Benicia State Recreation Area

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.

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

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.

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.