Closure Notice (2023): Some trails are still closed due to recent wildfires. Check the park website for details: Butano State Park.
Butano State Park is tucked away in the coastal mountains only 3 miles inland from Pescadero along the San Mateo County coast. The quiet state park offers a comfortable place to camp close to many nearby attractions, including Ano Nuevo State Park, a string of beautiful beaches along the San Mateo coast, and Half Moon Bay.
Ben Ries Campground is set in a dense redwood forest with limited sunlight filtering through the trees. Half of the campsites in Ben Ries Campground are standard sites which will accommodate tents and small RVs or trailers. The other half are walk-in, tent-only sites, usually only a short distance from the parking area.
| Ben Ries Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Ben Ries Campground Location: | 1500 Cloverdale Rd. near Pescadero |
| Elevation: | 300 feet |
| Camping season: | April - November |
| Number of Sites: | 35 |
| Max. People per Site: | 8 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 3 for drive-in sites (fee per night for 2nd and 3rd vehicles) 1 vehicle for walk-in sites |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Park Headquarters: | (650) 879-2040 |
| Reservations for Butano State Park Camping | |
|---|---|
| Reservations Available: | early May through November, up to 1 year in advance |
| Booking Window: | from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of your arrival date. |
| Maximum Vehicle Length: | 24 feet |
| Accessible Sites: | None designated |
| Fees: | $35 plus an $8 reservation fee |
| Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: | Butano SP - Ben Ries Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM |
| Check-in, check-out: | 2:00 PM, Noon |
| Ben Ries Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, food locker, fire ring |
| Campground: | restrooms with flush toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump Station: | No |
| Campground Map: | Ben Ries Campground Map |
| Attractions near Ben Ries Campground: | Choose from among several nice hiking trails. Enjoy campfire programs. Join ranger-led nature walks. Visit the park's Nature Center. Marvel at the redwoods. Drive to the San Mateo coast and find attractions such as Ano Nuevo State Park. |
Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Ben Ries Campground
Butano State Park is a tranquil, shady retreat not far inland from the San Mateo County Coast. Those camping at Butano State Park's Ben Ries Campground enjoy dense groves of redwoods along with nearby scenic beaches.
Check Butano State Park for any park and campground updates.