Ben Ries Campground

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1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060

Quick Facts

584 ft

Price

$9 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

39 campsites

Season

Camping is available...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

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
Ben Ries Campground
$9.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Park entrance fees include $10 for regular-size vehicles and $9 for seniors. Additional fees apply for buses and extra vehicles parked overnight in...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
650-879-2040null
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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 0 reviews

Most mentioned

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"Ben Ries Campground is praised for its serene location among towering redwoods, its accessibility to hiking trails, and its family-friendly amenities. However, the absence of showers and limited availability of wi-fi and cell service might be a drawback for some campers. The 'crumb clean' campaign that protects wildlife is also a notable feature."

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Campground Map

1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060

Ben Ries Campground

1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060

Driving directionsTake Highway 1 to Pescadero Road, travel three miles and turn right on Cloverdale Road for 5 miles to the park's entrance.
Roads to the park are paved and accessible, but larger buses may encounter difficulties due to narrow roads. Maximum trailer length is 24 feet.
Nearby places
Pescadero (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Half Moon Bay (23 miles, approximately 35 minutes), Santa Cruz (35 miles, approximately 50 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores and camping supplies are available in Pescadero (5 miles away). Fuel stations are also accessible in nearby towns like Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz.

Best Time to Camp at Ben Ries Campground

Year-round cool temperatures and a unique microclimate create the perfect conditions for an enchanting forest atmosphere. Winter rains transform the canyon into a verdant wonderland, feeding the streams and nurturing explosive growth of ferns and moss. As summer arrives, the forest takes on a quieter character, with morning and evening fog rolling through the redwood groves like nature's own air conditioning system, keeping these ancient giants hydrated and creating an almost mystical camping experience as mist weaves between the massive trunks.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer considered ideal with guided programs and evening campfire events.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Nov; cool microclimate and verdant canyon persist into fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from Apr 1; spring green-up and flowing streams though early season may be wet.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Dec 1–Mar 31; winter season not available.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Camping is available from April 1 to November 30. The campground is closed December 1 through March 31.
  • Current Alerts: Ben Ries Campground is currently closed due to fire-related damage to the park's water system.

About Ben Ries Campground

Nestled deep within a secluded canyon where ancient redwoods touch the sky, Ben Ries Campground offers an intimate escape into the heart of Butano State Park. Choose from 21 drive-in sites for easy access or venture to one of 18 walk-in sites perched along the hillside above Little Butano Creek Canyon for a more immersive wilderness experience. Each thoughtfully placed campsite comes equipped with picnic tables, bear-proof food lockers, and fire rings where you can gather under towering canopies. While modern conveniences include flush toilets and fresh water taps throughout the grounds, the absence of shower facilities encourages a true back-to-nature experience in this redwood sanctuary.
Ben Ries Campground caters to diverse camping preferences, offering both drive-in and walk-in sites nestled within a redwood forest. The campground is family-friendly and emphasizes a blend of accessibility and privacy.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Ben Ries Campground in Butano State Park offers an excellent gateway to a diverse range of activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that access breathtaking redwood forests, ridges, and wetlands. Wildlife spotting is frequent, with opportunities to see banana slugs, newts, and a variety of birds. Guided nature walks and campfire programs are also available during summer weekends.
HikingSeveral hiking trails originate near Ben Ries Campground, including the Six Bridges Trail and the Goat Hill Loop. Trails vary in difficulty, ranging from the easy 1.5-mile Little Butano Creek Trail with a minimal elevation change of 150 feet to the moderate 2.8-mile Goat Hill Loop and strenuous 9.5-mile Canyon Loop with an elevation change of 1,200 feet.
BikingBiking is allowed on fire roads but restricted from single-track trails. Helmets are mandatory for riders under age 18.
Wildlife viewingThe campground and its trails provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Common sightings include banana slugs, newts, Pacific wrens, and band-tailed pigeons.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsGuided nature walks and weekend campfire programs are offered during the summer months, focusing on environmental education and park history.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes in chaparral areas, slippery trails during wet weather, and wildlife encounters such as banana slugs and newts. Visitors are reminded to watch for hard-to-see species like salamanders.
Active AlertsBen Ries Campground is currently closed due to fire-related damage to the park's water system.
Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are provided at all campsites, emphasizing crumb-clean policies to protect wildlife.

Weather at Ben Ries Campground

Reviews

0.0
0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Ben Ries Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Ben Ries Campground is praised for its serene location among towering redwoods, its accessibility to hiking trails, and its family-friendly amenities. However, the absence of showers and limited availability of wi-fi and cell service might be a drawback for some campers. The 'crumb clean' campaign that protects wildlife is also a notable feature.
Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Users often commend the campground's peaceful atmosphere and proximity to extraordinary hiking trails. The natural privacy provided by redwoods is appreciated, especially for secluded walk-in sites.

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of shower facilities and limited cell phone reception. The crumb-clean policy, while environmentally beneficial, requires diligence from campers.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all necessary shower supplies as there are no facilities on-site. Campers should ensure proper food storage to comply with the crumb-clean policy and protect wildlife.

Seasonal Insights

Summer is considered ideal due to the availability of guided programs and evening campfire events. Winter closure from December to March is noted.

Camper Quotes

"Nestled among redwoods, this campground is my go-to for tranquility and nature hikes." "The crumb-clean focus is a bit tedious, but I love how it protects the wildlife." "Access to trails is...
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Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 6, 9, and 25 are frequently highlighted as the best spots, offering the best views and privacy.

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are improving, according to official sources. The restroom near site #10 is usable with some required assistance.

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed but should be leashed and under human control. Dogs are not allowed on trails, adhering to park regulations.

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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