How much does camping cost at Ben Ries Campground?

Camping fees at Ben Ries Campground range from $9-$10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ben Ries Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ben Ries 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 Ben Ries Campground before I book?

Yes! Ben Ries Campground has 7 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 Ben Ries Campground?

Ben Ries Campground is open Camping is available from April 1 to November 30. The campground is closed December 1 through March 31.. 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 Ben Ries Campground?

Ben Ries Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Ben Ries Campground have?

Ben Ries Campground has 39 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ben Ries Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ben Ries 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 Ben Ries Campground?

Ben Ries Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ben Ries Campground?

Popular activities at Ben Ries Campground include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ben Ries Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Ben Ries Campground?

Fire policies at Ben Ries Campground: Fires are allowed in designated fire rings only, and firewood must be purchased on-site. Collecting wood is prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

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1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060

Top 16% in CASummer

Scenic Views

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

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...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

650-879-2040null

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Campground Map

1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060

Ben Ries Campground

1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060

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.

Weather at Ben Ries Campground

Current alert: Ben Ries Campground is currently closed due to fire-related damage to the park's water system.

Best Time to Camp at Ben Ries Campground

Summer brings the driest conditions and best trail access, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s and nights in the mid-40s to low-50s. The creek runs lower, making creekside walking easier. Morning and evening fog rolls through the redwood groves even in summer, keeping temperatures cool. Winter rains turn the canyon green and feed the streams, but some trails may close seasonally. Fire damage from the CZU Lightning Complex Fire has affected certain routes. Expect higher weekend crowds in summer.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Summer is ideal: driest conditions, best trail access, guided programs and campfire events.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Camping is available from April 1 to November 30. The campground is closed December 1 through March 31.

About Ben Ries Campground

Ben Ries Campground sits in a secluded canyon within Butano State Park, surrounded by old-growth and second-growth redwoods at 584 feet elevation. The campground has 39 sites total: 21 drive-in spots for RVs and trailers up to 24 feet, and 18 walk-in sites requiring a 20-50 yard carry from parking. Sites run $9-10 per night and include picnic tables, fire rings, and bear lockers. There are no showers.

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.

Historical Significance

The Quiroste tribe of the Ohlone peoples lived in these redwood forests before logging operations began in the late 1860s. A conservation movement starting in 1921 saved the remaining groves and has since doubled the park's protected area.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the driest conditions and best trail access, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s and nights in the mid-40s to low-50s. The creek runs lower, making creekside walking easier. Morning and evening fog rolls through the redwood groves even in summer, keeping temperatures cool. Winter rains turn the canyon green and feed the streams, but some trails may close seasonally. Fire damage from the CZU Lightning Complex Fire has affected certain routes. Expect higher weekend crowds in summer.

ElevationThe campground's varying elevations create distinct microclimates and camping experiences, from creekside sites in the canyon bottom to hillside perches offering glimpses through the forest canopy.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering redwoods and Douglas firs dominate the canyon, with the forest floor thick with huckleberry, ferns, and sorrel. Little Butano Creek runs through the area, creating lush riparian zones. The park's varied terrain includes chaparral on exposed slopes, oak woodlands, and wetlands along creek corridors. Banana slugs, orange-bellied newts, deer, and songbirds are common. Woodpeckers drum through the canopy. Walk-in sites sit on the hillside above the creek canyon, tucked among the trees.

Geological RegionBen Ries Campground sits within the dramatic landscape of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where steep canyons and soaring ridges create a diverse tapestry of ecosystems. This remarkable geological setting supports everything from pristine old-growth redwood groves to resilient second-growth forests recovering their former glory. Beyond the redwood realm, the park's varied topography nurtures Douglas fir forests, sun-baked chaparral on exposed slopes, stately oak woodlands, and lush riparian wetlands along creek corridors. This incredible diversity within a single park means every hike reveals new landscapes and ecosystems, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and casual campers alike.

Scenic ViewsThe campground provides stunning views of second-growth redwoods and the surrounding canyon landscapes. Nature trails like Little Butano Creek Trail enhance the experience with creekside scenery.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations or similar lodging options are mentioned for Ben Ries Campground; it focuses solely on campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesGuided nature walks and weekend campfire programs are offered during the summer months, focusing on environmental education and park history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Eight people maximum are allowed per campsite.

Groups

Group camping sites are not mentioned for Ben Ries Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutDrive-in and walk-in sites are separated. Walk-in sites require hauling gear 20-50 yards from parking and sit higher on the hillside, providing more natural privacy.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up camping is available for one night only in unreserved campsites when park staff are not present.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to 48 hours in advance without penalty. Specific cancellation fees are not detailed.

AccessibilityAccessible parking is available, and the restroom near site #10 is usable with assistance required for sidewalk access. Accessibility features are indicated as improving continuously.

Site SizeThe campground offers 21 drive-in campsites, accommodating trailers and motorhomes up to 24 feet, and 18 walk-in sites requiring gear transportation for 20-50 yards.

PrivacySites are nestled within the redwoods, providing natural privacy. Walk-in sites are more secluded due to their distance from roads.

Total Campsites39 campsites

Recommended SitesThe walk-in sites provide a removed and quiet camping experience but require carrying gear 20 to 50 yards. Drive-in sites are more accessible for families and larger groups.

Best CampsitesSites 6, 9, and 25 get specific mentions. Walk-in sites offer more seclusion due to their distance from roads and placement among the redwoods.

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Amenities available

The Ben Ries Campground, located in Butano State Park, provides an array of essential amenities designed for a comfortable camping experience. Nestled among towering redwoods, this campground offers both drive-in and walk-in campsites equipped with picnic tables, food lockers, and fire rings. While flush toilets are available, showers are notably absent. Drinking water is accessible throughout the campground and the day-use areas. The campground is classified as 'crumb clean,' emphasizing proper food storage in the provided lockers to protect wildlife.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are provided at all campsites, emphasizing crumb-clean policies to protect wildlife.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed in designated fire rings only, and firewood must be purchased on-site. Collecting wood is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 8 AM daily.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital is Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City (approximately 35 miles). Emergency services can be reached by dialing 911. The closest ranger station is accessible within the park.

Trash & RecyclingTrash management is emphasized under the 'crumb clean' campaign, requiring food and garbage to be stored securely to protect park wildlife. Specific recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated near Little Butano Creek, the campground offers easy access to creekside trails and water features.

Cell CoverageInformation about cell phone service quality or coverage is not explicitly provided in the authoritative source.

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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0.0

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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.

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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...

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.

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Walk-in sites 6, 9, and 25 draw the most praise for privacy and canyon views; if you're hauling gear 20-50 yards uphill sounds fine, this is old-growth redwood camping at a price that's nearly free. Summer hits mid-60s during the day, fog rolls through at dusk, and the Little But

Skip if

No showers, and right now no water system at all, the campground is closed due to fire-related infrastructure damage. Even when it reopens, RVs over 24 feet won't fit, cell coverage is poor, and the crumb-clean food storage rules are strictly enforced.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

2.7

(7)

Butano Trail Campground

1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060

Butano Trail Camp sits 5.5 miles from the visitor center along Butano Fire Road, deep in the redwood forest of Butano State Park. The hike-in campground offers 8 primitive tent sites at 1,634 feet elevation, each with a bear locker and vault toilet access. Sites cost $15 per night and require packing in all water and supplies.