Best Camping in and near Van Damme State Park

97% (46 reviews)

A lush fern canyon and pygmy forest hug the coast just a few miles south of Mendocino.

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Stay at a public campground in Van Damme State Park

97%

(46)

Van Damme Campground

69 sites · RVs, Tents In Van Damme State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Van Damme State Park

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Jug Handle Creek Farm

20 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Caspar, CA

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ **PLEASE NOTE** Construction of our new bathrooms will be taking place during the months of October and November 2024. Construction will take place between the hours of 7:30am and 5:30pm, Monday through Thursday, and it will be noisy. We apologize for the disruption, but look forward to being able to offer this amenity to our campers in the future! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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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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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Forest Ocean Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · CA

Tree studded campsites with large view of the ocean. Not far off Hwy 1. Many beaches to choose from a few miles away. Close to Anchor Bay, Gualala and Point Arena. Large secluded sites with picnic tables and plenty of room to pitch a tent. Porta potty and potable water available. Great place to get away. Please note ticks are always prevalent on the coast and Spring time there are more of them please make sure you and your dog are protected.

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Root's End

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Mendocino, CA

Nearly four acres close to town and amenities, yet quiet and secluded. Away from any major roads and on quiet nights, the fog horn from the Big River buoy can be heard. Wildlife on the property include piliated woodpeckers, deer, raccoons, jack rabbits, bears (keep your trash and food inside!), mountain lions, foxes, and of course, our resident ravens. Wild huckleberries and rhododendrons are abundant among the redwoods and fir. A beautiful spot to spend the night!

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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!"

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(93)

Pickle Barrel Cabin and Camp

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Anchor Bay, CA

This 10 acre property is located on the coastal ridge, often above the fog. You will be on the Pacific plate looking across to the North American plate, looking down on the San Andreas fault! Near artsy, coastal towns. Wonderful location for relaxing after a day of hiking and exploring beaches and forests.. In the winter months, it can provide a peaceful retreat and often dramatic storm watching. Peaceful, security-gated property with a campsite for RV's/tent camping for maximum of 6, and the charming Pickle Barrel cabin for 2 is available. You can book either one or both. Either way, you will have the entire site for your stay. Outside wood campfires are allowed seasonally, but unless there is a fire ban, propane fire pits are allowed year round. Hot showers are available 15 minutes away with purchase of a day pass and quarters. The owners and their dog live on site about 50 yards away. You may see us doing our walks. Centrally located. 10 minutes from beaches, rivers, state parks, Stornetta Lands National Monument, and towns, i.e., Gualala, Point Arena, or Anchor Bay.

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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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Shangri-La

8 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Upper Lake, CA

For 21 years, we have worked on keeping this property as a Sacred Space. There's a meadow with an Indian artifact and amazing views. We are a team, husband and wife, this is off-the-grid and we raise our children here. At the same time, we grow organic food and work on our crafts and spiritual practice, never using chemical fertilizers, and keeping all of the groundwater clear and clean with an abundance of spring water for drinking. This is a magical forest retreat and we love to share it with others who are like-minded. Right out of the Mendocino National Forest, 100-Acre Forest and Meadow Retreat is just minutes to the Eel River out of the small town of Potter Valley and 15 minutes to Lake Pillsbury. Private views, fresh spring water and endless possibilities. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******We have 2 campsites currently with fresh spring water, and fire pits. Private and in the woods. Lots of hiking on the land, with stunning views. Bring your own tent, hammock, food whatever you need to be a happy camper!! In the spring of 2019 we added in 2 new yurt sites, with soaking tubs, filled with hot spring water. We have 2 campsites to book for regular camping tents and we just added a community bathroom . Nestled away in the forest very private queen size bed natural spring water for soaking in the tub on your porch. In addition for comfort and convenience we have a nice bathroom with hand-washing station. Each yurt can come with propane heat in winter time you need to request it, in the Extras. making it cozy all year long. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******.

99%

(41)

Butterfly Landing🦋🦋🦋

3 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Philo, CA

Butterfly Landing A Place to Land. Breathe. Slow way down. Enjoy. Please read this Description in entirety. We are so delighted to share this spot with you. This is a shared campground with 3 separate spots that are relatively private. Host will NOT be there when you arrive unless prior arrangement made. This campground is yours to enjoy. The expectation is 'leave it better than before so the next guests may enjoy! This is camping. BRING YOUR OWN GEAR. Put your own linens and bedding on top of what is already on bed. I can provide linens and bedding for an extra $25 for glamping spots. Beds have pillows on them. There is wildlife. This includes bears and mountain lions in the area. You will not see either but good to be aware they exist. This is a safe 'neighborhood'. We do not have problems with thievery. However, always keep your valuables safe IN YOUR CAR. There is no Power. No WiFi. Cell phone coverage not guaranteed. Depends on your carrier. DOWNLOAD DIRECTIONS AND INFO BEFORE ARRIVING TO SITE. There is Poison Oak. Stay in the designated areas. If you are susceptible, bring and wash with Tecnu. Or use dish soap and wash. Poison oak is an oil. Most importantly: Don't Touch. No Fires allowed during Summer months. Be super careful. No candles. Smoke in fire pit area. Grass is a tinderbox. 1 spark can ignite all. There is a hose connected to kitchen. There is a Pet Fee of $25 per stay. 1 pet per site allowed unless prior arrangement made. You are responsible to clean up after your pet and to make sure pet is safe and respectful to neighbors. This means you DO NOT leave your pet unattended, and is leashed at all times. If your pet is barking continuously, we ask that you leave. It is not respectful for all other neighbors. Please bring your own bed for your dogs and clean up after a shedding dog if you are indoors. We ask that guests clean up your camping spot upon departure to 'make the place better than before' for the next guests. Butterfly Landing is a sweet landing spot! Birds, butterflies and small wildlife love this spot. The habitat includes many native species of plant life. A pretty knoll that is on the top of a 40 acre property. Views of vineyards, redwood trees, valley floor, and expansive sky. Private, Quiet and beautiful. A central sunny meadow ties together 3 distinct private areas with a communal kitchen, bath-house, picnic-table sitting area and parking on the side. There is 1 outhouse that has a mailbox system to ensure privacy. (Please read manual on picnic table for instructions) Kitchen. 2 burner propane stove, and sink with running water (cold). (Good for drinking. Pressure is low) There is basic cooking and dishware. Cleaning supplies. A Trash and Recycle Bin. And a Compost bucket where all food scraps should be disposed of and then covered with wood-chips. Kitchen should stay clean at all times. Please put dishes away in the tote to keep clean and critter free. Bath-house. Shower with hot water. 1 shared Outhouse. Please use the path that goes to the outhouse (unless you are in the Greenroom) and make sure you put the mailbox red flag up so that others know it is occupied. ((Then don't forget to put it back down!!) Common sitting area. There are 2 picnic tables, Lots of umbrellas that can be moved wherever, a fire pit/table and lots of seating. Parking. There are room for 3 vehicles. Parking is to be in designated parking area please. Vineyard View tent area: You can park, unload right below site. Please do not drive down to Bluebell Tent. There is a cart and wheelbarrow to bring gear down. Sunny meadow and forest shade make this a lovely landing spot to relax and enjoy nature, and a great opportunity to turn off those cell phones!! Butterfly Landing is about 1/2 mile from HWY 128 that runs through Anderson Valley. This location is the perfect location for it all. Wine tasting in the Valley, Navarro River swimming during the summer months, and the Mendocino coast is nearby. We offer 3 Unique Glamping/Camping choices. Bluebell is a Glamping Tent that sits on a beautiful deck with a unique porch with a built in dining 'table'. It's on the lower part of the Meadow. This is the most sunny spot, and the larger of the 2 spaces. Also the most private. Queen-sized bed. And a futon bed. Views of the valley through the trees and a magnificent Bay tree nearby. The Green Room is a small sunny Room with a lovely outdoor semi-enclosed porch with a bar counter that can be used for dining. Custom built using recycled materials. The Green room sits at the top of the meadow, and is close to all of the facilities, but is relatively private. It's best for 2 people. But a tent could be set up next to cabin. The Vineyard View Tent Spot is a perfect area for setting up tents. Good for a family or group of friends. There is a sitting spot, a cot, and the view of the neighboring vineyard is beautiful. Up to 3 tents. Max 6 people. This is an Honor system camping spot. We ask that you leave your spot 'better than before', as in 'Leaver no Trace'. I rely on everyone to do their part in the communal kitchen to keep clean and free of critters. SUPER IMPORTANT to put all food scraps in the compost bin. NO food anything in the trash. This is how the bears show up. Please do your part. Thank you so much. It is my honor to share this land with you.

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Foxfern Forest

1 site · Lodging8 acres · Mendocino, CA

A unique private home milled camping cabin designed and built by the host. Tranquility on the edge of a whimsical forest full of Redwood trees, Pines, Oaks, Hemlocks, Rhododendrons, Ferns, wildflowers and mushrooms. The cabin is on our 8 acre property, only about 7 minutes to the historic village of Mendocino. Beaches and trails close by and waiting for you to explore! Hear the ocean waves crashing in the distance, if you listen closely you may even hear the seals chatting. In the spring see the tall brilliant pink rhododendrons bloom. Star gaze at night and listen to the trees talking through the costal breeze while keeping warm by the fire pit, and stay cozy inside the cabin by the mini wood burning stove. Use the tea kettle to brew up a delicious drink to sip. All while making memories to last!

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Locus Solus

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Point Arena, CA

Tired of the scorching heat? Come chill out on the coast where it's always 20 degrees cooler than everywhere else. Located in the coastal prairie minutes from the Pacific Ocean and the town of Point Arena. Plenty of privacy to launch into day trips and other adventures in this special corner of the world. The Octagon and the campsite offer solitude, stunning views, bird watching, and walking trails on the property. We're 5 mins from town, the cove, various beaches, tide pools, the historic lighthouse, fishing spots, and the B Bryan Animal Preserve where you can view African animals and hand feed giraffes. Come find what you've been missing!

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EL EL Cool Ranch

1 site · Lodging80 acres · Ukiah, CA

Welcome to our majestic homestead nestled on 80 acres of pristine wilderness, up a private secluded road just outside of Ukiah. Situated off Highway 253 towards Booneville, our enchanting retreat offers a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventurers alike. In the winter months, the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, with streams, creeks, and waterfalls cascading through the lush forests. Lichen adorns the trees, while curious newts explore their surroundings. It's a magical time to reconnect with nature and marvel at the beauty of the season. As the temperatures rise in the summer, our homestead comes alive with vibrant gardens bursting with vegetables and flowers, fruit trees in bloom, and a tranquil pond offers the perfect spot for a dip. Keep an eye out for the unique wild ponies that call this valley home, adding to the allure of the landscape. Explore hiking trails that wind through the property, offering glimpses of wildlife and breathtaking vistas at every turn. Nearby rivers and creeks beckon for swimming, while the majestic redwoods and stunning coastline are just a short drive away. Our dome, a true architectural gem, provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for guests. With its remarkable acoustics, it's the perfect setting for yoga sessions, writing retreats, or simply soaking in the serenity of the surroundings. In the colder months, cozy up next to the wood stove and indulge in a hot bath while a pot of soup simmers on the stove. Accessible via a well-maintained gravel and dirt road, our homestead offers a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Please note that AWD/4WD is required during the winter months to navigate the terrain safely. Whether you're seeking solitude and reflection or adventure and exploration, our majestic homestead offers something for everyone. We invite you to experience the magic of our sanctuary and create memories that will last a lifetime. Welcome home.

The best camping near 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

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.
Online bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date, depending on the park’s maximum stay rules.
Campsites can accommodate trailers and motorhomes up to 35 feet in length.
Eight people are allowed per family campsite. Only three licensed pieces of equipment (including trailers and vehicles) are allowed in each campsite.
Pay showers are available for registered campers.
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.