About Benbow State Recreation Area

Benbow State Recreation Area is popular for camping, hiking, swimming, and picknicking in the summer, as well as salmon and steelhead fishing in the winter. The Campground and Day Use areas are separated by the South Fork of the Eel River, which was formerly dammed every summer to create Benbow Lake. In order to restore vital habitat for Chinook, Coho salmon, and summer-run steelhead, the dam was completely removed in 2017. Benbow Day Use Area is a popular summer gathering place that also hosts the annual Summer Arts and Music Festival. The Day Use Area is open year-round, while the Campground is open Memorial Day – Labor Day on a first-come, first-served basis.

Get directions through Google Maps

2 miles south of Garberville on Highway 101.

EV Information

e-bike icon E-Bike Locations
  EV Charger Locations

Other Facilities

  • Parking
  • Restrooms / Showers
  • Restrooms
  • Outdoor Showers
  • Drinking Water Available
Boating

  • Boating
Day-Use Activities & Facilities

  • Picnic Areas
  • Fishing
  • Beach Area
  • Swimming
  • Geocaching
Trail Use

  • Hiking Trails

Welcome to Benbow State Recreation Area

To keep up to date on events happening in north coast parks, visit the North Coast Redwoods Facebook and Instagram pages.

Park Information

Park Adventures

Land Acnkowledgement

Kids' Resources

Redwood Information

School Resources

Partners

Permits

Volunteer

District Contact Information
NoCoastRedwoodsInfo@parks.ca.gov
District Office: (707) 445-6547
District Fax: (707) 441-5737
3431 Fort Ave.
Eureka, CA 95503

Open Hours: Monday - Friday 8AM - 4PM

YouTube icon Facebook icon Instagram icon