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.

Enroute campsites are available to self-contained camping vehicles for 1 night only. Because these areas are used as parking you must enter after 4 p.m. and leave them by 9 a.m. the following morning.

Benicia State Recreation Area

Benicia, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Benicia. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Benicia and user-submitted reviews.

Benicia

The Best Camping Near Benicia, California

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.

Self-contained vehicles, one night only

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.

Great Short Stop

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

No camping here

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.

Photos of Benicia State Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers