A Day in the Park: China Camp State Park

Explore China Camp State Park in just 24 hours. 

China Camp State Park, located in Marin County, offers a little bit of everything. From China Camp Village, a historic shrimping community founded by Chinese immigrants in the 1800s, to the diverse plant and wildlife viewing across the estuary to the winding hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, there’s something here for everyone. Plus, its proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area makes it an easy weekend escape when you’re craving a break from the city. This itinerary includes an overnight camping trip, but it’s also doable as a day trip with an early start. 

Saturday Midday  

China Camp is less than an hour’s drive from San Francisco, or for a scenic twist, you can take a ferry from downtown, followed by a short drive with a rideshare or a friend to pick you up. When you arrive, make your first stop at China Camp Village, nestled along San Pablo Bay. This historic village, once home to a thriving fishing community, still captures the essence of its past. As you make your way around, you can imagine life here when up to 500 residents called this place home — the smell of fresh seafood rolling in with the tide, sounds of neighbors chatting across their garden beds, and sights of children scampering along the shore.  

Be sure to stop by Quan Brothers Market at the heart of town, where the community’s history is close enough to touch. If you’re lucky, you’ll meet Ernie, who runs the café and is a longtime volunteer with California State Parks Foundation, and hear stories of the village’s rich legacy. Until 2016, the market was run by Frank Quan, the last resident when the village became a state park in 1977. Inside, surrounded by old family photos and hand-painted signs, you’ll get a true sense of how important this place was to the people who lived here.  

Next, visit the bayside museum to dive deeper into the compelling stories of immigration, resilience in the face of exclusion, and the tight-knit community that shaped China Camp. Afterward, wander down the pier to enjoy the views of the bay. Once you’ve soaked in the history and scenery, head to the Back Ranch Meadows campground to set up for the night. 

Saturday Evening  

As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll or make a quick drive from the campsite to Turtle Back Trail. This beautiful 0.7-mile, heartshaped loop trail is wheelchair- and stroller friendly, offering you up close views of the park’s rare wetland ecosystem. As dusk falls, this unique habitat — with streams winding through grassy meadows to the bay — comes alive with birds hunting along the water’s edge. The beauty of this tranquil spot is a reminder that even a short break in nature is worth it.  

Afterward, return to camp for dinner, and if fire conditions permit, enjoy a classic campfire experience with s’mores, games, and stories under the stars. 

Sunday Morning  

Start your morning with a relaxed breakfast, and then pack up camp and get ready to explore more of the park. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, head from the campground up Back Ranch Fire Trail toward the viewpoint on the park’s tallest ridge. There are several scenic routes to the top, where you can enjoy stunning views of the park and surrounding areas. The park’s trails wind for roughly 14 miles, offering a variety of options, whether you’re up for a meandering loop hike, a driveup viewpoint, or even a thrilling mountain bike ride. Use the park map in the brochure to choose your route before setting out.  

As you make your way along the trails, you’ll be treated to a diverse landscape of oak woodlands and open meadows. Keep an eye out for wildlife like wild turkeys and black-tailed deer as you explore. The park offers a perfect blend of recreation and conservation, inviting visitors to reflect on nature’s beauty and significance. 

Sunday Afternoon  

Before heading home, stop by Sol Food in San Rafael for a late lunch. Whether you spent the day hiking or soaking in the park’s history, China Camp is a place you’ll easily fall in love with — and it won’t be long before you’re planning your return. 

For more information, watch our interview with Friends of China Camp here: calparks.org/chinacampvid. 

To volunteer at China Camp State Park, visit calparks.org/volunteer.