Van Damme State Park
Van Damme State Park
4.5
About
Picturesque spot known for its Pygmy Forest of small trees and Fern Canyon.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
25 within 5 kms
Attractions
25 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
241 reviews
Excellent
162
Very good
56
Average
19
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Kelly N
San Mateo, CA54 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Such an amazing place!! I loved the tidepools and can't wait to go back! I look forward to camping and appreciate all of the State Parks.
Written August 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventure41446654456
1 contribution
May 2023 • Solo
Beautiful state Park, Beach and campground. The host was very nice & helpful and the campground is very well maintained. The sites are huge and there's a creek running through the area. The beach is just across the road, only a few minute's walk.
Written May 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Minootravels
46 contributions
Sept 2022
If you love to hike in a beautiful setting, this is the place. There is camping also. For hikers, park across the road at the beach to avoid paying an entrance fee.
Written September 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RobsLassie
California65 contributions
Jul 2022
We enjoy the hike in Van Damme State Park every time we visit Mendocino. The Fern Valley Trail is an easy hike along the floor of the canyon. The hike up to the interesting Pygmy Forest is a bit more challenging - a 1.2 mile uphill - but it's worth the climb for hardy hikers. Gorgeous walk along the Little River, which winds under ten bridges along the trail. Ferns, flowers, and towering trees.
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jaseaton
Silver Spring, MD2,629 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
On our way out of Mendocino, we stopped off at this park for the pygmy discovery trail. The area has a unique geology which has led to the growth of "stu.ted pines and other flora that, in many cases, are unique to just this park. Lovely boardwalk trail with good and interesting signage.
Written April 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda M
Redlands, CA36 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
The Pygmy forest is worth a visit. It is an easy walk on a boardwalk with signs describing the plants and why their growth is so slow. Not to be missed!
Written September 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MinooTravels
Hercules, CA201 contributions
Jul 2021
Take the Fern Canyon Trail for a lovely experience. This trail also leads to the Pygmy Forest - if you are so inclined to high up hill. The Fern Canyon Trail is an easy hike.
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
California_momofsix
Fairfield1,085 contributions
May 2021
This is only a review of the Pygmy forest, since that is all we had time to see on our recent trip.
You can get to the pygmy forest from the hiking trails, but you can also drive right up to the interpretive loop and park next to the pygmy forest. There is a short loop, raised trail consisting of wooden boards. To be honest, the pygmy forest is not very scenic. I would recommend reading the plaques that help to explain what you are seeing to better appreciate how special these little trees are. Great place for a short walk with kids. There was no charge to park.
You can get to the pygmy forest from the hiking trails, but you can also drive right up to the interpretive loop and park next to the pygmy forest. There is a short loop, raised trail consisting of wooden boards. To be honest, the pygmy forest is not very scenic. I would recommend reading the plaques that help to explain what you are seeing to better appreciate how special these little trees are. Great place for a short walk with kids. There was no charge to park.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nancym520
Salinas, CA5 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Our Tent site was burglarized. They were clearly interrupted and only got some low value but important stuff like a sleeping bag, all cooking gear , one persons clothing among other things which means we had to leave 2 nights early since we did not have appropriate night gear.
Happened between 9 am and 4 when the entry kiosk was being “manned” so we were lulled into feeling safe.
Happened between 9 am and 4 when the entry kiosk was being “manned” so we were lulled into feeling safe.
Written April 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pi_Beach
California, United States191 contributions
Nov 2020
Camped at the Lower Loop. My camp site has paved driveway, picnic table, fire pit but no power and no water. Restrooms were clean and well maintained. The Lower Loop tend to be closer to other campers and had a lot of RV campers. The Lower Loop is also a short walk to the beach. This campground is a good base to explore the Mendocino area. Campers and camp personnel were practicing covid safety protocols --- masks, social distancing. It was cold at night during this visit, so prepare appropriately. Only negative experience we had was with a nearby inconsiderate RV camper constantly running a very loud generator. Other than that, it was great camping and definitely we'll be camping here again.
Written January 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl W
Fremont, CA91 contributions
How the the bugs (mosquitoes) this time of year (early June)? I'm camping in the lower area of the camp ground next week and wonder if I'll need my screen tent.
swimmer283
San Rafael, CA95 contributions
We weren’t camping there, just hiked the Fern Canyon Trail. We didn’t notice any mosquitoes though on our 9 mile hike.
We did walk on the trail next to Big River and when we got close to the marsh, there were a lot of mosquitoes.
Have a great trip. The park is absolutely beautiful.
Does Van Damme have a water spigot where I can fill a 20 gallon water tank in my camper?
authentikate
Denver, CO10 contributions
what site is best (quietest/prettiest) for 2 people in a small tent? 14,15,18, 29, 30, 31, 33, 36, 37 or 38? thanks!
Scosmith123
1 contribution
Are pets allowed
Nick S
Calistoga, CA112 contributions
Yes for additional cost
taylorjean999
2 contributions
Do they campsites have a bbq or just a fire pit? Has anyone stayed at site 32? If so what were your thoughts? Thanks!
tigereyes1970
Sacramento, CA51 contributions
They have a fire pit with a half grill. Its small and doesn't cover the whole fire pit. we have used it to roast corn on the cob and fish in tin foil
owleekowlee
Seattle, WA8 contributions
Hello - Does anyone know if the campsites have power or water in the "standard" sites? Also, we are trying to get away from it all, but I do have to attend a conference call during one of our camping days. Is there wifi nearby? Thank you!
Yustwan
Pleasant Hill, CA21 contributions
Here is a phone number to the park who should be able to answer your questions. 707- 937-5804
Can we bring dog to the VanDamme camp ground? We are in Site 37/38. What about the Hiking trail?
Is the beach close to the park dog friendly?
onesassymom
SF Bay Area805 contributions
Yes, leash required
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingVan Damme State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Van Damme State Park
- Hotels near Van Damme State Park:
- (0.29 km) SCP Mendocino Inn and Farm
- (0.09 km) Blanchard House
- (0.33 km) Little River Inn
- (0.39 km) Ocean Views - Little River CA - Mendocino Coast - Gourmet Kitchen - 2 Bed. 2 BA
- (0.64 km) Cottages at Little River Cove
- Restaurants near Van Damme State Park:
- (0.32 km) Little River Inn Dining Room
- (0.45 km) Little River Market & Deli
- (0.38 km) Be Known Coffee Company
- (3.61 km) Goodlife Cafe and Bakery
- (3.57 km) Café Beaujolais