Benbow State Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
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Benbow State Recreation Area is in the heart of Bigfoot country, and you can even visit the Legends of Bigfoot store on your way there. Benbow State Recreation area is in Northern California among the sequoias. During the winter, fishing is popular, and summertime brings hikers, picnickers, and RV campers alike. During the summertime, too, there's a small pebble beach on the Eel River that's great for cooling off on a hot day or putting out in a canoe or kayak. Nearby Cities • Garberville, CA • Leggett, CA • Westport, CA • Eureka, CA
Spring 59-72 F
Summer 77-86 F
Fall 55-82 F
Winter 37-54 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Benbow State Recreation Area
Benbow State Recreation Area Campground • Water hookup: No • Electrical hookups: Of the 75 campsites, two with electric hookups • Sewer hookup: No • Wi-Fi: No • Pet-friendly: Yes • Max RV length: 30 feet • Other amenities: restrooms, potable water, showers, picnic areas, and fire rings
Benbow Lake State Recreation Area KOA
Benbow Lake State Recreation Area has its own campgrounds that you can enjoy during your stay in the area. Whether you're in the lower, middle, or upper loop areas, all campsites with electrical hookups start at $35 per night per vehicle. In addition to putting you right up next to all the great things you came to see, the campgrounds also feature showers and restrooms plus Wi-Fi services and a pool. You can also take your pets as long as they're well-behaved and kept on a leash.
Nadelos Campground
The Nadelos Campground is for people who really enjoy the sensation of roughing it. Located in the heart of the forest surrounding Chemise Mountain, it enables you to enjoy a natural vacation away from any sort of hustle and bustle. Designed primarily for tent camping, there are no hookups, and reception is sparse at best. With land available on a first-come, first-serve basis, it's well worth the $8 camping fee if you're looking for quick, easy, and beautiful fun. You can also reserve the entire grounds for $85 per night if you have a group (minimum 20, maximum 60). It's also pet-friendly.
Redwoods River Resort & Campground
At the Redwoods River Resort & Campground, you can camp out in luxury with all the great amenities the park has on offer. Full hookups, a dump station, trash and recycling, free Wi-Fi, picnic areas, a fire pit, showers, restrooms, laundry, and even rooms for rent all make it an amazing getaway. There are even special packages for different vacation options, including pet-friendly ones. Rates usually start around $50 per night but can change depending on the season, discounts, and holidays.
What to Do at
Benbow State Recreation Area
You can hike an easy trail in Benbow State Recreation Area, and although there is no boat ramp, you can set out from the shore of the Eel River in a kayak or canoe. Paddling one of those toward the nearby sequoia trees will bring you to some truly astounding vistas that'll make a great slide show when you get home. A dip in the Eel River is also quite refreshing.
Inside Benbow State Recreation Area
Spread out across nearly 1,200 acres of land, the Benbow Lake State Recreation Area has plenty to offer campers. Hiking is one of the most popular activities to engage in when you visit, especially in conjunction with picnicking at any of the day-use picnic areas. Camping, both in tents and RVs, is also fun, particularly in the warmer months of spring and fall or across the summer. Swimming is also plenty of fun. During winter, you'll find an excellent opportunity to try out fishing as the wild salmon and rainbow trout return to the lake to spawn.
Hiking
The Thrap Mill and Pioneer Trail Loop is an easy 2.9-mile trail that gains just about 500 feet along its length. The trail is quite popular with birdwatchers, and in the early morning, it's a great place to jog.
Nature Watching
Wolves have begun to enter Northern California, so if you follow the right guidelines when it comes to predators, then you can get some truly stunning photos for your collection. Eagles, hawks, and ospreys nest in the area, and so do songbirds. If you're incredibly lucky, then you might catch sight of a majestic and noble California condor gliding along on its 10-foot wings.
Stargazing
The open field in the campground is just the right place to set up a telescope or to lie on a blanket and take in the night sky.
Flora and Fauna
Deer, black bears, coyotes, and bobcats are some of the fauna you'll encounter in Benbow State Recreation Area. The plants include massive redwood and sequoia trees that tower over meadows of colorful wildflowers, both of which are exquisitely suitable for photographing. These flowers include golden fairy lanterns, rosy firecrackers, slink pods, and western wake robins among others.
Geocaching
There are least two geocaches hidden in Benbow State Recreation Area.
Boating
Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities on the Eel River. You can paddle to view the redwoods and sequoias or seek out just the right fishing spot where they're biting.
Swimming
The beach and bottom of the Eel River are pebbles, so it'd be a good idea to have stiff-soled swim shoes. The water temperature of the Eel River during the summer fluctuates between 74 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to take precautions regarding currents, and never swim alone.
Fishing
The two main fish that you can catch in the Eel River are steelhead and salmon. The season when they are most abundant is the late fall and early winter. Remember to secure a California fishing license before casting your line.
How to Get to
Benbow State Recreation Area
From points south, such as San Francisco, simply drive north on Route 101. Route 101 goes right through the Benbow State Recreation Area. From Sacramento, drive west on Route 16 until you reach the junction with Route 20. Proceed west on Route 20 until you reach the junction with Route 101 near Calpella. Proceed north on Route 101 to Benbow State Recreation Area. From points north, such as Crescent City, just drive south on Route 101 until you come to Benbow State Recreation Area. From points east, such as Red Bluff, the route is necessarily circuitous because you must go around Mendocino National Forest. From Red Bluff, drive west on Route 36 until you reach the junction with Route 101 just south of Fortuna and west of Carlotta. Then, drive south on Route 101 to Benbow State Recreation Area.
By Car
Entering Benbow State Recreation Area
Parking in Benbow State Recreation Area is limited to the campsites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benbow State Recreation Area
If you're going to fish, then the best time to visit is the late fall or early winter. If not, then summer is the best time because the water of the Eel River is comfortable, and there is an art event that takes place at Benbow State Recreation Area each June.
There are bears, deer, coyote, and very occasionally, wolves that roam through the area. You'll also see small game like California squirrels and western fence lizards.
Yes, there are 75 RV-specific campsites at the Benbow State Recreation Area Campground. Two of these have electrical hookups, and four of them are accessible under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to the campground rules, you may not use the potable water stations for hookups.
You don't have to make reservations, but it's a good idea to do that, especially if you need an accessible site. The cost of camping is $35 per night.
Yes, you may bring your pets. You must use a leash no longer than 6 feet, and you may not take pets with you on the hiking trails. At night, you must either house your pet in your RV or in a tent.
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