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Ben Ries Campground

No reviews yet · USD 10 per night (official rate) · CA State Park
1-800-444-7275

Ben Ries Campground is located in Little Butano Creek Canyon within Butano State Park, surrounded by towering old-growth redwoods. The campground offers 21 drive-in sites and 18 walk-in sites nestled throughout the forest. Multiple hiking trails are accessible from the site, and the area supports diverse wildlife including banana slugs, newts, squirrels, woodpeckers, and owls. The campground provides basic amenities including restrooms with flush toilets, water taps, and food lockers at each site. (via official site)

Tents Caravans / RV Motorhomes Car access

Rates & prices

Prices as published on Ben Ries Campground’s official website (USD).

ItemPrice
Additional vehicleCamping fees include one vehicleUSD 10 per night

Key facts

At-a-glance details for Ben Ries Campground, from its official website.

Booking & season

SeasonApril 1 - November 30 (December 1 - March 31 closed)
Reservation availabilityAvailable 6 months to 48 hours in advance

Pitches & accommodation

Pitches39
Drive-in sites21 sites with tables, food lockers, and fire rings
Walk-in sites18 sites requiring 20-50 yard carry from vehicle

Prices & discounts

Vehicle parkingOne vehicle included in camping fee; additional vehicles $10/night

Location & access

SettingLocated in Little Butano Creek Canyon within Butano State Park

Rules & policies

Noise policyNoise must not extend beyond campsite boundaries
Food storageCampsites must be kept crumb clean—all food and garbage must be properly stored

Good to know

Backcountry alternativeButano Trail Camp offers 8 backcountry sites 5.5 miles away with pit toilets, no water, no campfires or dogs allowed
Current statusCLOSED due to fire-related damage to the park's water system

Opening hours & schedules

Reception, gate and facility hours for Ben Ries Campground.

Check-in14:00
Check-out12:00
Reservation available6 months to 48 hours in advance

Facilities & details

Amenities and on-site features reported for Ben Ries Campground.

Fee

Know before you go

Practical things to prepare for a trip to Ben Ries Campground.

Location

Where Ben Ries Campground sits on the map and how to get there.

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Nearby cities & towns

Towns and cities closest to Ben Ries Campground — browse campsites near each.

What’s nearby

Shops, drinking water, fuel and attractions within reach of the site.

🏞️ Attractions

Butano Peak (522 m)Summits & peaks7.7 km · ~17 min driveDirections ↗
Gazos Creek State Beach
Gazos Creek State BeachBeaches & swimming

Gazos Creek is a stream in San Mateo County, California, in the United States. Gazos was likely derived from the Spanish word garzas meaning "herons".

8 km · ~14 min driveDirections ↗
Butano FallsWaterfalls8.5 km · ~19 min driveDirections ↗
Butano State Park
Butano State ParkParks & play

Butano State Park is a state park in the U.S. state of California, showcasing the secluded redwood-filled canyon of Little Butano Creek, a tributary of Butano Creek in the Pescadero Creek watershed. Located in San Mateo County near Pescadero, the 4,728-acre (1,913 ha) park was established in 1956.

8.5 km · ~19 min driveDirections ↗
Pigeon Point County Park
Pigeon Point County ParkParks & play

Pigeon Point Light Station or Pigeon Point Lighthouse is a lighthouse built in 1871 to guide ships on the Pacific coast of California. It is the tallest lighthouse (tied with Point Arena Light) on the West Coast of the United States. It is still an active Coast Guard aid to navigation. Pigeon Point Light Station is located on the coastal highway (State Route 1), 5 miles (8 km) south of Pescadero,

10.7 km · ~16 min driveDirections ↗
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic ParkParks & play

park in San Mateo County, California, United States of America

11.5 km · ~17 min driveDirections ↗
Pistachio Beach
Pistachio BeachBeaches & swimming12.4 km · ~19 min driveDirections ↗
Low ViewpointAttractions13.7 km · ~29 min driveDirections ↗
Chalk Mountain (490 m)Summits & peaks

mountain in United States of America; GeoNames ID = 5335752

15.8 km · ~48 min driveDirections ↗
Golden FallsWaterfalls16.5 km · ~51 min driveDirections ↗
Hoffman Creek Trailhead
Hoffman Creek TrailheadTrails & trailheads

Hoffman Creek is a stream in San Mateo County, California and is a tributary of Pescadero Creek.

19.2 km · ~32 min driveDirections ↗

🛒 Amenities & services

🛒 Groceries

Fuel

🍽️ Food & drink

🚰 Drinking water

🚻 Toilets & showers

🎾 Sports

🏧 ATM & bank

Weather

Current conditions and the forecast to help you plan your trip.

Best time to visit

Typical monthly temperature and rainfall at Ben Ries Campground.

Good to know

Quick answers to common questions about Ben Ries Campground.

What is the maximum trailer/motorhome length allowed?

24 feet maximum

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in at 2 p.m., check-out at 12 noon

What is the maximum occupancy per site?

8 people maximum per site

Are generators allowed?

Yes, generators are permitted from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. only

What is the speed limit in the campground?

15 mph speed limit throughout the campground

How much does it cost to camp at Ben Ries Campground?

Ben Ries Campground charges a camping fee.

Who runs Ben Ries Campground?

Ben Ries Campground is operated by CA State Park.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Ben Ries Campground?

At Ben Ries Campground, check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 12:00.

How many pitches does Ben Ries Campground have?

Ben Ries Campground has around 39 pitches.

When is Ben Ries Campground open?

Ben Ries Campground is open April 1 - November 30 (December 1 - March 31 closed).

What languages are spoken at Ben Ries Campground?

Staff at Ben Ries Campground speak English.

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