Benbow State Recreation Area is a picturesque destination nestled along the banks of Lake Benbow in Garberville, California. This state-run recreation area offers a variety of activities and accommodations for visitors seeking outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to camp under the stars, launch a kayak, or enjoy a peaceful day by the water, Benbow State Recreation Area provides something for everyone.
The park is known for its rustic charm and scenic beauty, offering a mix of modern amenities and natural surroundings. With its abundance of trees, lakeside views, and diverse recreational opportunities, it's a haven for nature enthusiasts and families alike. The facility includes campsites, RV parking areas, cabins, and tent spaces, making it suitable for all types of travelers.
Customer Feedback: Visitors have praised Benbow State Recreation Area for its natural beauty and diverse amenities. Many highlight the fun atmosphere with activities like kayaking, fishing, and swimming. One visitor noted, "Great place with pool, playground, movies, store, restaurant, activities, river access, cabins, tent, RV areas." Another shared, "It was a thriving summer destination before the local dam was removed. We still use it as a kayak dock, but the grounds are a lot more 'rustic.'" These reviews reflect the park's enduring appeal and unique character.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Dogs allowed
The recreation area was a thriving summer destination before the local dam was removed. We still use it as a kayak dock, but the grounds are a lot more "rustic."
Great place, pool playground movies store restaurant activities river access cabins tent RV areas
Extremely basic camping amenities. The front loop sites are sparsley shaded on the outside, main shade is in the inner sites of the loop. Staff was helpful and fairly friendly. The rate is a little steep considering the lack of amenities and firewood was twice what you would normally pay per bundle. Access to the nearby river is not bad but it's definitely not disabled friendly, steep and narrow.
All of the campsites are extremely close together and there is very little privacy. If you happen to pick a spot with no others next to it, you may enjoy this more. Lots of micro trash and a big hole that has not been filled in at the site I booked. Overpriced and overrated in my opinion. To be fair I like primitive private camping and don't care about facilities when doing so. If you don't mind lots of people and no privacy, the water is nice for about 2 months out of the year (before the second week if July or so due to toxic blue green algae). I won't be staying here again but we made it work for what it was.
Great place to hang and frolic in the river.