A popular destination, Benbow Lake SRA was first established in 1958. Prior to that, the area was used by settlers, ranchers and loggers until 1922 when the Benbow family purchased much of the land in the valley. Some of the land was subdivided and sold for home sites. The Benbow Hotel, as it was originally named, was built in 1925 and opened for business in 1926.

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 and the first 207 acres were purchased in 1958.

Today the park consists of about 1,200 acres with 77 campsites and a large day-use picnic area. The campground is open year-round and reservations can be made from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend by calling (800) 444-7275. Hiking, swimming, picnicking and camping are popular summer time activities, while salmon and steelhead fishing are popular in the winter. There are 2 hook-up campsites available.

• Visitation: 75,000
• Location: 2 miles south of Garberville on Hwy. 101.
• Address: 1600 U.S. Hwy. 101, #8, Garberville, CA 95542.
• Telephone: (707) 923-3238 (summer) (707) 247-3318 (winter).
• Operating Hours/Seasons: Open all year unless river water flow is over the bridge (winter).
• Climate/recommended clothing: summer 50°-90°. winter 30°-55°. Dress for rain.
• Travel Directions: Take Benbow Drive exit off HWY 101, 2 miles south of Garberville.
• Fees/costs/rates: **All fees subject to change as of January 2001** Campsites - off-season $12., on season $16. Two (2) Hook-up sites available $17. Off-season, $21. on season. Showers need quarters. Day use $2/car. Senior citizens receive $2 discount on camping.
• Facilities: RV dump station ($5.00 fee for non campers)
• Reservations/permits: Reservations Memorial Day-Labor Day. Call (800) 444-7275.
• Basic visit recommendations: Family camping along river and lake.
• Special events/programs: Summer Arts Festival, Jazz on the Lake, Shakespeare at Benbow.
• Visitor impacts: Crowded during special events.
• Adjacent visitor attractions: Golf course & Benbow Inn, Richardson Grove S.P., Humboldt Redwoods S.P., Avenue of the Giants, Sinkyone Wilderness S.P., Shelter Cove and King Range National Conservation Area.