Accessible Features at Van Damme SP
Accessible Features at California State Parks | Van Damme SP | Definitions and Terms | Activity Descriptions
Overview
Van Damme State Park includes nearly 2000 acres of beach and upland on the Mendocino Coast. The park is located three miles south of the town of Mendocino on Highway 1. Phone (707) 937-5804 for more information.Camping
Currently, campsites 7 and 10 are paved, have wheelchair accessible tables, and are at least usable. A number of other sites are fairly level with hard dirt surfaces and may be usable in dry weather. A generally accessible combination toilet room/shower is located near campsite 11. Toilet permits front transfers, and assistance may be need to reach shower controls from bench. Designated accessible parking is adjacent to the building.Trails
See Pygmy Forest Self-Guided Nature Boardwalk under Exhibits/Programs.Beach/Shore Access
Four beach wheelchairs are available for use along the Mendocino Coast: two are housed at MacKerricher State Park and two are housed at Van Damme State Park. Visitors are welcome to use these beach wheelchairs at any state beach along the Mendocino Coast; however, visitors must have the means to transport the beach wheelchair themselves (the wheelchairs are approximately 40 inches wide by 48 inches long by 40 inches tall and weigh approximately 60 pounds; the wheelchairs do not fold).Reservations are recommended and should be made at least seven days in advance, when possible. To reserve one of the beach wheelchairs at Van Damme State Park, call the entrance kiosk at (707) 937-0851. Unreserved beach wheelchairs may be checked out from the entrance kiosk on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.
Exhibits/Programs
Visitor Center: A small visitor center created within a 1930's historic structure is generally accessible. It includes a video area with flexible seating arrangements that can accommodate wheelchairs. Assistance may be needed with handrails on ramp and stairs. Staff assistance is available to help reach items in sales area. Designated accessible parking is available. Restroom in campground is generally accessible as described under Camping.Pygmy Forest Self-Guided Nature Boardwalk: Located off Airport Road, this loop trail is generally accessible. Interpretive exhibits describing the forest features are accessible along the approximate 300 yard loop. A ramp from the far end of the loop leads to the Old Logging Road Trail, which may be accessible in dry weather for a short distance. A paved parking lot with 8 spaces includes one van accessible space. The only generally accessible restroom in the park is in the campground adjacent to site 11.
To request an update to this page, please contact the Accessibility Division at access@parks.ca.gov or (916) 445-8949.