China Camp State Park
Park State park preserving historic Chinese fishing village, wetlands
Estuarine park on San Pablo Bay near San Rafael preserving a historic Chinese shrimp-fishing village; visitors kayak, hike salt-marsh trails and learn local history.
China Camp State Park is a California state park in Marin County that preserves tidal marsh, shoreline and the remains of a 19th-century Chinese shrimp-fishing village on San Pablo Bay. The park combines cultural history with coastal wetland and upland habitats.
Visitors can use trails for hiking and biking, access picnic areas and boat launches, and follow interpretive signs about the historic Chinese village and local ecology. The park is known for its tidal marsh, birdwatching opportunities and short coastal trails.
The park sits along the shore of San Pablo Bay on the eastern side of Marin County, adjacent to the city of San Rafael and north of the San Francisco Bay area.
- Wildlife and habitat: contains tidal marshes and coastal upland trails that are important for shorebirds and migratory species; best birdwatching occurs at low tide and in winter migration months.
How to Get to China Camp State Park #
China Camp is about 15-20 minutes by car from central San Rafael. From US‑101 take the Second Street exit (San Rafael), then follow local signs to the park on McNear Avenue and China Camp State Park Road. Limited public transit options exist; check Marin Transit for current routes and schedules.
Tips for Visiting China Camp State Park #
- Follow the Shoreline Trail north early in the morning for quiet tide-flat views and birdwatching.
- The historic Chinese shrimp-fishing village buildings are fragile-do not enter closed structures and respect interpretive signs.
- Combine a walk with the short ferry or bike connections to nearby Marin communities for a fuller day.
Best Time to Visit China Camp State Park #
Spring through fall offers the most comfortable conditions; mornings are best for wildlife and avoiding crowds.
Weather & Climate near China Camp State Park #
China Camp State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (949 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (202 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm).
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