Van Damme Sp Campground

About

Van Damme State Park offers one of the most scenic camping experiences on California's North Coast. The main campground occupies a sheltered canyon along the Little River, where towering second-growth redwoods and lush ferns create a cool, shaded environment even during summer months. The park's 63 standard sites and 5 tent-only sites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, though a temporary single-lane bridge currently requires careful maneuvering for larger rigs. The park spans from a protected beach cove to the ridgetop Pygmy Forest, connected by the popular Fern Canyon Trail. This 2.5-mile path follows an old logging skid road through dense sword ferns and redwoods. The Pygmy Forest, accessible via a boardwalk, showcases an ecological oddity where acidic hardpan soil stunts cypress and pine trees to just a few feet tall despite being decades old. Campers have access to flush restrooms with hot showers, potable water, and a dump station. Fire rings are provided at sites, though firewood must be purchased and gathering dead wood is prohibited. Dogs are welcome in the campground but prohibited on most trails. The beach provides tidepooling opportunities and kayak access to sea caves.

Directions

From Mendocino, drive 3 miles south on Highway 1. The park entrance is on the east side of the highway. From Fort Bragg, drive 10 miles south on Highway 1.