Van Damme Sp Group Camping Area
Open for camping. Spring through fall reservations are strongly recommended and available up to six months in advance through ReserveCalifornia. A temporary single-lane bridge provides access to east-side campsites; large trailers may have difficulty navigating the 10-foot-wide crossing.
Beach Hazards Statement issued October 10 at 10:13PM PDT until October 12 at 5:00PM PDT by NWS Eureka CA
* WHAT...A very long period westerly swell will increase the threat of sneaker waves. * WHERE...Coastal Del Norte, Northern Coastal Humboldt, Southwestern Humboldt and Coastal Mendocino Counties. * WHEN...From 4 AM PDT Sunday through Monday afternoon. . * IMPACTS...Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches. These sneaker waves can also move large objects such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $160 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 27ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (707) 937-5804 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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