Ben Ries Campground

About

Ben Ries Campground is the main overnight camping area at Butano State Park, a 4,000-acre preserve of coast redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The campground sits along the hillside above Little Butano Creek Canyon, surrounded by old-growth and second-growth redwoods that create a cool, shaded environment. The campground is named in memory of Benjamin Ries, the park's first supervisor who died in an accident at the park in 1961. When operational, it offers 21 drive-in sites suitable for vehicles up to 24 feet and 18 walk-in sites requiring a 20-50 yard carry from the parking area. All sites include a picnic table, fire ring, and food locker. Restrooms with flush toilets and water taps are located throughout the campground, though showers are not available. The campground has been closed indefinitely since the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire caused extensive damage to the park's water system. The park itself remains open for day use from 8 AM to sunset, and the Butano Trail Camp (a backcountry option with 8 sites) is now available for backpackers.

Directions

From Highway 1 at Pescadero, turn east on Pescadero Creek Road. After about 2.5 miles, turn right onto Cloverdale Road and continue approximately 4.5 miles to the park entrance at 1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060.