Benbow State Recreation Area occupies a broad bend in the South Fork of the Eel River beside the historic Benbow Inn. In summer, a temporary dam creates a warm swimming hole used by campers, families, and anyone looking to cool off after a long drive on US-101. The beach here is gravel and sand, with good spots to set up for an afternoon.
The campground is smaller and quieter than Richardson Grove's, with good river access. Outside summer the dam is removed and the river runs freely through, which makes it a better spot for fishing — steelhead return to the Eel River in winter, and the South Fork is one of the more accessible stretches in the region.