Benbow Lake State Recreation Area is a state park unit of California, USA, established around a reservoir on the South Fork Eel River. It is located in Humboldt County 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Garberville on U.S. Route 101.
A concrete dam was constructed across the South Fork Eel River in 1928 to provide hydroelectric power for development in Garberville, impounding a reservoir. The Benbow family, interested in preserving the natural scene along the river, made efforts to place the land under state protection. In 1956 funds were approved for the Benbow Project and the first 207 acres (84 ha) were purchased in 1958.
Today the park has grown to 1,142 acres (462 ha). There are campsites and a large day-use picnic area. Hiking, picnicking and camping are popular summer time activities, while salmon and steelhead fishing are popular in the winter.
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