China Camp State Park

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101 Peacock Gap Trail San Rafael, California

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About

China Camp State Park – Your Adventure Awaits in San Rafael Nestled along the scenic San Pablo Bay in San Rafael, California, China Camp State Park offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation.

Spanning 1,640 acres, this park boasts a rich past, diverse ecosystems, and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a family seeking a day of fun, or simply looking to connect with nature, China Camp State Park has something to offer.

A History Rooted in Multiple Cultures The story of China Camp State Park is one of fascinating cultural layering.

The area’s history stretches back thousands of years, with the Miwok people inhabiting the peninsula for millennia.

Spanish settlement followed, with the land granted to Irishman Timothy Murphy during the Mexican era.

However, the park’s most compelling history revolves around the Chinese shrimp fishing village that thrived here in the 19th century.

Approximately 500 Chinese immigrants from Canton, China, established a community centered around a salt marsh, meadow, and oak habitats.

They fished extensively, and their village, known as China Camp, became a significant part of the San Pablo Bay’s maritime history.

The park preserves this legacy through exhibits and educational programs, offering a tangible connection to this remarkable chapter in California’s past.

Exploring the Park’s Natural Wonders Today, China Camp State Park is a haven for wildlife and a fantastic place to explore.

The park features a significant intertidal salt marsh, a meadow, and diverse oak habitats, supporting a rich array of wildlife.

You might spot deer, squirrels, coyotes, foxes, bats, and, most notably, endangered species like the California clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse.

The park’s trails wind through these habitats, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and immersion in the natural world.

The coastal views of San Pablo Bay are simply stunning, offering a peaceful and inspiring backdrop to your visit.

Activities for Everyone China Camp State Park offers a wide range of activities to suit different interests and skill levels: Hiking and Biking: A network of trails caters to hikers and bikers of all abilities, from gentle strolls along the bay to more challenging climbs through the park’s interior.

Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls China Camp home.

Binoculars are highly recommended! Picnicking: Several picnic areas provide the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a view.

Fishing: Fishing is permitted in designated areas (check regulations).

Water Activities: While swimming isn’t directly permitted, the bay offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding (outside the park boundaries).

Educational Programs: The park frequently hosts educational programs and events, particularly focusing on the history and ecology of the area.

Essential Information for Your Visit Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM to sunset daily.

Gate at Back Ranch Meadows Campground: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Reservations: Camping reservations are required and can be made through Reserve America.

California State Park Passes: Available for development areas, but not for trails, dirt roads, backcountry areas, historic buildings, and historic gardens.

Dog Policy: Dogs are permitted on leash in the campground and day/use areas, but are strictly prohibited from trails, dirt roads, backcountry areas, historic buildings, and historic gardens.

Facilities: The Visitor Center and Quan Bros.

Snack Shop are located within the park, offering food, beverages, and ice cream.

Safety: Drones are prohibited.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip China Camp State Park is located at 10211 Shoreline Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903.

It’s easily accessible via Highway 101.

Before your visit, it’s highly recommended to: Check the California State Parks website ([https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=537](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=537)) for the latest updates on park conditions, closures, and events.

Make camping reservations in advance, especially during peak season.

Bring appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and outdoor activities.

Pack plenty of water and snacks. China Camp State Park is more than just a park; it’s a place where history, nature, and recreation converge.

Plan your visit today and discover the beauty and wonder of this remarkable San Rafael treasure.

History

China Camp State Park – A Rich History Located along the San Pablo Bay in San Rafael, California, China Camp State Park boasts a history stretching back thousands of years.

Initially, the area was inhabited by the Miwok people for millennia, who utilized the land for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

Following the arrival of the Spanish in the late 18th century, the land was granted as a land grant to Irishman Timothy Murphy during the Mexican era.

This marked the beginning of European settlement.

In the mid-19th century, Chinese immigrants began establishing a thriving shrimp fishing village centered around a salt marsh, meadow, and oak habitats.

Approximately 500 people from Canton, China, lived and worked in this community, developing a significant presence in the area.

They fished extensively, utilizing the bay's resources and contributing to the region’s economy.

This Chinese fishing village, known as China Camp, thrived until the early 20th century.

The park's history is further intertwined with the work of filmmaker George Lucas, who established the filming location for the popular film *Gattaca*, and its connection to the ThX 1138 television show.

The area's unique landscape and historical significance have made it a popular filming location.

Today, China Camp State Park offers visitors a remarkable glimpse into California’s diverse past, blending indigenous heritage, Spanish land grant history, and the legacy of a vibrant Chinese fishing community.

The park's preservation efforts aim to protect this layered history for future generations.

For more information on park history and activities, visit the Friends of China Camp (FOCC) website: [https://friendsofchinacamp.org/](https://friendsofchinacamp.org/)

Last updated:

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Picnicking: Several picnic areas provide the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a view.Fishing: Fishing is permitted in designated areas (check regulations).Water Activities: While swimming isn’t directly permitted, the bay offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding (outside the park boundaries).Educational Programs: The park frequently hosts educational programs and events, particularly focusing on the history and ecology of the area.Essential Information for Your Visit\n\nHours of Operation: 8:00 AM to sunset daily.Gate at Back Ranch Meadows Campground: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.Reservations: Camping reservations are required and can be made through Reserve America.California State Park Passes: Available for development areas, but not for trails, dirt roads, backcountry areas, historic buildings, and historic gardens.Dog Policy: Dogs are permitted on leash in the campground and day/use areas, but are strictly prohibited from trails, dirt roads, backcountry areas, historic buildings, and historic gardens.Facilities: The Visitor Center and Quan Bros.Snack Shop are located within the park, offering food, beverages, and ice cream.Safety: Drones are prohibited.Getting There and Planning Your Trip\n\nChina Camp State Park is located at 10211 Shoreline Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903.It’s easily accessible via Highway 101.Before your visit, it’s highly recommended to:\n\nCheck the California State Parks website ([https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=537](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=537)) for the latest updates on park conditions, closures, and events.Make camping reservations in advance, especially during peak season.Bring appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and outdoor activities.Pack plenty of water and snacks.\n\nChina Camp State Park is more than just a park; it’s a place where history, nature, and recreation converge.Plan your visit today and discover the beauty and wonder of this remarkable San Rafael treasure.', 'faq': None, 'history': 'China Camp State Park – A Rich History\n\nLocated along the San Pablo Bay in San Rafael, California, China Camp State Park boasts a history stretching back thousands of years.Initially, the area was inhabited by the Miwok people for millennia, who utilized the land for hunting, fishing, and gathering.Following the arrival of the Spanish in the late 18th century, the land was granted as a land grant to Irishman Timothy Murphy during the Mexican era.This marked the beginning of European settlement.In the mid-19th century, Chinese immigrants began establishing a thriving shrimp fishing village centered around a salt marsh, meadow, and oak habitats.Approximately 500 people from Canton, China, lived and worked in this community, developing a significant presence in the area.They fished extensively, utilizing the bay\'s resources and contributing to the region’s economy.This Chinese fishing village, known as China Camp, thrived until the early 20th century.The park\'s history is further intertwined with the work of filmmaker George Lucas, who established the filming location for the popular film *Gattaca*, and its connection to the ThX 1138 television show.The area\'s unique landscape and historical significance have made it a popular filming location.Today, China Camp State Park offers visitors a remarkable glimpse into California’s diverse past, blending indigenous heritage, Spanish land grant history, and the legacy of a vibrant Chinese fishing community.The park\'s preservation efforts aim to protect this layered history for future generations.For more information on park history and activities, visit the Friends of China Camp (FOCC) website: [https://friendsofchinacamp.org/](https://friendsofchinacamp.org/)', 'disclaimer': None, 'categories': [], 'admission': None, 'date_available': None, 'attendance_amount': None, 'exhibitor_amount': None, 'delivery_services': [], 'social_media': {}, 'stocked_brands': [], 'inventory_categories': {}, 'customer_reviews': [], 'metadescription': None, 'slug': 'china-camp-state-park', 'distance': 1343.2, 'main_image': None, 'additional_images': [], 'shop_type_unslug': 'dog park', 'open_now': 'unknown'}

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[{'name': 'Contra Loma Regional Park', 'address': '1200 Frederickson Lane', 'city': 'Antioch', 'state': 'California', 'cityslug': 'antioch', 'stateslug': 'california', 'latitude': 37.972743, 'longitude': -121.821677, 'distance': 1308.7, 'shop_type': 'dog-park', 'last_updated': '2025-04-20T04:18:15.405462+00:00', 'slug': 'contra-loma-regional-park', 'rating': 0.0, 'main_image': 'https://www.nearestdoor.com/get-image/9564/', 'img_alt': 'Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch, California', 'shop_type_unslug': 'dog park', 'additonal_filters': {'Email': True, 'Phone': True, 'Article': True, 'History': True}, 'open_now': 'unknown'}, {'name': 'Morgan Territory Regional Park', 'address': '9401 Morgan Territory Rd.', 'city': 'Contra Costa', 'state': 'California', 'cityslug': 'contra-costa', 'stateslug': 'california', 'latitude': 37.834788, 'longitude': -121.814652, 'distance': 1309.5, 'shop_type': 'dog-park', 'last_updated': '2025-04-20T04:30:54.100712+00:00', 'slug': 'morgan-territory-regional-park', 'rating': 0.0, 'main_image': None, 'img_alt': None, 'shop_type_unslug': 'dog park', 'additonal_filters': {'FAQ': True, 'Grass': True, 'Hours': True, 'Water': True, 'Fenced': True, 'Shaded': True, 'Article': True, 'Benches': True, 'Parking': True, 'Website': True, 'Off Leash': True}, 'open_now': 'false'}, {'name': 'Browns Island Regional Park', 'address': 'Browns Island', 'city': 'Browns Island', 'state': 'California', 'cityslug': 'browns-island', 'stateslug': 'california', 'latitude': 38.040496, 'longitude': -121.864085, 'distance': 1310.5, 'shop_type': 'dog-park', 'last_updated': '2025-04-20T04:18:14.583876+00:00', 'slug': 'browns-island-regional-park', 'rating': 0.0, 'main_image': None, 'img_alt': None, 'shop_type_unslug': 'dog park', 'additonal_filters': {'FAQ': True, 'Water': True, 'History': True}, 'open_now': 'unknown'}, {'name': 'Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve', 'address': '5175 Somersville Road', 'city': 'Antioch', 'state': 'California', 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{'name': 'Dougherty Hills Dog Park', 'address': 'Amador Valley Blvd', 'city': 'Dublin', 'state': 'California', 'cityslug': 'dublin', 'stateslug': 'california', 'latitude': 37.717805, 'longitude': -121.914468, 'distance': 1315.9, 'shop_type': 'dog-park', 'last_updated': '2025-04-20T04:30:46.932669+00:00', 'slug': 'dougherty-hills-dog-park', 'rating': 0.0, 'main_image': 'https://www.nearestdoor.com/get-image/10008/', 'img_alt': 'Dougherty Hills Dog Park in Dublin, California', 'shop_type_unslug': 'dog park', 'additonal_filters': {}, 'open_now': 'unknown'}, {'name': 'Muirwood Community Dog Park', 'address': '4701 Muirwood Dr', 'city': 'Pleasanton', 'state': 'California', 'cityslug': 'pleasanton', 'stateslug': 'california', 'latitude': 37.683519, 'longitude': -121.917088, 'distance': 1316.4, 'shop_type': 'dog-park', 'last_updated': '2025-04-20T04:30:46.113720+00:00', 'slug': 'muirwood-community-dog-park', 'rating': 0.0, 'main_image': 'https://www.nearestdoor.com/get-image/10007/', 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China Camp State Park

101 Peacock Gap Trail San Rafael, California

Contact China Camp State Park

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About

History

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China Camp State Park

101 Peacock Gap Trail San Rafael, California

Contact China Camp State Park

Operating Hours

Holiday Hours

Follow China Camp State Park

About

History

Delivery Services:

Stocked Brands:

Inventory Categories:

Comments

More Dog Parks Near China Camp State Park

Dog Park Community News & Tips

Williamstown Approves 18-Acre Off-Leash Dog Park at Spruces Park

2025 Pet Parasite Forecast: Rising Tick and Heartworm Threats

Heatstroke Warning 2025: How Hot Is Too Hot for Your Dog?

April 2025 Dog Food Recall: Salmonella & Listeria in Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix

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Simparica Trio 2025 Update: Now Prevents Flea Tapeworms

Lake Padden Park: A Pup’s Paradise

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