China Camp State Park

This park is a retreat and hidden gem in the North Bay. There are times that it's crowded but other times you can find a respite from the crowds and traffic. The park itself is quite large but there's a lovely little beach and small museum when you first enter the park. There are tons of Walmart trails of varying lengths. If it's a sunny day, bring a hat and sunscreen because there is not much shade. There's also places to swim and barbecue.

A great park for hiking and mountain biking with spectacular views of the Bay. If you are hiking, be prepared to step aside or throw yourself out of the way of the mountain bikes as they come down the hills. (Pro tip: go around the trails clockwise. Most of the bikes go counter clockwise so at least you see them coming) We hiked a 7-mile loop from Shoreline to Bayview but there are lots of options there.

I was doing a mountain bike tour of California, and MTB project recommended China camp State Park. Really enjoyed it! This had some decently technical single track, with great elevation, and some super fast and fun downhills. But some folks park on the road outside of the park and just pay the day fee while you can also pay a couple dollars more and get in park parking should you choose. The ranger at the front was super friendly and helped me get my bearings. Definitely want to go back!

Beautiful, serene and quiet campground only 10 mins from San Rafael. Breath taking views of the bay. Morning fog but really sunny and beautiful during the day. No rv's, only tents. You have to carry your camping gear up in trash bins. Nice wildlife in the morning which include deer. Great place to vacation, camp or get away from the city.

Holy Cow 🐄 This was my first time in the bay area and this was an amazing place to camp. Lots of beautiful trails with gorgeous views. I staid at the group campsite in January. The group campsite site was well maintained and easily accommodated our group of 15 (we all had individual tents as a mitigation strategy). It had a water spicket, porta potty, fire ring, picnic tables, and bear boxes (bring a lock!). There is a trail between the group camp site and the parking lot with the porta potties that bicyclist would zip through. The shower house is a 8-10 minute walk and located in the regular campground. Also, if you're not from, or familiar with the bay area, it is very VERY foggy. Pack plenty of extra layers and plan your gear accordingly. I would love to came back here in the future and stay in the regular campground.