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Van Damme State Park

Hwy 1, Mendocino, CA 95430
707-937-5804
Website
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Ranked #5 of 12 attractions in Mendocino
Type: State Parks, Beaches
Activities: Fishing, Hiking
Traveller Description: Van Damme State Park Van Damme State Park is four miles south of Mendocino on the northern California Coast. Half of the campsites sits along Little... more »
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39 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    24
    11
    3
    0
    1
Date Rating
Fort Worth, Texas
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

From the beautiful views of the ocean to the pygmy tree forest and great little beaches, we absolutely loved visiting this state park. The park ranger there (Tommy) was especially helpful in finding us places to visit to suit our romantic weekend.

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See 3 more reviews by Jenna R for Mendocino
Atlanta, Georgia
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Great for a leisurely walk, almost zero incline for the first two miles (that's as far as we went). Path is wide and well-maintained. We went on a Saturday about 11AM and only passed 10-12 other hikers, so you'll have a chance to enjoy the scenery to yourself.

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Walnut Creek, California, United States
Top Contributor
77 reviews 77 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 35 cities Reviews in 35 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 April 2013

We hiked in and immediately, the Fern Canyon Trail deadened. Something is needing to be fixed, but they don't tell you that. So if you want to hike this area, start at another point, such as near the airport. For water sports, the large lot and easy access makes kayaking and diving much easier, but across the highway, where the... More

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See 2 more reviews by Denise K for Mendocino
Taylorsville, California, United States
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 March 2013

Great place to find shells and look at the tide pools. Great place to have lunch. We went to the beach across from the park entrance.

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Fort Collins, Colorado
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 March 2013

You do not need to pay admission to see this. While it is technically "in" park bounds, the best way to access it is off public road. Check a map first. (We paid because we went to the main entrance, THEN looked at the map. Just call it our contribution to the California state park system). Anyhow, it's a 20... More

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See 2 more reviews by BHB_BB for Mendocino
Oakland, California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 March 2013

Please support state parks. In 2010 there was a specific fund that poured into the improvement of some state parks including this one. It is a stunning trail and very easy to follow with lots of picnic areas on the way and great exploratory route into the pigmy trees area. We were here many years ago and this time the... More

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See 2 more reviews by Ada B for Mendocino
United States
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 February 2013

There are 2 wonderful state parks here. One, on the east side of Highway 1 features beautiful redwood forest, stream & water fall hiking trails plus camping and a very nice nature center. On the west side is one of the most remarkable ocean access free parks anywhere on the California coast. Not much in the way of improvements--a freshwater... More

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FB, California
Top Contributor
84 reviews 84 reviews
37 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 December 2012

Camping here is a great experience, and the creek has fire belly salamanders in it. So much fun for my son to see! There is a good hiking trail down the canyon, and ferns line both sides of it. It smells great, and is a wonderful experience.

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See 13 more reviews by DisappointedDiner2 for Mendocino
Gualala, California
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 November 2012

It was cold and wet, but the facilities are quite adequate. Would try it again, when we're up that way.

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See 2 more reviews by Gail S for Mendocino
Palos Verdes Estates, California
Top Contributor
69 reviews 69 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
96 helpful votes 96 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 November 2012

One of nature's fascinating wonders - only occurs a very few places in the world. Very much worth the stop even if you are just passing through.

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See 2 more reviews by noclvrname for Mendocino

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