Benbow is a unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California, located beside the South Fork Eel River.

For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Benbow as a census-designated place (CDP).

[4] The children of Arthur Benbow purchased 1,288 acres (521 ha) from Ernest Linser and also some land from John Kamper, Jack Bowden and a Mr. Peirce in 1922.

[5] It soon became apparent that ranching would not be sufficient to meet their needs so the family constructed the Benbow Inn resort hotel.

[5] The electricity for the hotel came from two diesel generators until a dam and powerhouse was completed on the south fork of the Eel River.

[25] Federally, it is in California's 2nd congressional district, represented by Democrat Jared Huffman.