Skyline Wilderness Park spans over 800 acres just minutes from downtown Napa, offering extensive trail networks for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The campground sits at approximately 300 feet elevation with temperatures ranging from 50-90°F throughout the camping season. Sites accommodate various camping styles including tent camping, RVs up to 31 feet, and basic cabins with shared bathroom facilities.
What to do
Mountain biking on multi-use trails: The park contains dedicated biking paths with varying difficulty levels. At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, located about 30 miles from Benicia, visitors appreciate the extensive trail system. "I went for a long ride and when I returned the place was much more occupied and people were setting up tents, starting their bbq's, etc," notes Twindaddy.
Fishing at nearby lakes: Several parks within driving distance offer fishing opportunities with seasonal stocking programs. Del Valle Campground provides lake access approximately 45 minutes from Benicia. "The marina to Lake Del Valle is a few miles away. They rent recreational boats as well as aluminum fishing boats," explains Ed E.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide the best opportunities for spotting local wildlife. "Wild turkey, deer, wood peckers regularly seen!" reports Adam B. about his stay at Skyline Wilderness Park. Many campgrounds throughout the region feature abundant wildlife viewing opportunities during cooler morning hours.
What campers like
Proximity to wine country: The central location makes it easy to combine camping with vineyard visits. At Ritchey Creek Campground, "Great spot for cheap and restful accommodation while visiting wine country. Yurts, and campsites, pull thru and rv sites. Not super cheap cuz you are in California but way more affordable than any hotel and 5 minutes from Calistoga," shares Ash C.
Hot shower facilities: Clean facilities with good water pressure rank high among camper priorities. "The showers were great. Hot and FREE!" notes Ryan W. about his experience at Wildcat Campground, making it worth considering for equestrian camping near Benicia, California.
Cell service availability: Working remotely while camping is increasingly important to visitors. Adam B. reports about Anthony Chabot Regional Park: "Nice clean decent cell service. Lots of birds singing. The views of the lake are very nice." Cell coverage varies significantly between parks, with best reception typically at higher elevation campsites.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can be intense, particularly in exposed campsites. The terrain becomes particularly dry from June through September, requiring additional water for horses and humans alike. In contrast, spring camping offers more comfortable temperatures and wildflower displays.
Parking regulations: Many campgrounds have specific regulations for horse trailers. At Skyline Wilderness Park, "Sites are free form and come as you are, basically you're assigned to a section and you camp where there room to do so," explains Leanne R.
Poison oak awareness: Several parks in the region have significant poison oak growth. At Ritchey Creek Campground, one camper cautioned, "Beautiful and close to downtown Calistoga however the campgrounds were infested with poison oak. Maybe just the time of year and because of so much rain this year?" Wearing long pants while riding trails helps minimize exposure.
Tips for camping with families
Day-use amenities: Several parks offer additional recreation beyond trail riding. Rich J. notes about Skyline Wilderness Park: "But the park itself is nice...hiking trails, views, nature, and close to Napa." The native garden area provides educational opportunities for children to learn about local plant species.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on proximity to facilities when camping with children. At Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, Stuart K. advises, "From the parking lot, there's 3-4 hiking trails to take, but the one to the campsite is the only one heading south from the parking lot. You'll have to hike all your gear in from here, and it's about 150 yards."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require appropriate clothing layers. "Make sure you are prepared for the temperature swing. 89 in the day and down to 51 at night," suggests Tanya B. regarding her stay at Ritchey Creek Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Not all campgrounds near Benicia offer full hookups for RVers. Those that do often have limited sites available. At Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park, Nancy L. cautions, "Crowded. San Ramon, CA. Ok for a night's stay."
Site leveling challenges: Many regional campgrounds require leveling equipment due to uneven terrain. One camper at Del Valle noted, "It's pretty hot in the summer and it has a rocky ground so it will be hard to get stakes on the ground."
Reservation timing: RV sites with full hookups book quickly during peak seasons. "We camp here with our travel trailer at the start of each season, to check out all our systems. If you are visiting and want to go to San Francisco, I think this is one of the closest RV parks to the city," explains N V. about Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park. For equestrian camping near Benicia with RVs, booking 3-6 months in advance is recommended.
