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.
| Campground | Notification Rate |
|
Middle Loop (Sites 22-47)
Benbow State Recreation Area
|
42% |
|
Upper Loop (Sites 48-75)
Benbow State Recreation Area
|
33% |
|
Lower Loop (Sites 1-21)
Benbow State Recreation Area
|
30% |