Accessible via Highway 101 with some low-hanging branches on access roads, this established campground charges $35 per night and accepts reservations alongside first-come, first-serve sites. The California Department of Parks and Recreation manages 75 sites with full hookups for RVs up to 30 feet, plus amenities including flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and picnic tables.
The campground sits adjacent to the South Fork of the Eel River, providing direct water access for swimming and wading. Campers find shallow areas suitable for children alongside deeper sections for adults, with a jumping rock available. Daily restroom cleaning maintains facilities, though visitors need dollar bills to exchange for shower tokens. Road noise from Highway 101 carries through the campground, particularly noticeable during daytime hours.
Sites offer varying levels of privacy, with about 15-20 first-come spaces typically available even during busy periods. Nabil notes the campground "has access to the river" but mentions "lots of road noise from the 101, not much privacy." The facility allows pets and campfires, operating seasonally with potential closures for water quality issues.
For different accommodations, Benbow KOA & Golf Course lies less than a mile north with additional recreational amenities.
Description
Lower Loop (sites 1-21,76, 77) Middle Loop (sites 22-47) Upper Loop (sites 48-75)
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Maximum allowable stay is thirty (30) nights per calendar year per park, with no more than fifteen (15) of these nights permitted during the summer season.
Occupancy by the same persons, equipment, or vehicle(s) is limited as follows:
1. Individual campsites - Maximum allowable stay is thirty (30) nights per calendar year per park, with no more than seven (7) of these nights permitted during the summer season (May 1 through September 30), and no more than fifteen (15) consecutive nights the rest of the year. After maximum allowable consecutive use has been reached no person or equipment may re-enter the same park to use any camping facilities until the expiration of at least two nights (48 hours).
2. Group and Environmental campsites - Maximum allowable stay is fourteen (14) nights per calendar year per park, with no more than seven (7) nights of consecutive use per visit. After maximum allowable consecutive use has been reached no person or equipment may re-enter the same park to use any camping facilities until the expiration of at least two nights (48 hours).
3. Hike and Bike campsites - Maximum allowable stay is seven (7) nights per calendar year per park, with no more than two (2) nights of consecutive use per visit. After maximum allowable consecutive use has been reached no person or equipment may re-enter the same park to use any camping facilities until the expiration of at least two nights (48 hours).
4. Cabins - Maximum allowable stay is fifteen (15) nights per calendar year, with no more than seven (7) consecutive nights permitted during the summer season (May 1 through September 30). After maximum allowable consecutive use has been reached no person or equipment may re-enter the park to use any camping facilities until the expiration of at least two nights (48 hours).
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBenbow Lake State Recreation Area Campground is located in California near Garberville
Address
1600 Us Highway 101, #8
Garberville, CA 95542
Coordinates
40.0571618303999 N
123.787580823 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/8/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 6/6/26
AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 6/6/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/8/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 6/6/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 6/6/26
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
