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

Ben Ries Campground, Butano State Park Introduce

For Californians yearning for a tranquil escape into the majestic redwood forests, Ben Ries Campground within Butano State Park offers an enchanting opportunity. Tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Pescadero, this campground provides a quintessential Northern California camping experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the quiet grandeur of towering redwoods. This article is designed to be a comprehensive guide for local users, helping you discover what makes Ben Ries Campground a truly brilliant choice for your next outdoor adventure. We understand that finding a serene and well-equipped camping spot is paramount for those looking to reconnect with nature in our beautiful state.

Our aim is to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview, highlighting the campground's distinct features, its strategic location, and the amenities it provides. We'll delve into why Ben Ries Campground stands out as an excellent option for various camping styles, from those preferring the convenience of drive-in sites to those seeking a more secluded walk-in experience. This isn't just about identifying a place to pitch a tent; it's about showcasing a valuable local gem that contributes significantly to the rich outdoor heritage and recreational opportunities available to residents across California.

Ben Ries Campground is part of the larger Butano State Park, an area celebrated for its remarkably lush pocket of small to medium-sized redwoods nestled in a sheltered coastal canyon. The park’s commitment to preserving this natural wonder, while providing accessible camping, makes it a highly desirable destination. Reviews consistently praise the campground's natural setting and the sense of seclusion it offers, even when fully booked. The immediate feeling of being "in Ewok territory" due to the thick canopy and vibrant ferns speaks volumes about its immersive environment.

This overview is designed to arm you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision about your next outdoor excursion, ensuring a memorable and refreshing experience in the heart of California's stunning redwood country.

Ben Ries Campground is located at 1500 Cloverdale Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060, USA, placing it within the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains. This prime location offers California residents a convenient escape to the coast redwood forests without venturing too far from major metropolitan areas like the San Francisco Bay Area. The drive to Butano State Park is often noted for its scenic beauty, winding through coastal landscapes before arriving at the secluded canyon where the campground resides.

Accessibility to Ben Ries Campground is straightforward. Visitors typically exit Highway 1 at Pescadero Road, then turn onto Cloverdale Road, which leads directly to the park entrance. While nestled deep in the Little Butano Creek Canyon, the park's roads are well-maintained, allowing for easy navigation to the campground. This convenient access makes it an ideal spot for weekend trips or longer vacations, minimizing travel time and maximizing outdoor enjoyment for Californians.

The campground's location also provides a significant advantage due to its proximity to other popular coastal attractions. A short drive can take campers to the charming town of Pescadero, known for its quaint shops and eateries, or to stunning coastal areas like Pigeon Point Lighthouse and Año Nuevo State Park, famous for its elephant seal viewing. This blend of forest seclusion and coastal accessibility makes Ben Ries Campground a versatile base for exploring the diverse natural beauty of the California coast and mountains. The ability to easily reach such a profound natural setting from many parts of California underscores its suitability for local users seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Ben Ries Campground in Butano State Park offers a range of services designed to provide a comfortable and authentic camping experience under the redwoods. Here’s a breakdown of the typical services available:

Campsite Variety: The campground features 21 drive-in campsites and 18 walk-in sites. The drive-in sites can accommodate RV trailers and motorhomes up to a 24-foot maximum length. Walk-in sites require campers to carry their gear 20 to 50 yards from their car, offering a more secluded experience.
Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite, whether drive-in or walk-in, is equipped with a picnic table, a food locker (essential for protecting food from wildlife like raccoons and squirrels), and a fire ring with a grill.
Restroom Facilities: The campground provides restrooms with running water and flush toilets.
Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available through water taps located throughout the campground.
Dishwashing Stations: Dedicated dishwashing stations are provided, encouraging campers to maintain cleanliness and proper waste disposal.
Recycling and Trash Bins: Animal-proof trash and recycling bins are available to help maintain the park's "crumb clean" policy, which is strictly enforced to protect wildlife and the environment.
Campfire Center: A community campfire center may be available for interpretive programs, especially during summer months.
Park Entrance Kiosk: The park generally has an entrance kiosk, and while reservations are highly recommended, visitors without reservations can sometimes self-register for one night if unreserved campsites are available.
Seasonal Operation: It's important to note that Ben Ries Campground is typically closed from December 1 through March 31 each year, so planning visits outside of these months is necessary.

While the campground provides many conveniences, it's worth noting that showers are not available, encouraging a more rustic and self-sufficient approach to personal hygiene.

Ben Ries Campground in Butano State Park boasts several unique features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for campers:

Towering Redwood Setting: The most prominent feature is its location deep within a canyon dominated by magnificent second- and third-growth redwood trees. This provides constant shade, a cool refuge from summer heat, and an immediate sense of being enveloped by ancient giants.
Secluded Atmosphere: The strategic spacing between campsites, particularly the walk-in sites nestled within the redwoods, ensures a good degree of privacy and a peaceful, quiet atmosphere. Campers often note the focus on nature rather than loud revelry.
Extensive Hiking Trails: Butano State Park offers over 40 miles of hiking trails that directly branch off from the campground. These trails wind through diverse landscapes, including redwood forests, canyons, riparian zones, and uphill to ridges offering expansive views of the rolling terrain and even glimpses of the Pacific Ocean.
Unique Wildlife: The park is home to fascinating wildlife, including banana slugs (often bright yellow!), California newts, squirrels, woodpeckers, and various bird species. Observant campers will enjoy spotting these creatures in their natural habitat.
Family-Friendly Environment: The overall atmosphere and design of the campground, with amenities like food lockers and well-defined sites, make it very suitable for families looking to introduce children to camping. The "fairy rings" (redwoods grown in a circle) and hollowed-out tree trunks provide natural play areas.
Coastal Proximity: While nestled in the forest, the campground is conveniently close to the stunning California coast, allowing for easy day trips to beaches and coastal attractions like Pigeon Point Lighthouse.
"Crumb Clean" Park Policy: The park's strict "crumb clean" policy, which requires proper storage of all food and garbage, helps maintain the pristine environment and minimizes wildlife interactions, contributing to a cleaner and safer camping experience.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Ben Ries Campground at Butano State Park, you can use the following contact points:

Address: 1500 Cloverdale Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060, USA

Phone: (650) 879-2040

Mobile Phone: +1 650-879-2040

For reservations, it is highly recommended to book through the Reserve California website or by calling (800) 444-7275, especially during peak season, as sites are site-specific. It's always a good practice to check for any current park alerts, closures (especially since the campground is closed seasonally from December to March), or specific regulations before your visit. The visitor center at the park entrance can also provide valuable information upon arrival, including trail maps and interpretive exhibits.

For Californians, Ben Ries Campground in Butano State Park is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for experiencing the state’s iconic redwood forests. Its unique blend of accessibility and immersive natural beauty makes it a prime choice for a wide array of campers, from families seeking a peaceful getaway to avid hikers looking to explore extensive trail systems. The campground's location in the Santa Cruz Mountains offers a convenient escape from the bustling urban centers, providing a refreshing change of pace without requiring extensive travel across the state.

The provision of drive-in and walk-in sites caters to different preferences, ensuring that both those with RVs (up to 24 feet) and tent campers seeking more seclusion can find their ideal spot. The presence of flush toilets, drinking water, and food lockers adds a layer of comfort while still maintaining a genuine connection to the outdoors. Furthermore, the "crumb clean" policy and well-maintained facilities reflect California State Parks' commitment to preserving these precious natural resources for all to enjoy. For locals seeking to disconnect, breathe in the crisp redwood air, and create lasting memories amidst some of the most breathtaking natural scenery California has to offer, Ben Ries Campground is an ideal and readily accessible sanctuary. It truly embodies the spirit of California's diverse and magnificent outdoor recreational opportunities.