How much does camping cost at China Camp State Park Campground?

Camping fees at China Camp State Park Campground are $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is China Camp State Park Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

China Camp State Park Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at China Camp State Park Campground before I book?

Yes! China Camp State Park Campground has 27 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit China Camp State Park Campground?

China Camp State Park Campground is open Summer months, particularly June through September, are considered peak season due to favorable weather conditions.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at China Camp State Park Campground?

Yes, China Camp State Park Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at China Camp State Park Campground?

Fire policies at China Camp State Park Campground: Fires are allowed only in park-designated barbecues in developed areas.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does China Camp State Park Campground have?

China Camp State Park Campground has 33 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at China Camp State Park Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at China Camp State Park Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at China Camp State Park Campground?

China Camp State Park Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at China Camp State Park Campground?

Popular activities at China Camp State Park Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

China Camp State Park Campground

3.98

92 reviews

730 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 94901

C-Report Card

Quick Facts

72 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

72 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

China Camp State Park Campground

$35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees are $35 per night, as confirmed by both official park sources and user reviews.

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$35.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

415-456-0766info@friendsofchinacamp.org

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

730 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 94901

China Camp State Park Campground

730 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 94901

Nearby places

San Rafael (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Novato (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes), San Francisco (20 miles, approximately 40 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in San Rafael, approximately 5 miles west along Highway 101.

Weather at China Camp State Park Campground

Current alert: Some ADA amenities, including accessible bathrooms, are currently under construction or remodeling.

Best Time to Camp at China Camp State Park Campground

Summer brings the warmest conditions. Mid-60s to low 80s during the day. And the longest hours for hiking, biking, and paddling. The native grasslands are golden. Marine layer mornings arrive in June and July. Afternoon breezes cool the bayside site. Winter temperatures hover in the 50s. The campground gets over 200 days of sunshine annually. Summer weekends book early.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warmest temps, golden grasslands and peak-season activities (hiking, biking, paddling).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months, particularly June through September, are considered peak season due to favorable weather conditions.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About China Camp State Park Campground

Back Ranch Meadows Campground has 33 walk-in tent sites along San Pablo Bay's tidal marshlands. You'll carry your gear 50 to 300 yards from the parking area. A tradeoff that increases privacy but makes setup harder. Sites cost $35 per night and include fire rings, picnic tables, flush toilets, and showers. Cell service is poor or nonexistent.

China Camp State Park Campground exclusively offers walk-in tent camping and one group site, along with hike-and-bike sites.

Historical Significance

An 1880s Chinese shrimp-fishing village once operated along these bay shores. An on-site museum documents the fishing practices and community the immigrants built here.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the warmest conditions. Mid-60s to low 80s during the day. And the longest hours for hiking, biking, and paddling. The native grasslands are golden. Marine layer mornings arrive in June and July. Afternoon breezes cool the bayside site. Winter temperatures hover in the 50s. The campground gets over 200 days of sunshine annually. Summer weekends book early.

ElevationNestled at sea level along the bay's edge, this campground offers easy, level terrain perfect for all camping abilities.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits where freshwater meets saltwater, creating tidal marshes that shift with the bay's rhythm. Native grasslands turn golden in summer. Oak woodlands provide shade. The marshes shelter endangered salt marsh harvest mice and California clapper rails. Deer browse at dawn. Raccoons appear at dusk. Shorebirds work the tideline. The elevation is 72 feet.

Geological RegionPositioned along the dynamic intertidal salt marshlands of San Pablo Bay, Back Ranch Meadows occupies one of California's most ecologically significant landscapes. This unique location, where freshwater meets saltwater, has created a rich mosaic of habitats over thousands of years. The surrounding terrain showcases the Bay Area's natural diversity—from wind-swept native grasslands that turn golden in summer to majestic oak woodlands providing cool, shaded retreats. The rhythmic tides continuously reshape the marsh environment, creating an ever-changing backdrop for your camping adventure and offering front-row seats to one of nature's most productive ecosystems.

Scenic ViewsThe campground provides views of the San Pablo Bay and surrounding oak woodlands. Sunrise views are particularly noted as 'heavenly' by campers.

Programs & ActivitiesMuseum exhibits at China Camp Village focus on early Chinese settlement. Heritage Day celebrates Chinese culture with activities and tours.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Eight persons maximum are allowed per campsite.

Groups

Group sites accommodate larger parties and require reservations. Specific capacity details are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutWalk-in sites only. Gear transport ranges from 50 to 300 yards. Two hike-and-bike sites are available. Sites aren't clustered too closely. Rocky paths make wheelchair access difficult.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via ReserveCalifornia at 1-800-444-7275 or online at www.reservecalifornia.com.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up camping is limited as all sites are reservable year-round through ReserveCalifornia.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies can be reviewed through ReserveCalifornia.

AccessibilitySix tent sites are accessible on hard-packed dirt in dry weather, but user reviews highlight significant issues for wheelchair users, including paths that are rocky and prone to tipping.

Site SizeSites are described as large with tent spaces and accessible tables.

PrivacySites are shaded and offer some privacy; user reviews mention that they are not clustered too closely together.

Total Campsites33 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites with shade and privacy, such as sites 3b, 7, and 26. Avoid sites near restrooms due to bright lights.

Best CampsitesSites 3b, 7, 14, 16, 20, 23, 24, and 26 are recommended. Campsites are shaded and large, with spacing that provides some privacy. Trails run through some sites.

Need help booking China Camp State Park Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveCalifornia Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

China Camp State Park Campground offers a range of amenities catering to walk-in tent campers. Key features include potable water access, fire pits, picnic tables, accessible restrooms, and shower facilities. Accessibility features are notable but have limitations as highlighted in user reviews.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at China Camp State Park Campground

A wide variety of activities are available at China Camp State Park Campground, including hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, swimming, and cultural programs.

Hiking4.0/5

About 15 miles of trails incl. Shoreline Trail and Turtle Back Nature Trail; varied terrain.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Intertidal salt marsh shelters endangered harvest mice and clapper rails; deer and other wildlife present.

Biking3.5/5

Boating3.5/5

Small-vessel boating supported with tide-dependent launches at Bullhead Flat and lower China.

Water Sports3.5/5

Tide-dependent small-boat launches and sheltered bay waters suitable for paddling.

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing permitted in San Pablo Bay; species noted include striped bass and flounder.

Swimming3.0/5

Family-friendly swimming areas near China Camp Village (separate from marshy shoreline).

Beach activities3.0/5

Beach-related activities and picnicking at China Camp Village; shoreline is tidal marshy bayfront.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Sunrises, bay vistas, tidal marshes and wildlife provide strong photographic opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include raccoons scavenging food, occasional bees, and rocky paths that may pose challenges for wheelchairs during dry weather.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in park-designated barbecues in developed areas.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include Marin General Hospital (approximately 7 miles away in San Rafael), police station in San Rafael, and park ranger station within the park.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. Users are required to carry all camping equipment to the sites, which may include managing their waste.

Water FeaturesClose to the scenic San Pablo Bay shoreline, offering access to tidal marshes and nearby trails with waterfront views.

Camp HostReviews vary on the camp host, with some praising their friendliness ('a very friendly old man') and others mentioning the absence or rudeness of hosts during specific visits.

Cell CoverageUser reviews indicate poor cell phone reception, with Google Fi specifically mentioned as non-functional.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

92 reviews

Mixed Reviews

China Camp State Park Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews reflect mixed experiences, with positive feedback on the serene environment but complaints about accessibility, closed facilities, and maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 92 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean bathrooms when operational, quiet atmosphere without road noise, and shaded campsites with privacy.

Based on 92 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include inaccessible paths for disabled campers, poor cell phone reception, noisy children, and maintenance problems with bathrooms and showers.

Based on 92 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Best sites include numbers 3b, 7, 14, 16, 20, 23, 24, and 26.

Based on 92 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to set up camp before dark. Bring quarters for showers and prepare for a walk between parking and campsites. Some users recommend having an adult male in the group for added security.

Based on 92 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight warm weather and abundant activities, while winter visits experience cooler temperatures and reduced availability of certain facilities.

Based on 92 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Sunrise is just heavenly from this nice State Park.' 'You can’t park on a campsite and have to walk.' 'Dusty and noisy children.' 'The host is a very friendly old man.' 'Accessible paths are rocky...

Based on 92 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility issues are significant, particularly for wheelchair users. Paths to accessible sites are rocky and prone to tipping, and ADA bathrooms and showers are under construction or unavailable.

Based on 92 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but restricted to developed areas and campsites. They are prohibited on trails.

Based on 92 reviews

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China Camp State Park Campground

$35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees are $35 per night, as confirmed by both official park sources and user reviews.

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$35.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

415-456-0766info@friendsofchinacamp.org

Go if

Mountain bikers and hikers who want a quiet base near the Shoreline Trail: sites 14, 16, and 26 get consistent praise, the showers work when maintained, and you're a short drive from San Rafael resupply.

Skip if

Wheelchair users should know accessible bathrooms are currently under construction, paths tip wheelchairs on rocky ground even in dry weather, and a handful of reviews describe encounters that felt unwelcoming to campers outside the local cultural mainstream.

Nearby Campgrounds

801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Pantoll Campground sits at 1,532 feet in Mount Tamalpais State Park, 16 walk-in sites spread across a hillside about 100 yards from parking. First-come, first-served only. Fees run $7–25 per night. Dense tree cover, flush toilets, potable water, and trailhead access define the experience.

China Camp State Park Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about China Camp State Park Campground

Campground Map

Weather at China Camp State Park Campground

Best Time to Camp at China Camp State Park Campground

Planning Tips

About China Camp State Park Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking China Camp State Park Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at China Camp State Park Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Ask Camp Sage about China Camp State Park Campground

Best Time to Camp at China Camp State Park Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking China Camp State Park Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at China Camp State Park Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews