Van Damme State park was established in 1934. It is located three miles south of the town of Mendocino on highway 1. The highway runs through the park separating the campground and the trails to the east and the beach and parking lot to the west.

All of the 70 campsites within the park may be reserved through Reserve America. The visitor can get a unique perspective of the coast line by taking the kayak tours, available through a concessioneer as a year-round activity, at the Van Damme beach parking lot.