Van Damme State Park

Not actually Beachfront you have to walk across the highway to get to the beach but very close. Site was nice and had a lot of room but it was a little difficult to back into. We stayed in the lower camp area since we had heard it was difficult to get to the top site. Having walked around the campground I must agree I don't know how one would get a big rig up top. We really enjoyed touring Mendocino and walking on the beach-the sunset was gorgeous. Bathrooms were clean but if you want to use the dump station it will cost you $10. Also fuel up before you get there gas is expensive, if you can get to Fort Bragg it is cheaper. We took Highway 128 over from 101 it was a curvy difficult road to get over then we took Highway 1 out and it was even worse. Beautiful but it took us over an hour to go 30 miles. Then 1 becomes easier to travel.

We spent 2 nights in the upper campground at site 42 near camp host Mike who was very helpful. The showers/toilets are new and pristine. Our site was large overlooking a meadow. The campground is walking distance to Little River Inn (and Wild Fish Restaurant) through a path from the picnic area near the park entrance (walking on highway one is treacherous). Location is perfect for exploring Mendocino area. Our campervan easily made it across the narrow bridge and up the hill to the upper campground, but motorhomes, 5th wheels should reserve sites near entrance.

While we were out for the day someone stole all kitchen gear (it was nearest the cars), all fire making gear, then they started on the tent. I mean literally.

About half the stakes had been pulled out like they were going to take the WHOLE tent. They were clearly interrupted probably by a car driving by, so they instead grad one of the sleeping bags and clothing that was closest to the tent door.

It was a 4 person REI grand hut that they were trying to steal.

Luckily they got very very little all easily replaceable. But we will never return to Mendocino. We were actually scheduled for 2 more nights but minus a sleeping bag, clothing, all cooking gear And all fire supplies we had to pack up and go home.

We arrived on Thanksgiving evening without reservations. The campground was full, so we pulled into the Day Use Lot across the highway along the beach. Same price to camp, dry camping only, in a parking lot, but we had the entire lot to ourselves. We were able to run the generator for a few minutes without bothering anyone. Some road noise, but more wave action, so very relaxing. The only caveat is vacate by 9 am. Great for a stopover without planning ahead.

This is a lovely location right across the highway from the beach. You can actually camp in the beach parking lot of you wish but I would not unless absolutely necessary.
Staff was very friendly, plenty of space. It is three miles from Mendocino and 15 minutes from Fort Bragg.
Lots of beautiful coastline to see.
Staff was very friendly and helpful, grounds were very clean.
Since it is on the coast the grounds are usually wet in the morning and in the shade.
There is no services at all except a dump station with a $10 charge and strangely a electric car charging station.

Van Damme State Park made the perfect base camp for our time in the Mendocino area! We stayed in the first loop campground in site one, the closest site to the beach. Van Damme Beach is under a five minute walk from this campground area.

The sites are nice sized, the staff is amazing and very helpful, bathrooms were clean, shower pressure was great, and the park has WiFi. Which is good since there is basically no cell reception in most areas of the campground. However, you can get some cell reception near the beach and in Mendocino. The park WiFi can be intermittent and is best close to the visitor center.

Since we were dry camping and our site was partially shaded by beauty forest (some sites get more sun than others), we did have to seek sunny spots for our solar during the day. Which is easy to do in the Mendocino area. We spent our days enjoying beautiful sunny scenic spots to "office." We day camped at Headlands State Park, Russian Gulch State Park, Big River Park, and scenic overlooks. Some of these also provided better cell reception.

Headlands State Park is not to be missed! It has scenic easy walking/hiking trails, whale watching certain times of the year (we saw many grey whales), seasonal flowers, breathtaking bluff views, and impressive sunsets! It is about three miles from Van Damme.

Russian Gulch State Park is less than six miles from Van Damme and also worth exploring! You can also camp there overnight. On our visit there was no WiFi and very little cell reception. The trails are easy and take you to out to the bluffs, give you great views of the bridge, the beach, and the sink hole.

Mendocino is magical and worth exploring! The town itself is adorable with Victorian houses, shops, and yummy places to eat.

Oh, and if you enjoy light houses, be sure and visit Point Cabrillo Light Station.