China Camp SP

State Park

The park has a natural watershed along the shores of San Francisco Bay. Features include an extensive intertidal salt marsh, meadow and oak habitats, that are home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels and numerous birds.

A Chinese shrimp-fishing village thrived on this site in the 1880s. Nearly 500 people, originally from Canton, China, lived in the village. In its heyday, there were three general stores, a marine supply store and a barber shop.

Fisherman by trade in their native country, they gravitated to the work they knew best. Over 90% of the shrimp they netted were dried and shipped to China or Chinese communities throughout the US.

About Service Reductions at China Camp

Back Ranch Meadows Campground will be open on weekends and some holidays on a first come, first served basis through March 25, 2010. Current reservations will be honored. Back Ranch Meadows Campground will go back on the reservation system (through Reserve America) starting March 26, 2010. Weber and Buckeye Point Day Use areas will be open on weekends and some holidays November 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Restrooms at Weber and Buckeye Point will only be open when those areas are open.

California State Parks is facing an unprecedented budget reduction and you may experience service reductions during your visit. We hope that our loyal visitors understand and appreciate the severe budget reductions that have occurred and help us minimize the cost impacts to the system.

Facilities and Activities
All campsites at Back Ranch Meadows campground are WALK-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. Reservations can be made for the peak season April 1st - October 31st by calling Reserve America at 1-800-444-PARK. The campsites are sold on a "first come, first served" basis from November 1st - March 31st. 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. Check in for enroute is 6pm and check out is 9am.

Visit China Camp Village and walk through the house museum describing early Chinese settlement. There is beach access from China Camp Village.

Visitors can enjoy wildlife-watching, mountain biking, hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating and windsurfing.

Make sure to stop by the Quan Bros. snack shop at China Camp Village to say hello to long time resident, Frank Quan. Food, beverages, and ice cream are available. The store is only open on weekends.

The park offers fifteen miles of hiking trails. The trails and picnic areas are heavily used during spring and summer weekends. Dogs are not allowed on the trails. A map of the park is available through our online brochure.

NOTICE: The Miwok Fire Trail has been removed it is no longer part of the trail system.

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. Dogs are permitted ON A LEASH in any of the park's day use areas, but they are not permitted on park trails.

To reserve these picnic sites contact David Kopler, Marin Sector Film and Events Coordinator at 415-388-2853, dkopler@parks.ca.gov

Seasons/Climate Recommended Clothing
The climate is coastal-temperate. Winter temperatures are in the 50s. Summer temperatures are in the 70s-80s. 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.

Junior Rangers

Geared for children 7-12 years old, but younger participants welcome!
Hours: 3:30pm – 4:30pm. Parent must stay in the park area.
This is a free program occurring the last Saturday of each month.
For more information call 415-456-0766 or e-mail crejas@parks.ca.gov

Schedule: TBD

Junior Ranger Programs resume in April of 2010.

Campfire Programs

To be continued in the summer of 2010 at Back Ranch Meadows Campground


Turtle Back Trail Interpretive Audio Tour Brochures Panorama Video Photos State Parks Store Day Hiker's Trails Current Weather Map of Location Accessible Features Cities near the park: California Coastline Photos: Sudden Oak Death Info	China Camp SP State Park The park has a natural watershed along the shores of San Francisco Bay. Features include an extensive intertidal salt marsh, meadow and oak habitats, that are home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels and numerous birds. A Chinese shrimp-fishing village thrived on this site in the 1880s. Nearly 500 people, originally from Canton, China, lived in the village. In its heyday, there were three general stores, a marine supply store and a barber shop. Fisherman by trade in their native country, they gravitated to the work they knew best. Over 90% of the shrimp they netted were dried and shipped to China or Chinese communities throughout the US. About Service Reductions at China Camp Back Ranch Meadows Campground will be open on weekends and some holidays on a first come, first served basis through March 25, 2010. Current reservations will be honored. Back Ranch Meadows Campground will go back on the reservation system (through Reserve America) starting March 26, 2010. Weber and Buckeye Point Day Use areas will be open on weekends and some holidays November 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Restrooms at Weber and Buckeye Point will only be open when those areas are open. California State Parks is facing an unprecedented budget reduction and you may experience service reductions during your visit. We hope that our loyal visitors understand and appreciate the severe budget reductions that have occurred and help us minimize the cost impacts to the system. Facilities and Activities All campsites at Back Ranch Meadows campground are WALK-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. Reservations can be made for the peak season April 1st - October 31st by calling Reserve America at 1-800-444-PARK. The campsites are sold on a "first come, first served" basis from November 1st - March 31st. 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. Check in for enroute is 6pm and check out is 9am. Visit China Camp Village and walk through the house museum describing early Chinese settlement. There is beach access from China Camp Village. Visitors can enjoy wildlife-watching, mountain biking, hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating and windsurfing. Make sure to stop by the Quan Bros. snack shop at China Camp Village to say hello to long time resident, Frank Quan. Food, beverages, and ice cream are available. The store is only open on weekends. The park offers fifteen miles of hiking trails. The trails and picnic areas are heavily used during spring and summer weekends. Dogs are not allowed on the trails. A map of the park is available through our online brochure. NOTICE: The Miwok Fire Trail has been removed it is no longer part of the trail system. 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. Dogs are permitted ON A LEASH in any of the park's day use areas, but they are not permitted on park trails. To reserve these picnic sites contact David Kopler, Marin Sector Film and Events Coordinator at 415-388-2853, dkopler@parks.ca.gov Seasons/Climate Recommended Clothing The climate is coastal-temperate. Winter temperatures are in the 50s. Summer temperatures are in the 70s-80s. 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. Junior Rangers Geared for children 7-12 years old, but younger participants welcome! Hours: 3:30pm – 4:30pm. Parent must stay in the park area. This is a free program occurring the last Saturday of each month. For more information call 415-456-0766 or e-mail crejas@parks.ca.gov Schedule: TBD Junior Ranger Programs resume in April of 2010. Campfire Programs To be continued in the summer of 2010 at Back Ranch Meadows Campground	Park Features Icon Legend County Marin Region San Francisco Bay Area Contact Information 101 Peacock Gap Trail San Rafael, CA 94901 415-456-0766 Operating Hours General Park Hours 8:00am to Sunset Day Use Area Closing Times Posted at each location Gate at Back Ranch Meadows Campground Open 8:00am to 9:00pm Gate is closed at 9:00pm Please note: Service Reductions are in effect November 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. Location - Directions Click here to get directions to China Camp SP California Reminds Boaters and Water Users: Don't Move a Mussel!