China Camp State Park

From the massive salt marsh to the wide-open meadows there is a natural beauty here that is truly unique. History buffs, water enthusiasts, hikers, runners, and cyclists will all find unforgettable experiences at this park.

The park gets its name from the historic Chinese American shrimp-fishing village that existed here. At its peak, the village had three general stores, a marine supply store, and a barber shop. After the 1906 earthquake, the population temporarily swelled to 10,000, following the destruction of San Francisco’s Chinatown. 

In the early 1900s, the outlawing of bag nets used to catch shrimp caused most residents to leave. One family—the Quans—decided to stay. Frank Quan was the last remaining resident and died in 2016. Every August, Chinese-American Heritage Day honors the area’s history. There are lion dances, tai chi demonstrations, and historic boats galore.

Today the park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing. You can even stay the night! This is one of the closest places to camp near the Bay Area. If you’re looking to get out of town, China Camp might just be your jam.