China Camp State Park

Open 8 a.m. to sunset daily

Friends of China Camp

In 2012, the State of California suspended funding for 70 state parks across California. China Camp State Park was among those facing closure. Since then, Friends of China Camp, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has operated China Camp State Park. Our organization depends on thousands of hours of volunteer service and donations from our community to keep our park open and thriving.

Events

Check out our selection of monthly events. Learn about local plants and animals, pitch in on a volunteer day, and discover our park’s fascinating history.

Hiking & biking

Enjoy 15 miles of multi-use trails, from family-friendly routes to challenging climbs and descents.

Young cyclist shows off his annual pass by Harriot Manley
Passes

Purchase annual trail and parking passes to support China Camp State Park year-round.

Back Ranch Meadows Campground, China Camp State Park by Harriot Manley
Camping

Relax under the stars at Back Ranch Meadows Campground, with 33 tent-only sites in a secluded oak woodland forest.

Latest news

Find out what’s happening at China Camp, including trail projects, nature news, and special activities.

Donate

Support our year-round efforts to keep China Camp’s trails, facilities, and programs open for all.

Video

A Brief History of China Camp State Park

Watch this short video about China Camp’s fascinating cultural history and the legacy of stewardship that continues to preserve the park to this day.

History

Discover China Camp's rich heritage

From indigenous peoples to Spanish settlers and Chinese fishermen, find out more about the park’s cultural history.

Friends of China Camp volunteers at Back Ranch Meadows Campground by Scott Griggs
Pitch in

Volunteer opportunities

Get a great work out. Develop a new skill. Make new friends. Find out how you can join one of our lively volunteer days to help maintain and enhance the park.

Safety

Emergency Locator System goes live

Special numbers located on trail signs, trail posts, and bridges help first responders get to you faster.

VIDEO

60 Seconds of China Camp

Take a minute—literally—to escape to our beautiful park by the bay. Watch our relaxing summertime video now.

wildlife

Living safely with coyotes

Too many human handouts at China Camp and other parks spell big trouble for coyotes. Experts tell us why, plus ways to help.

climate change

Sea-level rise and N. San Pedro Road

With climate change a big risk throughout the region, researchers are studying what to do about the park’s flood-prone road.

nature

First flowers

The year’s wildflowers are starting to spread their petals all over the park. Here’s a quick roundup of these early bloomers.

Invasive broom pull at China Camp
China Camp Champion

Improving biodiversity and curbing fire fuels

Learn about major efforts by state and local agencies to improve habitat and create defensible spaces along San Pedro Ridge.

Upcoming Events

December 10
Give-back morning at China Camp

Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers...

December 14
Give-back morning at China Camp

Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers...

December 15
Full Moon Hike

"Cold Moon" Witness the spectacular rise of December’s “Cold Moon during our winter full moon hikes....

December 18
Give-back morning at China Camp

Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers...

Become a Friend

Friends of China Camp (FOCC) is the community-based nonprofit organization that keeps China Camp State Park open. Since 2012, FOCC has been the sole operator and manager of the park. The organization, largely run by volunteers, is responsible for covering all expenses related to keeping the park open. Find out how you can become a member, and help keep China Camp open and thriving for all.

Things To Do

Camping
Map & brochure
Explore
Celebrations
Camping
Map & brochure
Explore
Celebrations

Get Connected

Learn how to support the park by becoming a member.

PHOTOs: Joyce Abrams, Harriot Manley, CA State Parks Historical Archives, Courtesy of NERR