How much does camping cost at Benbow State Recreation Campground?

Camping fees at Benbow State Recreation Campground are $35 - $40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Benbow State Recreation Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Benbow State Recreation Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Benbow State Recreation Campground before I book?

Yes! Benbow State Recreation Campground has 28 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Benbow State Recreation Campground?

Benbow State Recreation Campground is open Peak season typically aligns with Memorial Day to Labor Day.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Benbow State Recreation Campground?

Yes, Benbow State Recreation Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Benbow State Recreation Campground have?

Benbow State Recreation Campground has 75 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Benbow State Recreation Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Benbow State Recreation Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Benbow State Recreation Campground?

Benbow State Recreation Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Benbow State Recreation Campground?

Popular activities at Benbow State Recreation Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Benbow State Recreation Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Benbow State Recreation Campground?

Fire policies at Benbow State Recreation Campground: Fires are permitted only in established metal fire rings or camp stoves; gathering firewood in the park is prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.17

113 reviews

445 Lake Benbow Drive, Garberville, CA 95542

C-Report Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping California

Quick Facts

427 ft

Price

$35 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

427 ft

Price

$35 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Benbow State Recreation Campground

$35.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $35 to $40 per night, with additional fees for extra vehicles ($10 each). Firewood bundles are available for $8-$10 depending...

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00

Get Notified When Available

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Reserve California

Provider

707-247-3318interp@parks.ca.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

445 Lake Benbow Drive, Garberville, CA 95542

Benbow State Recreation Campground

445 Lake Benbow Drive, Garberville, CA 95542

Nearby places

Garberville (2 miles south, approximately 5 minutes by car)

Redway (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes by car)

Eureka (approximately 70 miles north, 1.5 hours by car).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials available in Garberville, approximately 2 miles north. Options include gas stations and small local markets.

Driving directionsFrom U.S. Highway 101, take Exit 636 for Benbow Drive. Turn south onto Benbow Drive and follow the signs to the Benbow State Recreation Area campground. Large vehicles and RVs should use South Benbow Drive due to road conditions.

The campground is accessible via U.S. Highway 101, which is a major paved road. However, North Benbow Drive is a one-lane road with a hill that can be challenging for large vehicles and RVs.

Weather at Benbow State Recreation Campground

Current alert: Sanitation dump station is closed until further notice.

Best Time to Camp at Benbow State Recreation Campground

The campground opens Memorial Day through Labor Day. June and July deliver the warmest river water and daytime highs around 65-85°F, nights dropping to 45-55°F. These months bring the heaviest crowds and the clearest water before late-summer algae sets in. Redwood shade keeps most sites cool even on hot afternoons. Winter storms dump heavy rain and transform the river into a churning flood channel, closing the campground entirely.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and peak season; warmest river water in June–July ideal for swimming though crowded.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season typically aligns with Memorial Day to Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Closed during fall and winter seasons.

About Benbow State Recreation Campground

Benbow State Recreation Campground sits along the South Fork Eel River in California's redwood country, 75 sites stretched beneath towering conifers at 427 feet elevation. Sites run $35-40 per night and include picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, and hot showers. Highway 101 runs close enough that road noise reaches many sites, but the river access and old-growth shade keep visitors coming back.

Benbow State Recreation Campground offers diverse camping options, including RV sites, tent camping, and group sites. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak seasons, while drive-ups are accommodated in overflow sites.

Historical Significance

Wailaki and Sinkyone peoples lived along this stretch of the Eel River for generations before logging companies moved in. Remnants of the old Thrap Mill still stand somewhere in the surrounding forest, though visitors mention them more than they actually find them. The region's logging scars have mostly grown over, replaced by second-growth mixed with pockets of old trees.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground opens Memorial Day through Labor Day. June and July deliver the warmest river water and daytime highs around 65-85°F, nights dropping to 45-55°F. These months bring the heaviest crowds and the clearest water before late-summer algae sets in. Redwood shade keeps most sites cool even on hot afternoons. Winter storms dump heavy rain and transform the river into a churning flood channel, closing the campground entirely.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details remain elusive, the campground's position within the river valley creates its own unique microclimate, where morning mists rise from the water to meet the towering redwoods above.

Natural Features and SceneryThe South Fork Eel River carves through this section of the temperate rainforest, creating swimming holes and fishing runs beneath coastal redwoods that filter the sunlight into scattered beams. River otters and great blue herons work the shallows. Sites closer to the water offer better views and the sound of moving water instead of traffic. Late summer brings algae blooms that discolor the pools. Poison oak grows thick in the understory.

Geological RegionBenbow sits at the heart of the legendary Eel River watershed, where the designated Wild and Scenic South Fork has carved its way through one of the planet's most biodiverse temperate forests. This is redwood country at its finest, where ancient giants stretch skyward from a landscape shaped by millennia of flooding, forest succession, and human enterprise. The region's logging legacy has given way to conservation, creating a fascinating mosaic of old-growth groves and recovering forests that tell the story of California's evolving relationship with its natural treasures.

Scenic ViewsCampground sites along the river (e.g., sites 39, 41, 42) offer scenic views and a quieter experience. Other sites have views of the surrounding redwood forest.

Lodging & AccommodationsBenbow State Recreation Campground does not provide hotel-style lodging. Accommodations are limited to camping facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is 2 PM.

Check-out

Check-out time is noon.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests, including children, are allowed per campsite.

Groups

Group sites accommodate larger parties, with descriptions mentioning up to eight people per campsite as per park rules.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites spread across multiple loops, with spacing that varies considerably. River-side spots offer more seclusion. The first loop clusters sites closer together near Highway 101, where traffic noise is worst and privacy thins out.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites may be available for first-come-first-served (drive-ups), particularly in less crowded loops during the off-peak season.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be made at ReserveCalifornia.com. Cancellation policies are not explicitly detailed in the sources.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available, including sites #8, #44, #45, and #65. Accessible amenities include water spigots, parking, routes, and restrooms.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with some reviews praising large and private sites while others describe cramped conditions, particularly in the first loop.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy. Some are clustered near Highway 101, while others, like those near the river, provide better seclusion and scenic views.

Total Campsites75 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites along the river (e.g., 39, 41, 42) for quieter stay and scenic views. Avoid sun-drenched or highway-adjacent sites if seeking privacy or shade.

Best CampsitesSites 10, 11, and 33-39 get mentioned for size and privacy. The 41-44 stretch and sites 55, 57, 59, 60, and 62-66 sit closer to the river, which means better views and less highway noise. Sites 70-75 also rate well. The first loop packs sites tighter together and catches more road sound.

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Benbow State Recreation Campground offers a wide variety of amenities for campers, including fire pits, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. However, user reviews indicate a mix of experiences with some facilities, such as issues with plumbing leading to slow or backed-up toilets. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, and water faucets are located throughout the campground. There is no functioning dump station for RVs as per the most recent authoritative source.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Benbow State Recreation Campground

Benbow State Recreation Campground is known for its recreational activities, including hiking trails, fishing, and swimming access to the Eel River. Picnicking and wildlife viewing are also popular among visitors.

Hiking4.0/5

Access to Thrap Mill and Pioneer trails through coastal redwoods; scenic trail access from campground.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Several swimming holes and river access; June–July best for warm, clear water per overview.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Boating3.0/5

Non-motorized boating (rafting/kayaking) possible on gentle Eel River, but not a large launch facility.

Beach activities3.0/5

Beach areas along the South Fork Eel suitable for swimming and river access, per overview.

Biking2.0/5

Biking limited to paved roadways only; helmets required for under 18 per rules.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Riverside redwoods, beams of filtered light and wildlife (otters, herons) offer strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison oak is present throughout the campground; late summer algae blooms in the river can be harmful to children and pets.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted only in established metal fire rings or camp stoves; gathering firewood in the park is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital: Jerold Phelps Community Hospital in Garberville, approximately 2 miles north. Local police services available in Garberville. Ranger stations are located within Benbow State Recreation Area.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available, and campers are encouraged to practice 'Leave No Trace' principles to protect local wildlife and plants.

Water FeaturesSeveral swimming holes and river access points along the South Fork Eel River; sites near the river (e.g., 39, 41, 42) are particularly close.

Camp HostCampground hosts are available, described as helpful and friendly in user reviews.

Cell CoverageUser reviews do not provide specific details about cell phone service availability; however, no complaints or praises regarding connectivity were noted.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

113 reviews

Satisfactory

Benbow State Recreation Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of Benbow State Recreation Campground show mixed experiences. Positive highlights include access to the Eel River, clean facilities, and helpful staff. Complaints often revolve around traffic noise from Highway 101, poorly enforced rules, and issues with plumbing in restrooms and showers.

Review Summaries

Based on 113 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the campground's proximity to the Eel River, large and private campsites, clean showers and bathrooms, and friendly staff. The availability of fire pits and access to local...

Based on 113 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include traffic noise from Highway 101, poorly enforced quiet hours, and maintenance issues such as clogged toilets. Some visitors also noted that certain campsites lacked shade...

Based on 113 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Best campsites include 10, 11, 33-39, 41-44, 46, 55, 57, 59, 60, 62-66, 68, 70-75. User reviews highlight sites near the river for quieter and more scenic experiences, while those in the first two...

Based on 113 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend reserving campsites closer to the river for better views and quieter experiences. Some advise bringing earplugs due to Highway 101 noise. Others suggest looking out for algae...

Based on 113 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews highlight that summer months are ideal for swimming in the Eel River and warmer weather. Winter is better for fishing, while spring and fall may have reduced amenities due to seasonal...

Based on 113 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We had a wonderful time at this campsite. It was Memorial weekend 2021 and was packed to the fullest." "Nice facilities, great beach access but very close to Highway 101." "Cool camping spot on Eel...

Based on 113 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews of accessible features are positive, with accessible campsites (#8, #44, #45, and #65) offering clean and well-maintained amenities.

Based on 113 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on leashes, but some reviews recommend caution near the river and trails due to algae blooms and poison oak.

Based on 113 reviews

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Benbow State Recreation Campground

$35.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $35 to $40 per night, with additional fees for extra vehicles ($10 each). Firewood bundles are available for $8-$10 depending...

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

707-247-3318interp@parks.ca.gov

Go if

River swimmers and kayakers who book early enough to land sites 39-44 or the 60s range. June and July hit the sweet spot before algae clouds the water, and otter sightings in the shallows are legitimately common.

Skip if

RVs needing a dump station are out of luck until further notice. First-loop sites near Highway 101 draw constant road noise, quiet hours enforcement is spotty, and reviewers with light sleepers or noise-sensitive dogs mention regretting those spots.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.6

(54)

Huckleberry Campground

1600 U.S. Highway 101, Garberville, CA 95542

Huckleberry Campground sits within Richardson Grove State Park's old-growth redwood forest, offering 40 tent and RV sites beneath coast redwoods along the South Fork of the Eel River. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, the campground runs $35 per night and includes hot showers, flush toilets, and ranger programs. Sites accommodate RVs up to 30 feet.

Benbow State Recreation Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Benbow State Recreation Campground

Best Time to Camp at Benbow State Recreation Campground

Planning Tips

About Benbow State Recreation Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Benbow State Recreation Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

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Common Concerns

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Best Time to Camp at Benbow State Recreation Campground

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