Ben Ries Campground
Ben Ries Campground is closed indefinitely due to damage to the water system from the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire. No reopening date has been announced. The park remains open for day use and the Butano Trail Camp is available for backpackers.
Coastal Flood Advisory issued October 29 at 4:23AM PDT until October 30 at 5:00PM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
* WHAT...Up to 1.9 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...Pacific Coast. * WHEN...Until 5 PM PDT Friday. * IMPACTS...High tides will result in flooding of low-lying infrastructure, isolated road closures, and coastal erosion. Rising tides will bring water and waves farther up the beach than normal, restricting escape from beaches and coastal areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tidal gauge, high tide is expected to be 1.9 ft above normal (7.7 ft MLLW) at 01:43 PM Thursday 10/29, and 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 02:39 PM Friday 10/30. These predictions include up to 1.2 ft of surge that will enhance the astronomical tide and flooding threat. High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay, respectively.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 24ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 24ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (650) 879-2040 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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