China Camp Campground
Tassajara Rd, Greenfield, CA 93927, United States
Overview
Located in San Rafael, California, China Camp State Park is named for a historic Chinese-American shrimping village in the area. The Back Ranch Meadows Campground features 33 primitive sites split into Glades Sites (#1–15) and Hill Sites (#16–30) based on the terrain. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and potable water.
A tent-only group campsite is available for up to 50 guests and 8 vehicles. There is also a hike-and-bike area for campers who are passing through and en route camping for guests in self-contained RVs who are only stopping for a single night.
Dogs are allowed in the campground, on the beach, and in day-use areas. They aren’t allowed on trails or other backcountry sections of the park.
Best Campsites at China Camp Campground
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at China Camp Campground.
Close to amenities: #24–26
- Next to restrooms, showers, and potable water
- Close to the parking lot and overflow parking
- Access to Shoreline Trail
Most private: sites #11–12
- Located on a separate branch from the main campground
- Close to potable water, restrooms, and showers
- Quick access to Shoreline Trail
- Short walk to the amphitheater
- Downside: farthest from the parking lot
Unique Experiences
- After working up an appetite on the beach, stop by the historic cafe for a cold drink, a snack, and a quick history lesson.
- Bring the whole family on the ADA and stroller-accessible Turtle Back Nature Trail for a free interpretive audio tour among the gorgeous hills, flowers, and fields.
- Pack your kayaks or canoes for a fun day in the water off Bullhead Flat, where you can enjoy the best of the water, the beach, and the California sun.
- Plan a barbecue or picnic at Miwok Meadows Picnic Area, where you can challenge your loved ones to a game of horseshoes, take pictures in the meadow, or just enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
China Camp Campground Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
20 feetMax People per Site
50Max Vehicles per Site
8Fires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
YesChina Camp Campground Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesReservations are available online at www.reservecalifornia.com. To reserve by phone, you may call 1-800-444-7275. All reservations are subject to a nonrefundable $7.99 booking fee. A regular site in the main campground is $35 per night.
Any sites that aren’t reserved for the day will be available in person as “non-reserved sites.” These can only be booked for one night at a time. Reservations must be made with either the Ranger Station or the Camp Host. Campers can call ahead at 415-456-0766 for more information, but sites are not able to be held by phone.
Two separate camping areas for hikers and bikers are available for $5 per night on a first-come, first-served basis. These sites must be requested in person.
There is also en-route camping available for self-contained RVs. This area is intended for people who are passing through overnight. The cost is $35, and sites must be requested in person on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:
- Park selections
- Date you wish to start camping
- Type and size of camping equipment
- Number of people that will occupy the campsite
- Number of nights you wish to camp
- Alternative park and camping date choices
- Your phone number and area code
- Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
- Mailing address
Group Camping Reservations
The group site can accommodate up to 50 people and 8 vehicles for a cost of $175 per night. Each reservation will also be charged a $7.99 booking fee. Reservations are available at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
All cancellations must be made through Reserve California’s online portal or by phone at 1-800-444-7275. Any cancellations made after 6 p.m. the night before you’re scheduled to arrive will be charged the following fees:
- The initial $7.99 nonrefundable reservation fee
- An additional $7.99 cancellation fee
- The cost of one night’s stay in the campground
China Camp Campground Campground Cost
Standard Campsite
$35Group Campsite
$175Activities
Surfing / Windsurfing
Boating
Canoeing / Kayaking
Bike Trails
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Photography
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Visitors/Rec Center
Campfire Rings
Grills
Potable Water
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to China Camp Campground
The biggest difference between China Camp and nearby camping options is that the park is open to a wide variety of activities. Fishing, kayaking, and swimming are all allowed at China Camp in a safe beach environment that’s open to kids and ADA accessible. It’s also welcoming to dogs and horses, which makes it an appealing option for animal lovers.
However, from a camping perspective, Back Ranch Meadows Campground can’t accommodate RVs and trailers with its primitive hike-in design. Its smaller size also means that availability might pose a challenge compared to larger campgrounds, even with China Camp’s flexible reservation options.
Angel Island State Park
Angel Island State Park has ten primitive campsites spread throughout the small island. The campsites have vault toilets and potable water but no showers. The group site can fit up to 30 people, so larger groups will prefer the higher capacity of China Camp. Angel Island is also far more rugged and isn’t a traditional beach environment. It’s only accessible by boat or ferry. No dogs are allowed.
Half Moon Bay State Park
With 52 campsites, Francis Beach Campground at Half Moon Bay State Park is larger than China Camp. 48 mixed-use sites can fit RVs or trailers up to 40 feet and 4 tent-only sites. Roughly half have electric-only hookups available. Dogs are not allowed outside of the campground.
Hawk Campground
Hawk Campground is much more primitive and challenging to reach than the hike-in sites at China Camp. Three campsites can fit up to four campers. There is a shared port-a-john, but campers must pack in their own water and carry out any trash. Limited cell phone service is available. The site is not ADA accessible since it requires hiking at least 2.5 miles depending on your starting point.