China Camp State Park
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Location: County: Marin. Nearest City: San Rafael. See map 1.
Campsites, facilities: There are 30 walk-in tent sites. Campground reservations recommended during summer and weekends (Friday-Saturday). Picnic tables and fire grills are provided. Piped water, showers, and a rest room are available. Leashed pets are permitted.
Reservations, fees: Reserve by phoning 1-800-444-PARK/7275 ($7.50 reservation fee); $15-$16 per night, $5 for each additional vehicle.
Contact: Phone park at 1-415-456-0766 or 1-415-456-1286.
China Camp SP
Rte. 1, Box 244
San Rafael CA 94901Operating hours, seasons: The park is open 8:00 a.m. to sunset; Museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily; open all year round.
Park Kiosk Hours:
- Hi Season: 4pm-10pm
- Lo Season: Self Register
Directions: From San Francisco, drive north on U.S. 101 to San Rafael and take the North San Pedro Road exit. Drive west on North San Pedro Road for five miles to the park entrance station at Back Ranch Meadows. Shortly after passing through the entrance station, bear right and drive a short distance to the campground parking lot. Reaching the sites requires a one-minute walk.
Weather, clothing: Coastal/Temperate - winter 50s, summer 70s-80s.
Trip notes: Once the site of a thriving fishing village on San Pablo Bay, China Camp State Park is not only the historic remains of the village, but also 1,640 acres of natural watershed along the shores of San Francisco Bay. The park features extensive inter-tidal, salt marsh, meadow and oak habitats that are home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels and numerous birds. Visitors not only enjoy wildlife-watching, but also hiking, swimming, boating and windsurfing. The park has some of the best weather in the San Francisco Bay Area, with an average of more than 200 fog-free days per year. This is one of the Bay Area's prettiest campgrounds. It is set in woodlands with a picturesque creek running past. The camps are shaded and sheltered. Directly adjacent to the camp is a meadow, marshland, and then San Pablo Bay. Hiking is outstanding here, either taking the Shoreline Trail for a pretty walk to the edge of San Pablo Bay, or the Bay View Trail for the climb up the ridge that borders the park, in the process gaining spectacular views of the bay and miles of charm. 15 miles of hiking trails, water access, beach access, historical exhibit, 25 developed picnic sites, group picnic area for up to 200 people.
Where to go Camping -C-9-
Miwok Lodge 439