some other odds and ends, in hopes that our guests will use less single use plastics and cut down on waste. However, we know there is always some level of trash that comes along with camping therefore, we provide trash bags and labeled trash and recycling bins, but we ask that our guests bring their trash with them when they leave. *If for some reason this is not possible, we can remove the trash for you for a fee of $15/bag, but you must message us prior to your departure and let us know that your are unable to take the trash with you. Otherwise we provide the operating hours of the solid waste disposal site (located just down the road) in our guest book in the kitchen container. We hope you enjoy our campsite and all it has to offer and we look forward to hosting you! Alex and Justin
from 
$100
 / night
95%
(186)

Forest Ocean Retreat

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents3 acres ¡ CA
Tree studded campsites with large view of the ocean. Not far off Hwy 1. Many beaches to choose from a few miles away. Close to Anchor Bay, Gualala and Point Arena. Large secluded sites with picnic tables and plenty of room to pitch a tent. Porta potty and potable water available. Great place to get away. Please note ticks are always prevalent on the coast and Spring time there are more of them please make sure you and your dog are protected.
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$49
 / night
95%
(111)

Redwood Forest Raven Haven

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents2 acres ¡ Albion, CA
Quiet, private campsites in the Redwoods. Raven Haven 1 has Easy back in from low traffic county road for small trailers and large RV's. Large, approximate 1/4 acre, mostly forested with nooks and crannies for private sleeping and tents. 2 large level areas. Raven Haven 2 is smaller and closer to my home, but still very private and quiet with more Foxes and Ravens. Great for tents, vans, and smaller RVs. Beautiful, instantly warming, fire safe propane fire pit provided for heat. Wood fire pit also available when it is safe. You must be self contained. Haul it in , haul it out, please. Water and electricity available. Many forest animals and Ravens living on the property. Your well behaved dog will not require a leash at Raven Haven 1. Sorry, due to the tiny goldfish pond, no dogs at Raven Haven 2, small well behaved dogs on leash is a possibility. Really great for campers wanting to relax in the Redwoods, not so great for loud partying. These are not party camps. It is in the forest so the mostly Redwood canopy provides some protection from the weather. Close to many beaches and parks. Albion is 7 miles south of Mendocino and 15 moles south of Fort Bragg. Thank You for your interest!
from 
$65
 / night
100%
(229)

Many Moons Homestead

3 sites ¡ Lodging2 acres ¡ Albion, CA
Situated on 1.5 acres, the old farmhouse, where our family lives is said to be one of the very oldest houses in Albion... built in 1865! When we got the place in 2018, it was in pretty bad disrepair and the land was a a jungle of brambles, holly bush, and tons of buried trash. Pregnant and feeling brave (also very naive), we dug into loving up the land and home. Here we are, nearly 6 years later, with a sweet little dude climbing the old plum tree, a babe in arms, a secret garden filled with all kinds of wild and cultivated edible and medicinal plants to enjoy. It makes our hearts really happy to care for this land and we love to share it with folks looking to slow down and connect with this beautiful place we get to call home. We view ourselves as just the current stewards of this beautiful place. This was home to the flora and fauna for hundreds of thousands of years before people, then home to the Pomo people for many generations, then a slew of immigrants and homesteaders, and now us. As our motto goes, This land, home, trees, and forest animals have been here for many moons before us; it's our greatest hope to be worthy stewards to ensure its health and vitality for many more.
from 
$130
 / night

The best camping near Van Damme State Park guide

Overview

About

Due to its scenic beauty and easy access from State Route 1, Van Damme State Park is a popular stop for day hikers and scuba divers. These 1,831 acres are made up of a protected beach cove and a trail system that follows the fern-carpeted canyon of Little River. From the end of the drive-in Van Damme Campground you can hop on the Fern Canyon Scenic Trail and connect to the pygmy forest loop, a 9-mile trek that includes a bog called the Cabbage Patch, where skunk cabbages are in abundance. Kayaking along the coast and around nearby sea caves is another must-do activity.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Campsites can be reserved via ReserveCalifornia six months in advance, based on availability. Van Damme Campground has a limited number of first-come, first-served camping sites. 
  2. Online bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date, depending on the park’s maximum stay rules.
  3. Campsites can accommodate trailers and motorhomes up to 35 feet in length.
  4. Eight people are allowed per family campsite. Only three licensed pieces of equipment (including trailers and vehicles) are allowed in each campsite.
  5. Pay showers are available for registered campers.
  6. Check-in begins at 2pm and check-out time is noon.

When to go

The climate is temperate year-round at Van Damme State Park, where coast redwoods soak up the mist. Campers should prepare for changeable weather conditions as well as cold, swift ocean waves. Rain is most typical during winter months, while cool summer fog tends to burn off by mid-morning. It’s best to dress in layers you can remove while hiking or kayaking. During weekends and holidays, set off early on the hiking trails to allow time for exploration and avoid the crowds. Sunset is a popular time for visitors to linger at Van Damme Beach. The park is open for day use from 8am to 9pm. 

Know before you go

  • Leashed dogs are only allowed in the campground, on the beach, and at Spring Ranch.
  • Firewood may be purchased at the campground. Do not gather dead or downed wood.
  • Anglers over the age of 16 must carry a valid fishing license.
  • State law requires that all bicycle riders under the age of 18 wear bicycle helmets.
  • All park features are protected by state law and may not be disturbed or collected. 

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