St Erena and China Camp Beach by Harriot Manley

Day-Use Areas

Find a perfect picnic spot, launch a kayak, or explore our historic beach

General information

China Camp State Park has a number of scenic picnic sites, with locations in open meadows, grassy lawns, or overlooking tidal marshlands and San Pablo Bay. China Camp Village puts you in the heart of the park’s historic zone, with century-old buildings and a walkable pier.


PLAN YOUR TRIP

During the week, most picnic areas are lightly used, and even on weekends, there are usually ample facilities for anyone who wants to enjoy a picnic at the park. Parking lots can fill up on warm-weather weekends, so plan ahead and arrive early.

Day-use areas are generally available on a first-come, first-serve basis year-round unless reserved in advance. For reservations and inquiries, contact park headquarters.


PARK HOURS

8  a.m. to sunset daily, year-round


PETS

  • Dogs and other pets are allowed, on 6-foot leash only, at picnic areas, paved areas, in the campground, and at the beach at China Camp Village.
  • Pets are not allowed off-leash except inside tents at the campground, or in the water off China Camp Beach.
  • Pets are not allowed on any trail, nor at Miwok Meadows, unless they are service animals.

Small day-use areas

Buckeye Point & Weber Point
  • Features: scenic points overlooking San Pablo Bay
  • Facilities: picnic tables, charcoal grills, drinking water, flush toilets
  • Maximum capacity: 50 persons, 5 vehicles
  • Reservations: available via reservecalifornia.com
Bullhead Flat
  • Features: small tidal beach area; launch site for kayaks, canoes, and SUPs. No motorized vessels of any kind are allowed to launch anywhere in China Camp.
  • Facilities: picnic tables, potable water, flush toilets
  • Maximum capacity: 14 vehicles
  • Reservations: not generally available for reservation (check with park headquarters for details)

Large day-use areas

Miwok Meadows Picnic Area
  • Features: expansive meadow surrounded by mature oak and bay woodlands
  • Facilities: large charcoal grills, picnic tables, horseshoe toss area, portable toilets; no running water available on site
  • Maximum capacity: 200 people, 30 vehicles
  • Reservations: contact park headquarters
China Camp Point
  • Features: large peninsula with sweeping views of San Pablo Bay
  • Facilities: charcoal grills, picnic tables, bathrooms, and potable water.
  • Maximum capacity: 120 people, 30 vehicles
CHina Camp Village
  • Features: historic shrimping village and sandy beach on the edge of the San Pablo Bay
  • Facilities: picnic tables, running water, flush toilets, outdoor shower
  • Maximum capacity: n.a.
  • Reservations: after 5 p.m. daily, the village deck area can be reserved for events; for details, contact park headquarters
photos: harriot Manley, wedding image tK
Photos: Harriot Manley

NOTICE:

  • Due to storm damage and ongoing construction, the Village pier and museum will be closed until further notice.
  • Due to restroom reconstruction, some Back Ranch Meadows Campground sites will be closed Sun – Thurs until 5/13/23. The group site remains open at all times. For reservations, visit reservecalifornia.com.