China Camp State Park

Park Hours

8:00am to sunset daily

Gate at Back Ranch Meadows Campground
Open 8:00am to 9:00pm

Contact Information

(415) 456-0766

Are dogs Allowed?

Yes: Dogs allowed only in developed areas. Dogs not allowed in the following areas: trails, dirt roads, backcountry areas, historic buildings, and historic gardens.

Reservation Availability

About China Camp State Park

This 1,514-acre park nestled along the shoreline of San Pablo Bay boasts panoramic views, lush oak woodlands and over 100 acres of protected tidal salt marsh. Whether you’re a hiker or mountain biker, a history buff or a beach-loving water baby, you’ll have an unforgettable day at China Camp.

Four miles east of San Rafael on the shore of San Pablo Bay. From Highway 101, go east on North San Pedro Road for five miles until it enters the park.

EV Information

e-bike icon E-Bike Locations
  EV Charger Locations

Overnight Facilities

  • Family Campsites
  • Hike or Bike Campsites
Other Facilities

  • Food Service
  • Parking
  • Restrooms / Showers
  • Restrooms
  • Outdoor Showers
  • Drinking Water Available
Boating

  • Boating
  • Boat Ramps
Day-Use Activities & Facilities

  • Historical/Cultural Site
  • Picnic Areas
  • Env. Learning/Visitor Center
  • Exhibits and Programs
  • Fishing
  • Guided Tours
  • Interpretive Exhibits
  • Beach Area
  • Swimming
  • Vista Point
  • Windsurfing/Surfing
  • Museums
  • Family Programs
  • Geocaching
Trail Use

  • Hiking Trails
  • Horseback Riding

Virtual Tour

Opening Image

Virtual Tour of China Camp State Park

CyArk collaborated with California State Parks and Friends of China Camp to digitally document and produce a freely-accessible virtual guided tour of China Camp Village, part of China Camp State Park. The park is one of the last historic tidal salt marshes and Chinese fishing villages in the San Francisco Bay area, providing a unique window into the past.

The Friends of China Camp (FOCC)

Image Description

Friends of China Camp

Non-profit operator of the park since 2012.

Image Description

Upcoming Events

Events and activities.

 

In 2012, the State of California suspended funding for 70 state parks. China Camp State Park was among those facing closure.

Since then, Friends of China Camp, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has operated China Camp State Park. This organization depends on thousands of hours of volunteer service and donations from the community to keep our park open and thriving.

Reservable Picnic Sites

China Camp SP has three reservable picnic sites.   Buckeye Point and Weber Point are day use areas situated along San Pablo Bay with views of the water.  These two sites can be reserved for up to 50 people.  Each site has BBQs, picnic tables and flush toilets. 

Miwok Meadows Picnic Area is a grassy meadow among Oak and Bay woodlands.  It has BBQs, picnic tables, a horseshoe toss area, and chemical toilets (no running water).  It can accommodate up to 200 people.

If you are interested in reserving Miwok Meadows please contact Friends of China Camp.

If you are interested in reserving Buckeye or Weber Points, please go to: http://www.reservecalifornia.com

Facilities and Activities

At Back Ranch Meadows Campground reservations can be made all year-round by calling ReserveCalifornia at 1-800-444-PARK (7275) or going to reservecalifornia.com.  All campsites at Back Ranch Meadows campground are HIKE-IN SITES for tent-camping only. Visitors must handcarry all equipment from the parking lot to the campsites. Campsites range from 50-300 yards from the parking lot.  Eight persons maximum are allowed in each site.  Check in time is 2pm or later and check out is Noon. 

Enroute camping is available for RV's with a grey water holding tank for one night only.  No dump station or hook-ups are available. Enroute Camping is limited to space availability. Check in for enroute camping is 6pm and check out is 9am.

A "Hike and Bike" site is available for those who travel to China Camp on foot or by bicycle.

An undeveloped Group Campsite is now available. Reservations can be made all year-round by calling ReserveCalifornia at 1-800-444-PARK (7275) or online at reservecalifornia.com.

There are 2 beach wheelchairs for anyone in need of one.
They can be checked out at the Quan Bros. snack shop on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 9-5.

At China Camp Village there is a museum describing an early Chinese settlement.  There is beach access, swimming, and picnicking available at China Camp Village.
 
Visitors can enjoy wildlife-watching, mountain biking, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, swimming, boating (small vessels) and windsurfing at the park.  Undeveloped boat launch areas are available at Bullhead Flat and lower China Camp Village.  Easy access is tide dependent.

The Quan Bros. snack shop at China Camp Village is open on weekends. Food, beverages, and ice cream are available.

The park offers fifteen miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails. DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON TRAILS.  Dogs are allowed on a leash in the campground and in the day use/picnic areas, including the beach.

Collecting or destroying anything in the park, including mushrooms, is prohibited.

Seasons/Climate Recommended Clothing

The climate is coastal-temperate. Winter temperatures are in the 50s. Summer temperatures are in the 70s-90s. The park has an average of more than 200 fog-free days per year.

Adjacent Visitor Attractions

Muir Woods National Monument, Mount Tamalpais State Park, Samuel P. Taylor, Angel Island State Park, Point Reyes National Seashore, and San Francisco.

Tours and Fieldtrips

If you are interested in scheduling a group tour or a fieldtrip please contact the China Camp Ranger Office at (415) 456-0766.  Docents are available to give China Camp history program and to interpret the natural features of the park.


Please note that drones are prohibited at China Camp State Park per Superintendent's Order.

Image Gallery