Ben Ries Campground: Your Redwood Retreat in Butano State Park, California

Ben Ries Campground Introduce

For California locals seeking a tranquil escape into the heart of a majestic redwood forest, Ben Ries Campground, nestled within Butano State Park, offers a truly enchanting experience. Tucked deep in the Little Butano Creek Canyon, this campground provides a comfortable and serene landscape dominated by towering redwood trees, creating an immersive natural environment. It's a place where the air is cool and shaded, even on warmer days, offering a refreshing refuge from urban life.

Ben Ries Campground is a family-friendly destination, popular with those who appreciate a quiet, nature-focused camping trip. Visitors often describe the atmosphere as peaceful, with fellow campers focused on enjoying the outdoors rather than late-night festivities. The feeling of being completely surrounded by the ancient redwoods is a highlight for many, with some describing it as "Ewok territory" due to the thick canopy and vibrant ferns. This unique ambiance makes it a cherished spot for Californians looking to reconnect with nature.

The campground offers a variety of site types to suit different preferences. There are 21 drive-in sites, perfect for those with tents, trailers, or smaller RVs (up to a maximum length of 24 feet), each equipped with tables, food lockers, and fire rings. Additionally, 18 walk-in sites are available, nestled deeper within the redwoods, offering a more secluded experience away from vehicle noise. These sites require campers to carry their gear a short distance (20 to 50 yards) from the parking area, providing an extra layer of peace and immersion.

Wildlife is a common sight and sound throughout the forest, enhancing the natural experience. Banana slugs, newts (salamanders), squirrels, woodpeckers, and owls are frequently observed or heard, adding to the sense of wilderness. The park's commitment to a "crumb-clean area" is strictly enforced, with proper food storage in provided lockers emphasized to prevent attracting local wildlife, particularly raccoons. This helps maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem and ensures a safer experience for both campers and animals.

While the campground was impacted by the 2020 CZU fire, the campground itself was not damaged. However, the water system needed rebuilding, which led to a period of indefinite closure. It is imperative for any California local planning a trip to check the very latest operational status with California State Parks or ReserveCalifornia before departure. When open, Ben Ries Campground consistently provides a wonderful opportunity for families and individuals to unwind and reconnect with the natural beauty of California's iconic redwood forests, all within a relatively accessible distance from major population centers.

Ben Ries Campground is located in Butano State Park, near Pescadero, California 94060, USA. This puts it approximately 40 miles south of San Francisco and less than 90 minutes from both San Francisco and San Jose, making it a convenient escape for many Bay Area residents and other Californians.

Access to the campground involves navigating the roads typical of the Santa Cruz Mountains. From Highway 1, you'll exit at Pescadero Road, drive about 3 miles, then turn right onto Cloverdale Road and continue for about 5 miles to the park entrance. While the roads can be narrow and winding, particularly for those with larger RVs or trailers, they are generally manageable. Reviews indicate that even standard passenger vehicles like a Prius can navigate the gravel roads within the park. However, caution is always advised, especially when driving with steep grades and tight turns, and when encountering other vehicles on the narrow stretches.

Upon arrival, visitors will find the campground situated along the hillside above the Little Butano Creek Canyon. The layout includes a loop road for drive-in sites and a separate area for walk-in sites, requiring a short carry of gear from a lower loop road. The park entrance kiosk, when staffed, is where fees are due, and overflow parking is available below the campground for extra vehicles. The proximity to Highway 1 (PCH) also means easy access to the scenic coastline, Pescadero State Beach, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, and various charming farm stands offering local produce and artisan goods, making it a gateway to broader coastal exploration for California locals.

Ben Ries Campground offers essential services to ensure a comfortable stay while maintaining a rustic, natural ambiance within the redwood forest. These services are designed to support a traditional camping experience:

Drive-in Campsites: 21 sites accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs up to 24 feet in length. Each includes a picnic table, food locker, and fire ring with grill.
Walk-in Campsites: 18 sites nestled deeper in the redwoods, requiring a short carry of gear from a designated parking area. These also include picnic tables, food lockers, and fire rings (though some walk-in sites may not have fire pits, so confirm upon arrival).
Flush Toilets: Clean restrooms with running water are available in the main drive-in campground area.
Potable Drinking Water: Water taps are located throughout the campground for drinking water.
Dishwashing Stations: Available for convenient cleanup after meals.
Food Lockers (Bear Boxes): Provided at each site for secure food storage, crucial in this "crumb-clean" area.
Fire Rings: Located at each drive-in campsite and some walk-in sites for campfires (subject to current fire regulations and bans).
Trash Bins: Animal-proof trash and recycle bins are provided.
Camp Host: An on-site camp host is usually available to provide assistance and enforce park rules.
No Showers: It's important to note that the campground does not have showers.
No Cell Service: Generally, there is no cell phone service within the campground, offering a true opportunity to disconnect.
Reservations: Campsites are highly popular and can be reserved up to 6 months in advance via ReserveCalifornia.

While the amenities are basic compared to private RV parks, they are well-maintained and sufficient for a rewarding state park camping adventure.

Ben Ries Campground and Butano State Park offer a variety of features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for California outdoor enthusiasts:

Towering Redwood Forest Setting: Campsites are situated amongst towering second- and third-growth redwoods, providing a constantly cool, shaded, and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Extensive Hiking Trails: The park boasts over 40 miles of hiking trails through scenic canyons, uplands, and redwood groves, ranging from easy strolls along Little Butano Creek (like the 1.5-mile peaceful trail) to more challenging hikes with expansive views.
Diverse Wildlife: Opportunities for viewing various species, including banana slugs, California newts (salamanders), squirrels, woodpeckers, owls, and occasional bobcats or coyotes.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Praised for its quiet environment and suitability for families, often with kids and dogs enjoying the natural setting.
Secluded Camping Options: While popular, many sites, particularly the walk-ins, offer a good degree of privacy with ample space between them.
Proximity to Coastal Attractions: Just a few minutes' drive from Highway 1 and attractions like Pescadero State Beach, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Año Nuevo State Park (known for elephant seals), and charming coastal towns with farm stands.
Interpretive Programs: During summer months, the park often offers guided nature walks, Junior Ranger programs, and weekend campfire programs, enriching the visitor experience.
Year-Round Beauty (Seasonal Closure): While the campground is typically closed from December 1 through March 31, the park's natural beauty changes with the seasons, offering different experiences, from abundant mushrooms in winter to lush greenery in spring.
Crumb-Clean Park: Strict adherence to food storage rules promotes responsible wildlife coexistence and maintains a clean environment.

These features combine to create a comprehensive outdoor experience that appeals to a wide range of California campers.

For reservations, current operational status (especially important given past closures), or any questions about Ben Ries Campground or Butano State Park, California locals should contact the relevant State Park authorities. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season and weekends.

Address: California 94060, USA (Specifically within Butano State Park, 1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060)

Phone: The primary contact number for Butano State Park is (650) 879-2040.

For reservations, use the official California State Parks reservation system:

Online: ReserveCalifornia.com
Phone: (800) 444-PARK or (800) 444-7275

Always verify the campground's opening status, current fire restrictions, and any other alerts directly with California State Parks before your trip, as conditions and operating schedules can change. This is particularly crucial for Ben Ries Campground due to its past closure for water system repairs.

In conclusion, Ben Ries Campground is an ideal destination for California locals seeking a genuine redwood forest camping experience without venturing too far from urban centers. Despite a period of closure for water system repairs, its inherent beauty and well-maintained basic amenities make it a highly desirable spot when operational. For families, couples, or solo adventurers, it offers a peaceful retreat into nature, where towering trees provide a constant sense of awe and the sounds of wildlife replace city noise.

The variety of drive-in and walk-in sites caters to different preferences, and the extensive network of hiking trails ensures there's always something to explore. Its proximity to charming coastal towns and beaches adds another layer of appeal, allowing for a diverse itinerary that combines forest serenity with ocean vistas. By checking the current operational status and making reservations in advance, California locals can confidently plan a memorable and rejuvenating escape to Ben Ries Campground, a true hidden gem in their home state's stunning natural landscape.