Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- 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.
- Online bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date, depending on the park’s maximum stay rules.
- Campsites can accommodate trailers and motorhomes up to 35 feet in length.
- Eight people are allowed per family campsite. Only three licensed pieces of equipment (including trailers and vehicles) are allowed in each campsite.
- Pay showers are available for registered campers.
- 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.
Van Damme State Park
A lush fern canyon and pygmy forest hug the coast just a few miles south of Mendocino.
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.
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.
Activities in the park
1 campground in Van Damme State Park
This site campground has sites spread out along a river and a bog, and has easy access to trails leading to the coast and charming pygmy forest. There are 69 reservable sites as well as a few hike/bike sites, and while they are not the most spacious, they still make for a great spot to soak up the beautiful surroundings. Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
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
Public campgrounds (book externally) —