Van Damme State Park Campground, California (Guide + Reviews)
Overview
Van Damme State Park sits at the mouth of Little River, just south of Mendocino village. It’s a rare blend of redwood forest and ocean breeze — with fern-filled canyons, lush trails, and a sheltered beach right across Highway 1. The campground is tucked into a narrow, forested canyon alongside the Little River, offering shady serenity just steps from the coast.
What Campers Are Saying
Overall vibe: “Peaceful, cool, and lush.” Campers love the sound of the creek, the short walk to the beach, and easy access to both forest and ocean adventures. It’s one of the few campgrounds where you can explore redwoods and tidepools in the same afternoon.
Highlights
- Fern Canyon Trail: lush redwood and fern hike directly from camp.
- Beach access: Van Damme Beach across Highway 1 for kayaking, diving, and sunset strolls.
- Coastal air: cool, misty mornings and perfect sleeping weather.
- Convenience: 5 minutes to Mendocino village for food and supplies.
Frictions to plan around
- Fog and moisture: coastal air means damp tents and slow drying gear.
- High demand: summer weekends book quickly.
- Road noise: a few sites near Highway 1 hear passing cars.
- Small sites: better suited for tents and small trailers than large RVs.
Camper Quotes
“Loved waking up to redwoods and walking to the beach for coffee.”
“The Fern Canyon Trail was like stepping into Jurassic Park.”
“So peaceful — ocean by day, creek sounds by night.”
“Cool, damp, and cozy — bring tarps and layers.”
Campsites & Amenities
- Sites: ~74 sites for tents, trailers, and small RVs (under 30 ft recommended).
- Hookups: none — dry camping with potable water.
- Facilities: flush toilets, coin showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and food lockers.
- Access: paved roads; some sites close to Little River creek.
- Pets: allowed in campground and paved areas, not on trails.
Booking & Availability
Reservations: via ReserveCalifornia.com. The campground is open year-round, but coastal fog keeps it cool even in midsummer. Sites are most popular May–October, especially weekends.
Tip: Book Fern Canyon–side sites (#20–40) for the quietest redwood setting and creek sounds at night.
Best Sites
- #22–28: near the creek, shaded, and surrounded by redwoods.
- #35–40: farther back, private and quiet with lush forest views.
- #1–5: closest to the entrance for easier access to the beach.
Bring warm bedding — nights dip into the 40s even in August, and mornings are misty until late morning.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Russian Gulch State Park: just north, ocean-view sites and waterfall hike.
- Mackerricher State Park: farther north near Fort Bragg with oceanfront loops.
- Albion River Campground: public-private hybrid with river access and kayak rentals.
Map & Directions
From Mendocino, drive 3 miles south on Highway 1 to Little River. The campground entrance is clearly signed on the east side of the highway, across from Van Damme Beach.
Address: 8001 N Highway 1, Little River, CA 95456
Van Damme State Park FAQ
Are there hookups?
No — this is a dry campground with potable water and showers available.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on leash in camp and on paved roads, but not on trails or the beach.
Can you walk to the beach?
Yes — it’s directly across Highway 1, about a 5-minute walk from camp.
When’s the best time to visit?
Late spring through early fall — the forest is lush and the fog breaks often for sunsets.
Is it family-friendly?
Very — easy beach access, flat trails, and calm creekside camping make it ideal for families.
What are the chances I’ll see Bigfoot?
Pretty solid — rumor says he’s partial to the Fern Canyon Trail and loves foggy selfies. 👣🌿📸
