China Camp State Park is a California state park in San Rafael on the shore of San Pablo Bay, surrounding a historic Chinese American shrimp-fishing village and a salt marsh. The park is known for hiking and mountain biking trails, scenic Bay views, open meadows, picnic areas, and barbecue grills.

Covering about 2.4 square miles, China Camp mixes oak woodland, tidal wetlands, and shoreline day-use areas with one of the Bay Area's most meaningful immigration-era histories. Friends of China Camp operates the park under contract with California State Parks.

Hours: 8:00 AM to sunset, year-round.

China Camp State Park in San Rafael: Bay Shoreline, Trails & Living History

If you want a Marin outing that combines nature, history, and wide-open Bay views, China Camp State Park is one of the best stops in San Rafael. Located along North San Pedro Road on the San Pablo Bay shoreline, the park preserves remnants of a once-thriving Chinese shrimp-fishing village while offering roughly 15 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Why China Camp Stands Out

China Camp is not just another open-space preserve. It is a shoreline landscape with cultural depth: weathered village buildings, a walkable pier, marsh habitat, and hillside trails with views toward the East Bay and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Visitors come for quiet morning walks, picnic days with barbecue grills, cycling and mountain-bike loops, kayak launches, camping at Back Ranch Meadows, and interpretive stops that explain the Chinese American community that once worked these waters.

What To Expect When You Visit

Popular experiences include:

China Camp Village and museum interpretation Shoreline picnic areas with tables and grills Multi-use trails through forest, meadow, and marsh Turtle Back Nature Trail, a short ADA-accessible foot path Kayak and non-motorized water access at China Camp Village and Bullhead Flat Back Ranch Meadows Campground for tent camping

Day-use areas such as Buckeye Point, Weber Point, and Miwok Meadows make it easy to plan a family picnic or group gathering. Parking lots can fill on warm weekends, so earlier arrivals have an easier day.

Visitor Tips

Park hours are generally 8:00 AM to sunset year-round. A day-use trail fee and vehicle parking fees help Friends of China Camp keep the park open. Pets are limited to certain areas and are not allowed on trails. Check Friends of China Camp for current fees, trail conditions, and reservations before you go.