Benbow Lake State Recreation Area

We stayed here for one night, just driving through down the 101 (not many places to stay). It would probably be really nice in the off season during the week. The site was big, but not very private. We were here on a Saturday night, and it’s clear that locals come here to party (noisily!). There were also huge family groups. We were only overnighting so didn’t put up the Starlink, but I doubt it would have worked in the big trees. In a pinch I would stay here overnight again (better than some of the other super cheap places on the route). Dog walking was mainly on the camp road (again, the river was packed with party people).

This is a woodsy campground nestled by Highway 101. Our site was near the highway, but road noise wasn't bad. Small, short parking areas at sites, with plenty of grassy or shady areas for tents. Most campers here are tenters. We only saw a few trailers and one Class C.
Dry camping. Water spigots nearby. Dump area closed. Bathrooms were recent vintage and clean. Coin showers worked well. (Token machine at bath house)
Good woodland hiking trails. Small, riverside beach for wading or fishing. Close to Avenue of the Giants. Only Con is that the road in needs attention. About 50 yards is very rough, maybe from a washout. Needed our cell booster to get 2 bars of Verizon.