Benbow Lake State Recreation Area facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Benbow Lake State Recreation Area
Benbow Lake State Recreation Area Location in California Show map of California Benbow Lake State Recreation Area Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Humboldt County, California, USA
Nearest city	Garberville, California
Area	1,142 acres (4.62 km2)
Established	1958
Governing body	California Department of Parks and Recreation

Benbow Lake State Recreation Area is a fun state park in California, United States. It is located in Humboldt County, about 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Garberville. You can find it right along the South Fork Eel River. It is a great place to enjoy nature and outdoor activities!

About Benbow Lake State Recreation Area

This beautiful park covers about 1,142 acres (462 hectares) of land. It is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The park was officially created in 1958. It offers many ways for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors.

The Story of Benbow Lake

A long time ago, in 1928, a dam was built across the South Fork Eel River. This dam helped create a reservoir, which is like a large lake. The water from this lake was used to make electricity for the town of Garberville.

The Benbow family, who owned land nearby, wanted to protect the beautiful river area. They worked hard to make it a state park. In 1956, money was approved for the "Benbow Project." The state bought the first 207 acres (84 hectares) for the park in 1958.

Changes for Fish

The dam at Benbow was a seasonal dam. This means it was put in place for part of the year and then removed. However, the dam made it harder for fish like salmon to swim freely. Because of its negative impact on fish, the seasonal dam was removed in 2016. This helps the river's natural flow and supports the fish population.

Fun Things to Do at the Park

Benbow Lake State Recreation Area is a popular spot for many activities. It has places for camping and a large area for picnics during the day.

• Summer Fun: In the warmer months, people love to go hiking, have picnics, and camp overnight.
• Winter Fishing: When it gets colder, the park is a great place for fishing. Many people come to catch salmon and steelhead.

Foliage at Benbow State Recreation Area