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$12 / night

$12 / night

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Nature
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Benicia State Recreation Area

5 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Benicia State Recreation Area, near Benicia, California, is a straightforward spot for those needing a quick overnight stay. It’s not your typical campground; think of it more as a safe place to park your RV for the night, with a $12 fee to keep things simple.

This area offers three designated spots for self-contained vehicles, and you’ll need to be out by 9 AM the next day. Visitors have mentioned that it’s a popular stop for joggers and bikers, making it a lively place during the day. You can enjoy the beautiful surroundings, but keep an eye out for ticks if you decide to take your dog for a walk—some campers have had quite the experience with those little critters.

While there are no electric or water hookups, you’ll find a water faucet and trash cans available. Each spot comes with a picnic table, perfect for a quick meal before hitting the road. As one camper noted, “Great little first come first served stopover spots.” Just remember, this isn’t a place for campfires or tent camping, so plan accordingly.

If you’re looking to stretch your legs, the nearby park offers scenic paths and views of the bay. It’s a convenient option for those traveling through the area, providing a peaceful night’s rest before continuing your journey.

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Location

Benicia State Recreation Area is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.0780003 N
122.19260075 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Sunol

Sunol

45 min away

Turner Cut Resort

Turner Cut Resort

1 hr 10 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

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Reviews

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5 Reviews

NThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 24, 2025

Need self-contained toilet

Tried camping here but the ranger said I had to have a self-contained toilet since the park itself is locked at dusk. It looked like a beautiful spot but I was unable to park here for the night

Month of VisitMarch
Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2024

Not a campground - enroute spot only

This is just a perfect spot for when you just need a spot for the night. To be very clear, it's not a campground. It's just a safe and legal spot to sleep. We stayed here 3 years ago and nothing much has changed, including the $12 fee.

The area is beautiful and lots of people come here to walk and exercise, and once I took my dog on a walk I saw why nobody brings their dog - TICKS! So many!  Just from walking along the path, not even going into the grass, my dog got 6 ticks once and 5 ticks another  walk. 

My previous review is still accurate, except that now all 3 sites are open. Glad this place is under the radar, it's nice that there's been room here for us when we've needed it.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Benicia State Recreation Area by Laura M., August 3, 2024
  • Review photo of Benicia State Recreation Area by Laura M., August 3, 2024
  • Review photo of Benicia State Recreation Area by Laura M., August 3, 2024
  • (13) View All
kathleen K.
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2021

No camping here

I came here to car camp with some friends for the weekend. And found that there are only four bullyan RV spots and one parallel RV spot. There are no electric or water hookups. There is no running water. There is no drinkable water. There are no fire pits. There's barely any shade. Car camping is not allowed tent camping is not allowed that's why I don't understand how they call this a campground

Sitenone
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Benicia State Recreation Area by kathleen K., August 21, 2021
M
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2021

Great Short Stop

Great little first come first served stopover spots. There are 3 spots just after you enter this nice open space park on the bay (middle one is Covid closed as of June 2021). We got one late Friday evening. Nice park quiet at night and heavily used by joggers and bikers in morning . One night max and must move by 9 am- can just park along road though if still packing up or want to stay and explore park. Super friendly ranger. Self registration just after booth.

Site3
Month of VisitJune
Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Feb. 22, 2021

Self-contained vehicles, one night only

This state recreation area has 3 spots for overnight parking (one night only, first come first served).  As this is a popular day use area for hikers and bikers,  you can't pull in until 3pm and you have to be out by 9am.  It's meant to be a quick overnight spot, not a camping destination.  Self contained vehicles only. No tents. $12 fee.

Even though you can't technically take the spot until the afternoon, you can hang out in the day use area until then. We didn't have to pay the $6 day use fee since we planned to stay the night, but that might have been at the ranger's discretion.

There are 3 spots available, but the middle spot has been closed temporarily due to covid.

There is a water faucet and some trash cans and plastic, glass, and aluminum recycling available, and there were porta potties when we were there but not sure if those are always there. There is a picnic table and grill at each spot. No fires.

Good cell service.  Near the freeway so there was road noise almost all night.

Great option for when you just need a cheap overnight.

Site3
Month of VisitFebruary
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  • Review photo of Benicia State Recreation Area by Laura M., February 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Benicia State Recreation Area by Laura M., February 22, 2021
  • (6) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Benicia State Recreation Area for campers?

Benicia State Recreation Area offers minimal amenities for overnight campers. The park does not provide water hookups, electric connections, or running water. There are no fire pits available, and drinking water is not accessible on site. The facilities are deliberately basic as this is designed as a simple overnight parking area rather than a full-service campground. The park itself features beautiful bay views and trails for hiking and biking, but amenities specifically for campers are extremely limited.

Can you camp overnight at Benicia State Recreation Area?

Yes, Benicia State Recreation Area offers limited overnight camping with only 3-4 designated spots available for one night stays. These spots are first-come, first-served only, with no reservations accepted. Important restrictions apply: you cannot enter until 3pm and must depart by 9am the following day. This area is designed as a quick overnight stopover rather than a destination camping experience. The overnight fee is $12. These limitations make it suitable for travelers needing just a safe place to sleep while passing through the area.

What are visitors saying about Benicia State Recreation Area in reviews?

Visitors describe Benicia State Recreation Area as a beautiful location with bay views that serves perfectly as a quick overnight stopover. Many appreciate the $12 fee for the convenience of a legal parking spot, though they emphasize it's not a traditional campground. The area is noted for being quiet at night while busy with joggers and bikers during the day. Some visitors mention the lack of amenities as a drawback, particularly noting no water access, hookups, or fire pits. The park's natural setting and trails receive positive comments, making it popular for day use activities.

Is there RV camping at Benicia State Recreation Area?

Yes, Benicia State Recreation Area has limited RV camping with approximately 4 pull-in spots and 1 parallel spot available. However, these spots have significant limitations: no electric hookups, no water connections, and no dump stations are provided. The park requires self-contained toilets since the main facilities lock at dusk. These spots are first-come, first-served for one night only, with entry after 3pm and departure by 9am required. This setup makes it suitable only for self-sufficient RVs needing a quick overnight stop rather than an extended stay.

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