Benbow Sra Campground

About

Benbow Lake State Recreation Area, established in 1958, encompasses about 1,200 acres of redwood forest and river valley terrain two miles south of Garberville. The campground sits along the South Fork Eel River, designated Wild and Scenic, where visitors can swim, fish for salmon and steelhead, and observe wildlife. The historic dam that once created a summer lake was decommissioned in 2017 to support vital salmon fishery restoration. The campground consists of 77 sites organized into three loops: Lower Loop (sites 1-21, 76, 77), Middle Loop (sites 22-47), and Upper Loop (sites 48-75). Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grate. Sites 76 and 77 near the park entrance feature electric and water hookups with packed gravel surfaces. Four accessible campsites are available at sites 8, 44, 45, and 65. Facilities include flush restrooms, coin-operated showers (bring dollar bills), and drinking water. The campground accommodates RVs up to 30 feet and trailers up to 24 feet. A campfire center in the Lower Loop provides accessible programming space. Day-use areas offer picnicking, beach access, and hiking trails.

Directions

Located 2 miles south of Garberville on Highway 101 in Humboldt County.