Benbow day-use river access
A signed state-park day-use area with parking, picnic facilities, and a South Fork river beach. The former dam and lake no longer exist.
Also known as: Benbow State Recreation Area, Benbow Lake
Selected place
Can I swim now?
Benbow day-use river accessSouth Fork Eel River
This is not an all-clear. Check the current statewide reports map and signs at the site.
Site-specific result not listed in the current FHABS exportCalifornia HAB reports map ↗Practical algae information
Harmful algal mats can occur in clear water and reports are not comprehensive. Avoid visible mats or discolored, stagnant water; keep children and pets away from affected water. Only testing can determine whether toxins are present.
California toxic algal mat guidance ↗Weather
Today’s high: 101°F · Mostly SunnyNational Weather Service · Sep 9, 2026, 2:10 PM PDTRiver reading
River level is steadySouth Fork at Leggett · observed Sep 9, 2026, 3:30 PM PDTMeasurement details
23.9 ft³/s flow · 5.12 ft gauge height
Flow measures how much water passes the gauge. Gauge height is measured from a fixed reference; it is not the depth at your swimming spot.
Access
Public access documentedMain day-use parking is past the entrance station off Lake Benbow Drive. State Parks says there is no day-use parking in the campground.- Parking
- Main day-use parking is past the entrance station off Lake Benbow Drive. State Parks says there is no day-use parking in the campground.
- Fees
- California State Parks currently lists an $8 vehicle day-use fee and notes that rates can change.
- Restrictions
- Diving is not permitted and no lifeguard is on duty. The current park restriction concerns the campground dump station, not the day-use river area.
Facilities
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Drinking water
- Picnic area
- Beach area
Listed facilities come from the cited manager record. Check current restrictions and posted signs before use.
Sources and verification
Manager: California State Parks. Parking directions are shown only where the public entrance is documented.
- Benbow State Recreation Area ↗ checked 2026-09-08
- Benbow park information sheet ↗ checked 2026-09-08