If you’re looking for a great camping spot on California’s coast, look no further than Van Damme State Park! With varying landscapes, family-friendly attractions, and stunning views, it’s certainly a gem worth visiting.
Keep reading to find everything you need to know about Van Damme State Park camping!
What to Expect at Van Damme State Park
Located just a few miles south of the town of Mendocino in California, Van Damme State Park is a popular destination for camping, hiking, scuba diving, and enjoying the beautiful scenery!
The park features a protected beach, a lush forest, and a river that flows through it. And because of the temperate California climate, it’s open to camping and day visitors year-round.
Van Damme State Park Camping
Family Camping
Van Damme State Park has plenty of campsites for family camping. Visitors can choose from 63 standard campsites and five tent-only campsites. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, and although they aren’t required, they’re strongly recommended in the spring, summer, and fall.
Group Camping
Van Damme State Park has one campsite available for group camping between March and November. It can accommodate up to 50 people and 15 vehicles.
Backcountry Camping
For those that want a more off-the-beaten-path camping experience, Van Damme State Park offers backcountry camping, too! There are nine primitive campsites along the Fern Scenic Trail, available on a first-come-first-served basis. The hike to reach these campsites is just under two miles.
Things to Do at Van Damme State Park
Of course, when you’re planning a Van Damme State Park camping trip, you’ll want to know what there is to do. Below, we’ve listed the top attractions to help you prepare for your visit.
Hiking
Van Damme State Park offers hikes with varying lengths and levels of difficulty, so there’s something for almost everyone!
- Fern Canyon Scenic Trail – This moderate, eight-mile trail follows the Little River in the Fern Canyon. Hikers will enjoy a walk through the lush green forest full of ferns and redwoods. It takes around three hours to complete.
- Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail – This easy loop is less than a quarter-mile long. Visitors will walk along a boardwalk in the pygmy forest. Informational signs are posted along the way so that you can learn about the area, too.
- Pygmy Forest and Fern Canyon Loop – For the best of all the trails, take this easy, four-mile hike! It includes the Pygmy Forest Trail, the Old Logging Road Trail, and parts of the Fern Canyon Trail before looping back to where you began.
- Spring Ranch – Depending on where you begin the Spring Ranch trail, it can be either a two-and-a-half or four-mile hike. It’s easy, leisurely, and offers great ocean and coastline views.
Biking
Biking is another great way to explore the park! Several of the trails listed above, including the Fern Canyon Trail and Old Logging Road Trail, are open to mountain bikers, too.
Beach Activities
Of course, the park’s biggest highlight is its beach. If you’re camping at Van Damme State Park and want to take advantage, here are some activities to consider:
- Kayaking – Kayaking is a popular activity at Van Damme State Park, as it’s a great way to see the park’s caves and tide pools. And if you’re looking for something more organized, the park offers guided tours in the summertime.
- Scuba Diving – Scuba diving is another common activity at the park. Easy, gradual entry from the beach makes it accessible to beginners, though some past visitors have noted having to swim a bit far to see much. Overall, it’s best for newer divers because more experienced divers can find better spots in the area.
- Fishing – For those wishing to go fishing, Van Damme State Park offers access to the Little River and the Pacific Ocean. Common fish include lingcod and rockfish. Permits are required for anyone over the age of 16.
Activities for Kids
Throughout the summer, Van Damme State Park offers organized activities for kids of all ages. These include hiking, junior ranger programs, and more!
When to Visit Van Damme State Park
Moderate weather throughout the year means that Van Damme State Park is open for camping year-round! Temperatures usually hover in the 50s (Fahrenheit). However, summer is the peak season, so reservations are strongly recommended if you’re visiting between April and October.
Despite similar temperatures throughout the year, rainfall can vary. Typically, the park gets the most rain between November and March, making this a less desirable time to visit for most.
If you want to avoid crowds in the summertime, consider visiting on weekdays or at the very beginning or end of the season.
What to Pack
Now that you have your Van Damme State Park camping itinerary, the last step is deciding what to pack.
For the most part, your packing list should be determined by your camping plans. If you’re tent camping, you’ll need all of the basic supplies: a tent, sleeping bags, and cooking supplies, just to name a few. (For a full list of camping gear, check out The Ultimate Family Camping Checklist). You’ll need the RV Camping Essentials if you’re in an RV or trailer.
Then think about what activities you plan to do. If you plan to go snorkeling or kayaking, consider some water shoes. If you’re scuba diving, bring your gear (unless you plan to rent it). And if you’re hiking, bring a sturdy pair of sneakers or hiking boots.
Last, but not least, make sure to pack the appropriate clothes. Van Damme State Park is chilly, so bring a sweatshirt, sweatpants, long-sleeve shirts, and whatever else you need in cooler temperatures. Pack layers to adjust for different activities and weather when in doubt.
Wrapping Up Van Damme State Park Camping
If you’re taking a Van Damme State Park camping trip, you’re in for a treat! With both a beach and a lush forest, the park offers so much to see and do. Whether you plan to go hiking, biking, scuba diving, or fishing, we think you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
Looking for more camping guides? Check out our state park camping page or check out our list of The Best Places to Go Camping in California for more must-visit destinations!
