China Camp State Park is located on the southwest shore of San Pablo Bay, three miles northeast of downtown San Rafael. The park protects roughly 1,500 acres of oak woodlands and meadows, and 100 acres of fresh and saltwater wetlands, including some of the most pristine tidal wetlands in the San Francisco Bay Area.  

Explore oak woodlands, broad meadows, a historic village, and tidal and freshwater wetlands in this bayfront park. Roughly 15 miles of multi-use trails follow the edge of San Pablo Bay and climb to the top of San Pedro Ridge for sweeping view of the Bay Area and Marin. Smooth and shady Shoreline Trail is the most popular route, especially for beginning mountain bikers. Weekends can be busy, but it’s easy to escape bikes, especially on ADA-compliant Turtle Back Nature Trail (no bikes allowed), and on the more challenging Bayview Trail.

Trails also access China Camp Village, a historic Chinese shrimp-fishing village dating back to the late-1800s. A small museum is open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is also a vintage cafe filled with memorabilia, with light fare and beverages, typically open Fri-Sun.  China Camp State Park is operated and managed by Friends of China Camp, a largely-volunteer nonprofit organization. The park receives no direct funding from the state, and depends on volunteers to keep the park open and thriving.

Hours:  Open Daily 8:00 a.m. to sunset, year round

Brochure and Map