Frank and Bess Smithe Grove
- US-101, Leggett, CA 95585, USA
- (707) 247-3318
- 10/15/2026
Description
Three miles south of Mendocino on Highway One, Van Damme State Park offers a scenic beach, a lush fern-filled forest, and year-round camping. The highway runs through the park, separating the campground and the Fern Canyon trail head to the east from the beach and parking lot to the west. Visitors can launch a kayak in a protected cove. They can explore a pygmy forest. They can hike, jog, or bicycle the splendid Fern Canyon Scenic Trail beside Little River. Of all the park system’s units along the Mendocino coast, Van Damme is perhaps the richest in terms of historical resources connected with the redwood lumber industry. Its story is a prime example of the struggles and eventual failures of a small, independent lumber operation.
Location
8001 CA-1, Little River, CA 95456, USA
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Smithe Redwoods State Natural Reserve
- 73201 US-101, Piercy, CA 95587, USA
- (707) 247-3318
- 10/15/2026
Ka Kahleh Trail
- Noyo Point Rd, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA
- 10/07/2026
NK
We absolutely loved this mystical park. The scenery is beautiful. We stayed here at the group campsite and plan to come back again next year. The kids absolutely loved riding their bikes on all the fun trails. There are so many trails! We also loved that there’s hot showers and the vibe is just so calm and peaceful. It’s not crowded here either. If you want to really get away, I would go here. This is a very calm and serene place to be.
BayAreaUnmapped
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Van Damme State Park is such a peaceful mix of forest and coast. You get these beautiful fern covered trails that feel almost magical, and then suddenly you’re right by the ocean. The pygmy forest was especially interesting , it’s not something you see every day. Everything feels quiet, fresh, and untouched, which makes it perfect if you just want to slow down and enjoy nature for a bit. Definitely one of those underrated stops along the Mendocino coast.
TTORII R.
My husband likes to ride his bicycle long distances, so he will ride from Santa Rosa, CA to Van Damme State Campground in about 12 hours. I drive there & set up camp for us. We’ve been to Van Damme State Campground 5 or 6 x’s. We Love it there. Our favorite Campsite is #18. There’s a pretty little creek behind the site, they put in a New Bigger Metal Bear Box with a place to put a lock- it was awesome. We were able to put so much of our stuff in it. There was still the old wood bear box also. There was a large fire pit with an attached grill. You can buy firewood from the Rangers or Camp Hosts. As of 4/30/26 one bag cost $12- lasted about 1-1/2days AND was Cheaper than purchasing at big grocery stores, in town of Mendocino or Fort Bragg.
The bathrooms were about 50-60 feet away- have flushing toilets & showers. It costs $1.00 for 5 minutes (only quarters or you can buy Tokens from Camp Host or Rangers).
Generators can run from 8am-8pm. We don’t use them, so it kinda sucks when they’re on, but there is a part of the Campground that doesn’t allow Generators. Next time I’d like to try a campsite in that area!
The weather changes from day to day- the 2nd day was sunny and beautiful (5/1/26) and we set up on Van Damme Beach, had lunch, relaxed & just enjoyed the beautiful view. The 3rd & 4th day were overcast & cool, needed a light jacket or sweatshirt & pants.
Rangers, hosts and people visiting in general are nice & friendly. We’ll be going back in the next 6 months.
Just be sure to make reservations way in advance! The Campground fills up quickly, especially in the peak seasons!
Kseniia Divakova
We visited Van Damme State Park on Saturday with our two kids (ages 3 and 6). We decided to go for a hike, and we were told the trail would be kid-friendly — which turned out to be absolutely true.
We only had to cross a small stream twice, but it didn’t make things difficult at all. The trail itself was pleasant and easy to walk. There isn’t a clear final destination, though — after about two miles we reached a fork and decided to continue another mile and a half toward a different parking area.
Overall, it was a nice and interesting hike. I wouldn’t say it’s the most scenic trail, but the weather was great, the air felt fresh, and we all enjoyed the experience.
Teresa K
Gorgeous camping area in Mendocino Co. Beautiful fairly easy hike. Parts are paved. Lush green everywhere. The sound of running water next to us was so nice. Only drawbacks some areas, muddy to hike through.