Benbow Lake SRA

State Recreation Area

Service Reductions
Due to the recent budget cuts and shortages in staffing North Coast Redwoods District will be putting into place service reductions resulting in the closure of Benbow Lake State Recreation Area campground. Benbow Lake Campground which normally opens just before Memorial Day will not be opening this year. The Day Use area will remain open through at least June 30, 2012.

We are sorry for the inconvenience this causes the park users and the communities near our parks. We are currently in negotiation with potential partners and Requests for Proposals to operate the park. If and when partnerships or concession agreements are finalized this webpage will be updated with additional information.

To provide power for the new development in the valley , a concrete dam was constructed across the south fork of the Eel River in 1928. The dam not only provided power but also created Benbow Lake.

The Benbow family, interested in preserving the natural scene around the Hotel and along the river, made efforts to place the land under State protection. In 1956 funds were approved for the Benbow Project was purchased in 1958.

Today the park consists of campsites and a large day-use picnic area. Hiking, picnicking and camping are popular summer time activities, while salmon and steelhead fishing are popular in the winter.

Please note that the Dam will not be going in this year. For more information please click on Lake and Dam FAQs link.

Location - Directions

2 miles south of Garberville on Highway 101.

Online Reservations

Park Information

Hours of Operation:
Campground open generally Memorial Day - Labor Day & Day Use open year round.
Park Office Telephone:
(707) 923-3238
Available Online Reservation:
Upcoming Weekend: NO

Within 2 Weeks: NO
Updated: 5/13/2013 9:07 PM
Region
North Coast
County
Humboldt
Max Camper Length:
30 Feet
Max Trailer Length
30 Feet