Van Damme Sp Group Camping Area

About

Van Damme State Park's group camping area is located three miles south of the village of Mendocino on Highway 1. The park's campground sits in a lush canyon setting among second-growth coastal redwoods, Douglas fir, and a fern-lined understory along Little River. The single group site shares the campground's infrastructure including restrooms with showers, potable water, and an RV dump station. The park is best known for Fern Canyon Trail, a 2.5-mile path following Little River through dense fern groves, and the Pygmy Forest, where acidic soils and hardpan create a stunted forest of mature yet miniature cypress and pine trees accessible via boardwalk. The day-use beach area at the river mouth offers tide pooling, kayak access, and diving opportunities in the adjacent Van Damme State Marine Conservation Area. A temporary single-lane bridge (10 feet wide, 53 feet long) currently provides access to east-side campsites. Groups with large trailers should inspect the bridge before crossing and may need to park in the beach lot. Firewood must be purchased on-site; gathering dead wood is prohibited.

Directions

From Mendocino, drive three miles south on Highway 1. The park entrance is on the left (east) side of the highway.