Benbow Lake

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=426 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benbow_Lake_State_Recreation_Area Benbow Lake State Recreation Area surrounds Benbow Lake, a reservoir on the South Fork Eel River in Humboldt County, California. A concrete dam was constructed across the South Fork Eel River in 1928 to provide hydroelectric power for development in Garberville, impounding a reservoir. There are 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.

Benbow Lake State Recreation Area 1600 U.S. Hwy 101, #8 • Garberville, CA 95542 • (707) 923-3238 Benbow Lake State Recreation Area was created in 1958 to preserve the natural area. Today the park consists of about 1,200 acres with 77 campsites and a large day-use picnic area. Hiking, picnicking and camping, along with salmon and steelhead fishing, are the most popular activities PARK FEES are due and payable upon entry into the park. The campsite fee covers one vehicle. Extra fees apply for each additional vehicle. OCCUPANCY: Each campsite may have up to eight persons (including children). QUIET HOURS are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. To ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone please do not disturb other campers—regardless of the time of day. Radios and other sound-producing devices must not be audible beyond your immediate campsite. Generators may be operated only between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. VEHICLE PARKING: Vehicles may be parked only in assigned campsites. All vehicles must remain on the parking area and may not extend out into the roadway. Two vehicles maximum are allowed per campsite. RVs / TRAILERS: The RV length limit is 30 feet, and the trailer length limit is 24 feet. CHECK-OUT TIME is noon. Please vacate your site by that time. Check-in time is 2 p.m. HIKING TRAILS From campsite 57, join the Thrap Mill Trail (an old road) and begin rising through the redwoods. The path dips into, then switchbacks out of, a ravine and comes to a junction a half mile from the trailhead. Go left to meet Pioneer Trail, which ascends west for a quarter mile to a junction at Ridge Trail; this path loops a mile (rejoining Pioneer Trail) to a peak for great views of South Fork country. Pioneer Trail levels out a bit, passes the other branch of Ridge Trail, then descends to Pioneer Meadow. The path continues descending, offering views of the South Fork of the Eel River, to a junction with Thrap Mill Trail. Bear right and hike along the river a quarter mile to a short side trail leading to the site of Thrap Mill. A rusted boiler located among tall redwoods marks the site of the old mill. The trail continues southeast, ascending briefly to a lookout high above the South Fork of the Eel River and the park’s picnic area. A bit more climbing brings you back to close the loop and a left turn returns you to campsite 57 and the trailhead. SPEED LIMIT: The maximum speed limit is 15 mph. This speed may be too fast in the camp loops and when children are present; use good judgment. a th K l am n mo er Sal Riv e Riv r PETS must be kept on a leash six feet or less and must be under immediate control at all times. Pets are not permitted on trails or at interpretive programs. Pets may not be left unattended and must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night. Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP Del Norte Coast Redwoods SP FIRES AND FIREWOOD: Fires are allowed only in established metal fire rings or camp stoves and must be attended at all times. Do not gather firewood in the park—the nutrients must be allowed to recycle back into the ecosystem. You may purchase firewood at the entrance station. Firewood sales provide funds for the Richardson Grove Interpretive Association, which supports interpretive programs in the park. BICYCLES are allowed only on paved roadways. Riders under eighteen years of age must wear a legally approved helmet. WATER is available throughout the park. Hose bibs may be use for filling water tanks; they may not be used for hookups. Benbow Lake SRA Richardson Grove SP Discover the many states of California.TM CAMPING RESERVATIONS: You may make camping reservations by calling (800) 444-7275 (TTY 800-274-7275). To make online reservations, visit our website at www.parks.ca.gov. ALTERNATE FORMAT: This publication is available in alternate formats by contacting California State Parks at (800) 777-0369, or 711, TTY relay service. Benbow Lake State Recreation Area 70 69 71 74 67 72 73 LEGEND Accessible Feature Restroom 68 66 48 65 75 RV Hookup 63 61 64 Campfire Center RV Sanitation Station 60 62 54 58 Hike and Bike Campsite Showers Emergency Telephone Swimming Parking Trail Ranger Station Water Faucets Map not to scale. 59 57 51 53 46 52 55 ;OYHW4PSS ;YHPS 56 2PVZR 1 CH 23 22 24 27 21 19 15 14 17 10 20 18 8 2 3 41 39 38 )LHJO 37 (JJLZZ 40 29 35 31 36 30 32 33 11 34 12 9 7 5 6 O RK F H SOUT EE 77 Exit to Benbow Dr. 44 26 28 16 13 4 76 43 25 ay w gh Hi 42 47 45 10 1 CH Camp Host 49 50 Park Entrance B w enbo I VE R L Dr. R For Emergencies Dial - - 9 1 1. © 2009 California State Parks