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

100%
(153)

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
97%
(119)

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%
(489)

Baby Banana Slug Farm

11 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
99%
(39)

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%
(310)

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
96%
(4791)

Jug Handle Creek Farm

20 sites · 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.
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$40
 / night
95%
(207)

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
Booked 20 times

Waterfall Camp

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Mendocino, CA
Welcome to Waterfall Camp. Come enjoy your stay with us on our beautiful 5-acre property centrally located, its only 10 min to the village of Mendocino, 5 minute drive to Caspar beach and 10 min to the town of Fort Bragg. Nestled on the edge of the Redwoods and Pygmy Forest, adjacent to Russian Gulch State Park. The property has private access into park which consists of many miles of beautiful Redwood trails,the trail to the waterfall, biking trails along with a trail that leads straight to the ocean. Come and relax around your private campfire and cook over the open flames or treat yourself to fine dining in Mendocino or Fort Bragg, the experience is at your fingertips. From camping under the stars to hiking and biking through the redwoods or kayaking up Big River, come let the Mendocino coast show you what it’s all about. Our goal is to make you feel right at home. Each of our three sites has a redwood deck with a sink and food prep space, potable water, remote solar lighting, picnic table, smokeless fire pit and grill, firewood, level parking area and tent pad. One of the three sites can accommodate a 25’ trailer. There is a beautiful redwood bathhouse with two outdoor showers and two flushing toilets. All water onsite is potable so make sure to top off before your day of adventuring. There is a horseshoe pit, cornhole, and badminton set for fun under the sun. All sites are a two min walk to the State Park trails and 5 min ride to Jackson state forest bike trails. It's about a half hour walk to the beautiful waterfall from our property. Large Groups are welcome to book all three sites with two additional RV locations. Also we have a fully stocked westfalia camper van to glamp in if your wanting to pack light for the weekend. We hope to make your stay with us a memorable and fun experience. Shay & Liz
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$75
 / night
95%
(113)

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!
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$65
 / night
94%
(26)

Otter Valley Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Comptche, CA
Otter Valley Farm sits in a sunny valley cradled by redwood forest. On one side of the property we host serene campsites nestled under the redwoods and on the other we run a small farm, garden and homestead with a menagerie of animals. We enjoy many warm sunny days in summer, with occasional foggy mornings. Fall and spring are both pleasant with a combination of sun, clouds and rain. Colder winters are moderated by coastal influence and California climate. Relax at camp, in the meadow or enjoy many nearby activities for kids and adults alike. Just 2.5 hours north of the Bay Area, the farm is near many local hiking trails amongst the world's tallest trees. We are a 30 min drive to the town of Mendocino and the many treasures of the Northern California Coast, including majestic beaches, fresh fish, whale watching, paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, hiking, hot springs etc. A drive of equal distance inland will take you to Anderson Valley, home of Hendy Woods State Park and a mecca for cider and wine tasting. Be advised that this is a working farm and there is an echo in the valley. While it is peacefully quiet most of the time, you may hear some daytime farm activity. We also have a guard dog who moves around with our flock of sheep and goats. She barks regularly after dark and when she perceives a potential predator. Please do not touch or enter the electric fences that contain the livestock. Do not try to pet or feed the livestock. ***There is no cell service on or within 15 minutes of our property. Wifi and a landline phone are available to campers in case of emergencies. **Pets must be kept on a leash at all times! For the safety of everyone including your pets, our dogs, and the various livestock on the farm, we can't allow any pets off leash.
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$40
 / night
99%
(50)

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
100%
(41)

Private Acreage on the Pacific

1 site · RV3 acres · Fort Bragg, CA
2.5 acres on the Pacific Ocean, with easy access to the beach. The land abuts a 10 mile paved trail along the coast. Excellent whale watching, good surfing , and plenty of wildlife. Fun to watch a osprey w/ a fish or deer nibbling on the grass. Cool ocean breeze is the best as temps in summer and fall typically 64° highs n 48° lows. Virgin Beach is right out the fence with good surfing n sand. There is path from the property to the "Haul Road" where lumber used to be hauled to a mill. This path is closed to cars, but you can walk, bike, or skateboard. If you go north you'll find McKerricker State Park, which has a nice boardwalk. Go south about 2 miles and you'll end up in the town of Fort Bragg. Dogs are welcome here.
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$55
 / 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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