Camping in Van Damme State Park

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Top-rated campgrounds near Van Damme State Park

96%
(5167)

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. 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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$45
 / night
89%
(56)

The Hideaway at Hole In The Wall

9 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Leggett, CA
**PLEASE READ** 1.) To get here stay on 101, don't take bell springs road. 2.) Yes there is a parking lot for extra vehicles! Just enough room for one vehicle AT each site but plenty of parking just across the bridge. 3.) Welcome to The Hideaway at The World Famous Hole in The Wall, a truly one-of-a-kind escape in rainforest like setting nestled in the heart of Northern California’s redwood country just up the road from the iconic Drive Through tree, The Grandfather Tree, and Confusion Hill. Tucked deep within a peaceful forest just off Highway 101 in Leggett, this hidden gem offers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, relaxation, and creativity. Giant chimes or a game of horse shoes. At the heart of the property is our namesake attraction—a stunning swimming hole carved into the rock wall by dynamite decades ago, ( Google hole in the wall Leggett) now transformed into a crystal-clear, refreshing oasis complete with cascading waterfalls. Lounge on redwood decks, picnic under the trees, play on the worlds biggest home made giant cylinder chimes in the sound garden or explore the surrounding fruit trees and lush forest paths, tire swings, or a game of horse shoes. Learn the local plants and their uses with signs that you can find describing each one around the property. That have been tended to with regenerative permaculture practices. The Hideaway isn't just a place to camp—it's a place to learn, create, and connect. We host educational permaculture workshops, music events, and hands-on learning experiences. Whether you're into fixing, building, or tinkering, you'll have access to all the tools you could ever need. Amenities include, invigorating outdoor hot showers, new picnic tables, and easy access right off the 101. Whether you're seeking solitude, a community vibe, or a bit of both, this is your chance to experience Northern California in a truly unique way. Come for the waterfall, stay for the magic. P.s. to get here type in "Hole in The Wall, Leggett, California." On Google maps or "Tan Oak Park" we're directly across the street from Tan Oak Park, there is a big blue water barrel by the mailbox. DO NOT TAKE BELL SPRINGS ROAD, JUST STAY ON THE 101 WE ARE LOCATED SO CONVENIENTLY ON THE 101 Follow blue arrows once you cross the big bridge.
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$100
 / night
98%
(193)

Meadow Farm & Forest

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · Fort Bragg, CA
Meadow Farm is a quiet and creative sanctuary surrounded by the forest. The ocean breezes freshen the air and the pulse of the planet is heard as the surf sounds travel to put us to rest at night.. We are a place for people experimenting with the new old ways to live with low impact and conservation of our precious resources. We offer affordable accommodations, organic gardening, and education on plants and living simply. We welcome your interest in veganic garden and diet, orchards, and forest trails. Our organic vegetables and fruit may be available if you wish to bring some of our farm to your table. We can offer you a quiet and peaceful place without social pressures if you wish to "decompress" from city life, jobs or any stressful times. Or come to the communal fire near the bathhouse for sharing some time with family and the few other campers that may be there. Bringing your own wood is welcome. The coastal bike and hike trails are many. From South of Ft Bragg to the Sand Dunes near Ward Ave. you can travel over 7 miles one way and go down to quiet little beach coves along the way. Meadow Farm is a nonprofit 501c3 with goals of coastal food security, disaster preparation and sheltering, carbon sequestering and forest restoration. We offer native plant tours on or off site with advance notice. We like our dog companions! Two McNab collies, Moxie and Shama live here and may bark at first...still very friendly and social with people and other dogs.. There are several dog friendly off-leash areas such as, Noyo North Harbor Beach, Seaside Beach and dog parks in both Ft Bragg and Mendocino. Our farm is dog friendly tho we wish pets to be kept close, must be neutered and friendly to other dogs and people. Please be sure to bury or bag the waste. Speaking of waste, Meadow Farm strives to reduce waste by avoiding plastic as much as possible, recycling what we can and composting our veggie scraps. Please bring your own waste receptacles and take them along when you go. We take ours to the Caspar Transfer Station which is open Saturday through Wednesday... the location and hours can be found online. Our water is from a deep well and we periodically test it for bacteria. It is cold and delicious. Our irrigation pipes that have spigots and hoses at each camp are safe for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Our solar pump moves water into storage tanks that provide all the water to the farm. It is very important that the water valves on your camp spigot is turned off (gently please) to avoid losing 2500 gallons of water in a short time. If you see a leak or break in a line please contact us immediately. There are also water shut offs for the camps on the west side of the Farm House if you are unable to reach us right away.. When doing dishes we request that you use the strainer to catch food particles from the dish water and toss them in your trash or compost bucket. If you have vegetable waste let us know and we can pick them up for adding to the worm bins or composting piles. We make worm "tea" fertilizer and rich soil from these offerings. No animal products or oil please... a few egg shells are okay. We do have the usual wildlife though we haven't had problems with them. Ravens will raid your camp if food or bags are left out while you are away. From dusk to dawn keep children and pets close. We coexist well here with the critters...and glad to have them. Wishing you a very peaceful and soul refreshing stay at Meadow Farm. Come and allow this natural setting to heal and restore your sense of well-being.
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$65
 / night
98%
(696)

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
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100%
(231)

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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$90
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99%
(442)

Heartwood Mendocino

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 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, camp sites and deluxe bath house. We have a great outdoor camp kitchen available for your use. The redwood tree shower must not be missed! 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 or a beach day 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!" Please remember that we are in the woods and there is wildlife around. We don't want them to get into your food items, and recommend that you place food items in the enclosed common room or in the critter proof cupboards in the outdoor kitchen.
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$76
 / night
95%
(20)

Ariana Acres

4 sites · Lodging2 acres · Willits, CA
Welcome to Ariana Acres! Located on Ridgewood Summitt just north of The Golden Rule. Final resting place of legendary race horse Seabiscuit. Up until 1969 Ridgewood Park was State owned. It feels like a park because that's what is was. Lake Walker is about a mile down the Summitt on a dirt road. It's the local watering hole on the mountain for boating, intertubing and swimming. At near 3000 feet elevation the views and sunsets are breathtaking from up here. Enjoy the surrounding deer, wildlife and various songbirds, or take an exhilarating walk on the Summitt with breathtaking views and fresh mountain air. Or lounge at your camp and choose a site to watch the sunset. The world renowned Skunk Train was named one of the top ten attractions in the United States by the New York Times. It runs from downtown Willits towards Ft. Bragg passing the world's largest Redwood tree. It is an open air steam locomotive. Guests of Ariana Acres receive 50% off. In summer you can rent railbikes. Skunk Train has different day and night railbike excursions ideal for couples. Ft. Bragg is an hour west on hwy 20 to the coast. Redwood Skywalk at Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka is two hours north in Humboldt County. Ariana Acres is perfect for families, lovers and their pets. Anyone traveling up and down the 101 we are 4 minutes to the hwy and 6 minutes to downtown Willits. For a less rugged experience the RV Park at Ridgewood Ranch has bathroom and shower facilities for $5. They are our direct neighbor to the south and home to the famous White Fallow deer. William Randolph Hearst imported them in from Europe and Charles Howard the owner of Seabiscuit loved them so much he bought some from his friend, and they remain here to this day. So rich in history and so much to do, or do nothing at all. BBQ on the grill, or sizzle on the griddle. Enjoy a great time off grid in the country in sunny northern California. Ariana Acres is a wellness resort in the making. We are still in development, and while we have worked to develop each site, we are still in the process of getting the water system in place for each site to have running water, a shower and flushing toilets. For now we have a local spring less than a mile away guests can rinse off and refill jugs.
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$21
 / night
98%
(128)

Glynraven Gardens

8 sites · Lodging, Tents200 acres · Hopland, CA
This is a fully operational legal cannabis farm in the mountains of Mendocino County, overlooking beautiful wine country. There are 5 full time residents living and caring for the farm that also includes an organic fruit orchard and veggie garden. The owner, Antler bought the property 20 years ago, and has lived full time here for 12 years. Antler has a vision for this communal farm to be a place for artists and others to come and create freely. As you explore this property you will see where his vision has come into play with many artists leaving their mark on this beautiful land in many forms. If you're looking to be inspired and get away from the usual and mundane... then this is the place to come. Many people have said this land holds some kind of special magic and there isn't anything like it. Antler is always excited to share the story of this land, so feel free to ask questions when you see him around!
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$100
 / night
88%
(24)

Duncan Peak Vineyards

3 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Hopland, CA
Welcome to our peaceful, organically farmed vineyard—conveniently located just off Highway 101 for easy access, yet surrounded by nature’s quiet charm. Our vineyard is entirely free of herbicides and chemical pesticides, so you can relax knowing you're camping in a clean, eco-friendly environment. You'll be staying on a working vineyard where a few full-time residents (both human and animal!) live on site. Pets are welcome! We have a few friendly resident dogs who roam freely during the day. They may bark when unfamiliar vehicles arrive, but they’re good with both people and other animals. Once they’ve had a chance to get familiar, they settle down quickly and usually go about their day. For everyone’s comfort, they’re brought indoors at night. Potable water is available on site for your convenience. We kindly ask that all guests remain fully self-contained throughout their stay, meaning you’ll need to use your own toilet and shower facilities. If needed, restrooms are also available at a nearby gas station. Looking forward to hosting you—feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
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$38
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Other options near Van Damme State Park

Camping in 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. 
97%
46 ratings · 15 reviews
  1. Van Damme State Park