Benbow State Recreation Campground

Star4.18
113 reviews
445 Lake Benbow Drive, Garberville, CA 95542
SwimmingSummer Destination

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

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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...
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Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
707-247-3318interp@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 113 reviews

95 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersstafffriendly

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

445 Lake Benbow Drive, Garberville, CA 95542

Benbow State Recreation Campground

445 Lake Benbow Drive, Garberville, CA 95542

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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Benbow State Recreation Campground

The campground transforms with each passing season, creating distinct experiences throughout the year. June and July herald the arrival of perfect swimming weather, when warm sunshine filters through the redwood canopy and families splash in the crystal-clear river pools. As summer wanes, visitors should note that late-season algae blooms can affect water conditions. Winter brings dramatic change, with heavy Pacific storms painting the landscape in shades of gray and green, creating a moody, contemplative atmosphere that appeals to those seeking solitude amid nature's raw power.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Open Memorial Day–Labor Day; June–July ideal for swimming and warm weather activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closed during fall seasons per description.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Seasonal opening begins Memorial Day; early spring likely closed or limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; winter activities not available.

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.
  • Current Alerts: Sanitation dump station is closed until further notice.

About Benbow State Recreation Campground

Nestled along the gentle curves of the South Fork Eel River, Benbow State Recreation Campground invites you to experience Northern California's natural splendor across 75 thoughtfully positioned campsites. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under towering redwoods, while convenient water faucets are scattered throughout the grounds. Though the nearby Highway 101 provides a whisper of civilization and easy access for travelers exploring the Pacific Coast, the campground maintains its connection to the wild, offering a perfect balance between accessibility and natural immersion.
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.
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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.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe campground offers access to several trails, including Thrap Mill Trail and Pioneer Trail, which lead through coastal redwoods and provide scenic views of the South Fork of the Eel River. Trail lengths and difficulty levels vary, with Pioneer Trail providing a loop option.
FishingCatch-and-release fishing is allowed in the South Fork Eel River. Salmon and steelhead are the prominent species, with fishing being most popular during winter months.
SwimmingSwimming is available in the Eel River, with June and July being the best months for warm, clear water. Access is available from both the day-use area and the campground, but algae blooms may present seasonal hazards.
BikingBiking is permitted only on paved roadways. Riders under 18 must wear helmets. User reviews reference groups of children biking around the campground as a common activity.
BoatingVisitors can enjoy non-motorized boating activities in the Eel River, such as rafting and kayaking, with gentle currents suitable for beginners.
Wildlife viewingNorth American river otters are occasionally seen in the Eel River. User reviews mention sightings as highlights of their visits.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison oak is present throughout the campground; late summer algae blooms in the river can be harmful to children and pets.
Active AlertsSanitation dump station is closed until further notice.

Weather at Benbow State Recreation Campground

Reviews

4.2
113 reviews
Satisfactory
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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