Have you heard of Mendocino, California? I have known the name but have never visited this place. When I booked the campground, Van Damme State Park Campground, I did not expect to be able to camp so close to a beach and a forest. I didn’t even know that the park was in Mendocino County either. I know, I should do some research more when booking LOL.
Let me tell you how amazing this camping site is!
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LOCATION OF VAN DAMME STATE PARK
Van Damme State Park is located in Mendocino County. It is between San Francisco and Eureka, California. It is about 150 miles (3-hour drive) from either town. The park entrance is by Shoreline Highway #1.
VAN DAMME STATE PARK CAMPGROUND
This campground is conveniently located across the street from the Pacific Ocean! Each campsite appears to be a good size. Our campground site was #14, with some tree shade and grass throughout the site. Campsites from #14 to #17 have the same layouts.
To go to the restrooms, we had to walk along the road within the campsite. You should bring headlamps or flashlights when you go to the restroom at night.
Look at the night sky picture! It was full of stars at night. an experience even more breathtaking in person! Drifting off to sleep, you’re lulled by the ocean’s waves. Our stay was serene, free from party campers and loud music, ensuring tranquil nights.
Water Spigot
What I like about the California State Park campgrounds is that there are enough water spigots for all campers and conveniently located throughout the campsite. This type of water spigot is the one that you have to hold the handle of the spigot to keep it pouring. When my kids did dishes there, water splashed everywhere and they got soaked. Guess we didn’t need the beach!
Campsite Amenities
TEMPERATURE in Mendocino
When we visited this campground in the middle of October, it was warm enough but not so cold during the daytime. I was wearing a short sleeve t-shirt inside of a hoodie. It cools down at night and through the morning. We didn’t need the heater but it might have been nice to have it in the tent.
We used a lot of firewood to warm up while having dinner at around 7 pm. Yes, it was cold in the evenings. Bring lots of warm clothes when you camp here in October.
Van Damme State Park CAMPGROUND FACILITIES
Bathrooms
Van Damme State Park Campground has lots of restrooms and three bathhouses with shower rooms. We skipped the shower at this time because we forgot to bring towels. I always forget something. It seems like you need to put in tokens to start the showers. I did not see the token exchange box outside of the bathroom.
If you plan to take a shower, ask the park ranger at the entrance or the campground host about exchanging tokens. We have been to several restrooms on the campgrounds but didn’t see hand soap in the restrooms. Carry travel hand soap with you when you go to the restrooms there.
Van Damme State Park Visitor Center
When you go through the park entrance, you will see the Visitor Center and bathrooms on the left side of the road. They have some gift items and also lots of maps and information brochures for the area around Mendocino County. The staff were very nice and explained where to go and what to see around the park!
Campground Rules
EV Car Charging Station at Van Damme State Park
Van Damme State Park is one of the California State Parks where you can find EV-car charging stations. It is located near the entrance. This is very convenient for EV-Car users!
ACTIVITIES IN VAN DAMME STATE PARK
Beach near the campground
It’s so amazing to have both the redwood forest and beach access within the same campground! Even though there are no campgrounds on the beach, the trail distance to the beach is so short. It is just across the street from the campground entrance. The beach is for day use only. There is a decent-sized parking lot and also a vaulted restroom as well.
Fern Canyon Trail at Van Damme State Park
When you go to the end of the campground, you will find the hiking trail, “Fern Canyon Trail.” You could walk to the hiking trailhead but it is quite a distance from the campground by foot. We drove to the trailhead but there were limited parking spaces and could not find an available parking spot. So, we drove a little back the way we came and parked the car. It is still way closer than our campsite.
Fern Canyon Trail was so beautiful and quiet. As it is named, “Fern Canyon”, we saw a lot of ferns along the creek. We enjoyed hiking the nature trail!
STORE NEARBY
Little River Market
It takes a minute to drive to Little River Market from the campground. I’m surprised by how big the selection of wine is. In addition to wine, they have some groceries such as sandwiches, dairy, sausage, and bacon. It is a mini-mart so not as much as a grocery store.
LET’S EXPLORE NEAR Mendocino
Mendocino
Driving on Shoreline Highway #1 for only 3 minutes will take you to the town, Mendocino. The town is so pretty and you will see the gorgeous view. We went to the visitor center and saw the history, had lunch and enjoyed the beach too. This place is so photogenic, so make sure to bring a camera!!
Big River Beach
If you like rivers, here is one near Mendocino. Easy to get to, and plenty of room to swim! But the water was freezing cold. Kids didn’t mind the cold and enjoyed playing in the sand and water.
MY THOUGHTS
Van Damme State Park Campground, located near Mendocino in Northern California, is a paradise for campground camping enthusiasts and nature lovers! Camping at a state park like Van Damme offers scenic beauty with its lush forests and ocean wave sounds. Despite its popularity, the campground maintains a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding in nature.
THINGS TO CONSIDER TO BRING FROM OUR EXPERIENCE
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For the ultimate camping gear guide, don’t miss our blog post: “What to Bring for Tent Camping: Your Complete Checklist”
BOOK A Van Damme State Park CAMPSITE AT RECREATION.GOV
Ask the campground if the campfire is permitted or not before you go.
This campground is very popular as well as others in Redwoods. Reserve spots as early as you can. Good luck!
