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Back Ranch Meadows Campground

In
China Camp State Park
·
97%
·
9 reviews
32 sites · RV, Tent

What’s that good looking little parcel of land on the shores of San Pablo Bay?

That’s Back Ranch Meadows Campground! As you’ll soon see, this diverse campground is sprinkled among a sunny patch of land (it’s more like a hill). There are 30 campsites situated among groves of oaks, bay laurels, and madrones, which also provide a bit of shade. If you’d like a little more seclusion, make sure to check out sites 9-15). One thing to keep in mind is that all the sites here are walk-in. However, it’s a VERY short walk (grandma can definitely make it). It’s about 5 minutes total to get from your car to the campsite and you must carry your supplies. The campsite has restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. It’s also close to a plethora of mighty fine trails. This place is so close to the city...get out there..you’ll dig it!
What this place offers
Campfire allowed
No pets allowed
No showers
Toilets
No potable water
Picnic tables
No sewage hookups
No electric hookups
32 sites
RV, Tent
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Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near China Camp State Park

  • Dispersed tent-only camping in the "dome meadow"
  • Slide Ranch Campsites
  • Dispersed tent-only camping in the "dome meadow"
94%
(62)

Slide Ranch Campsites

19 sites · Tents134 acres · Muir Beach, CA
Slide Ranch is a nonprofit organization established in 1970, becoming one of the first Park Partners in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The tent-only campsite area is 1/4 mile hike (about 10 minutes, mostly-flat) from the parking lot and is not accessible by vehicle. Campers must park in the designated parking lot and hike into the campsite area. We provide wheelbarrows to help transport your personal items to the area. Campers are not permitted to sleep in their cars, vans, or campers in the parking lot. Minors aged 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult; no drop offs or pick ups permitted. No pets allowed; service animals are permitted. Tents and gear are not included; please bring and pitch your own tents. Bring your own food (there is a cooler and dry food storage container) or plan to enjoy dining in Muir Beach. We do not have showering facilities or flush toilets. The composting toilet at the campsite is temporarily closed, but Porta-potties are available around the property. Soap is provided for hand washing. Water in all Slide Ranch taps is potable for refilling water bottles/jugs. There is no running water at the campsite but there will be containers of water out there for use in hand washing, dish washing, and limited for drinking. Slide Ranch does not have any concessions on site. Please plan to bring any snacks or picnic items you’d like to enjoy while enjoying the ranch. Per GGNRA regulations, campfires and open flames of any kind are not allowed out at the campsite meadow or inside the Geodesic Dome as there is no running water. Portable camp stoves and BBQs are strictly prohibited. Cooking is only allowed on the provided propane stove located inside the Dome. Slide Ranch is located on the Marin coast, on land that has a rich history in connecting people to food. The Miwok once fished and foraged for food at this site, and in the late 19th century Portuguese dairy farmers purchased the land and produced milk and butter for residents of San Francisco. In 1969, 134 acres of this fertile coastline were rescued from commercial development and purchased by the Nature Conservancy. Slide Ranch offers camping to fund summer camp scholarships and other programs throughout the year.
Potable water
Toilets
Cooking equipment
from 
$50
 / night
  • fire pit with swing around grill
  • each site has a picnic table
  • fire pit with swing around grill
99%
(1658)

Finley Camp

14 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Bodega Bay, CA
Finley Camp is nestled along Finley Creek in West Sonoma County. Campsites are located in open flats surrounded by Coast Doug Fir, Alder, and California Bay forests. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate, and access to a porta potty and hand washing station. The campsites are located past the end of the county road allowing for a quiet peaceful experience. Enjoy a quiet stroll on site, the surrounding communities of Bodega, Bodega Bay, Valley Ford, and Tomales, or just enjoy a quiet day in camp. Our sites are located approximately 20 minutes from Bodega Bay. The campsites are 2.5 miles from the coast and the weather can be unpredictable. As a general rule, it is very similar to that of San Francisco. All camp sites are situated in a valley that offers protection from the coastal winds. The have both morning and evening shade. Sites #2, #6, #7, and #11 have the most space, while sites #4, #7, #8, #9 and #11 offer the most privacy. Sites 1-3, any combination of 5-7, and 12-13 are well suited for groups. Other site groupings work well depending on the number of sites being reserved. Site #8 is unique in that it has a wood deck/platform for tents. There are also NO wood fires allowed at site #8 as it is under the tree canopy. A propane firepit is provided for your use. You can bring a 5 gallon propane tank from home, or a full one is available for rent on site. We have beef available for purchase from calves raised exclusively on our ranch. This beef is 100% grass fed and finished and never given grain of any kind. We have various cuts available such as steaks, ground, roasts, ribs, or other various specialty cuts. All beef is cut and wrapped by a USDA certified butcher. It is raised in an organic manner from cows that freely roam on the pastures of the coastal hills we call home. For further information or for a price sheet, please inquire with the camp host. Well behaved dogs are welcome at Finley Camp. All dogs must be kept on leash at all times while on the property. There are no exceptions to this. Finley Camp is located on an active cattle ranch and directly adjacent to a neighboring ranch with cattle. Also be sure to check out our orchard tours. The apples ripen from Late July thru late November. We'll take you to our family orchard where you can pick apples, pears, or blueberries in season and taste yummy treats out of our family garden.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$85.50
 / night
  • View of the driveway entrance coming from the south
  • Entrance gate
  • View of the driveway entrance coming from the south
95%
(930)

The Meadow Grove of Hands Full Farm

8 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Valley Ford, CA
The Meadow Grove campsites are located near the historic Narrow Gauge Railroad bed on a family owned working ranch in coastal Northern California. The camp sites are nestled in a pasture and grove of mixed Eucalyptus, willow and cypress trees. The sites are perfect for tents or camper vans, or small trailers. [When we open in the spring, the grass can be 'slippery' and it is recommended you have 4WD. Around mid-June it is dried out enough for 2WD access to all sites] there are no hook-ups for RVs . Specifics about these campsites are: They each come with a picnic table. The grounds are a working ranch, so there is variations of the soil- some lumps and bumps and general natural state of a pasture v. a groomed lawn. Site #1, #2, #3, and #4 have the most level areas for parking and tent-ing. Up until mid-June, we recommend #1 for 2WD access. Campervans that do not have 4WD may have trouble accessing other sites. Please remember this when you book! *Campers who "change sites" without written approval by the host will be charged double!* There is a composting camp toilet, we do not have running water at the campground. The ranch itself is 300 acres of rolling hills pasture, with hilltop views of the Estero Americano valley. The Meadow Grove is home to many varieties of raptors and other birds-providing excellent bird watching. Seasonally there are blackberries to fill your containers, and some hiking. We are mere minutes from the quaint towns of Valley Ford, Tomales, and Dillon Beach, and a short drive from Bodega, Bodega Bay or Marshall, Pt. Reyes Station and Inverness. Nearby attractions include: Sonoma Coast beaches, Pt. Reyes National Seashore, coastal hiking trails, local farm-to-table eateries. Inland attractions include: redwoods, wine tasting, Russian River activities and so much more. The ranch borders Hwy 1, so there is some degree of road noise. Traffic usually dies down mid afternoon, and isn't too much of a disturbance. Virtually all traffic on our stretch of road is daytime traffic. There can be however, some heavy weekend traffic during the day with car clubs and motorcycle riders enjoying the coastal highway. *The Friendly Gray Cat's name is Boots!*
Pets
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
  • Comfy Studio Near Trails & Beaches
  • Comfy Studio Near Trails & Beaches
  • Comfy Studio Near Trails & Beaches
100%
(1)

Comfy Studio Near Trails & Beaches

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Lagunitas, CA
Comfy and private freestanding studio with large deck. The studio is nestled in a grove of live oaks, and overlooks a quaint market flower garden. This is a bed and breakfast, offering coffee, tea, fresh fruit, oatmeal, granola, juice, milk, oat/almond milk etc. This fenced-in property, and large, private, covered deck provides safe storage for guest bikes and sporting equipment. Local trail maps provided for your hiking and biking adventures! -- The studio is located on a small farm located on the forest ridge of Mount Barnabe. The property has two acres fenced off from the wildlife creatures, such as deer, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc., that often wander behind the property. The studio is located in the center of the property surrounded by a grove of live oaks, privacy fences, curtains, and hedges, to provide the utmost privacy for our guests. The cottage across from the studio is where your hosts reside with their hens, roosters and Logan (the farm dog), where they are readily available to accommodate guest needs.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
$206.80
 / night
  • At trails end
  • Entrance
  • At trails end
83%
(98)

#2 HMB Highway Overnight Rest Stop

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Half Moon Bay, CA
WELCOME PLEASE READ! Overnight parking and Rest Stop on South Highway One. ***Not zoned for big groups, celebrations or parties*** Single car, trucks, campers vans or motorcycles are welcome. One vehicle per booking. No Towable Trailers or RVs. Gravel road. Three vehicle parking spots available: SITE IS MARKED ON TABLE TOP. With picnic table, a parking spot and tent area. Site #1, 2 and 3. Site #1 and 3 are next to open grass area. Site #2 is more private and a favorite of camper vans Inside sleeping. However a high grass area also available. Private road into grounds, shared fire-pit and play areas. Port-a potty, water hose, garbage and fire wood in same area. Okay to use your Bar-B-Que on gravel not wood tables please. Walk to beach bluffs 10 minutes west. Walk to town 10 minutes north. An abundance of seasonal wildflowers and wild berries year round. Observe rare. Species of birds. Next to FARM horses and chickens. Ocean may be loud. Highway may be heard. No pets please. Noise curfew is sundown. Check in ANYTIME AFTER 2pm Check out by 12 noon.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night
  • Sooooooo cozy inside. Huge comfy bed + coffee maker for the morning.
  • Salmon Creek Ranch
  • Sooooooo cozy inside. Huge comfy bed + coffee maker for the morning.
97%
(3403)

Salmon Creek Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Bodega Bay, CA
Located within 45 minutes of the wine country and 2 miles from the coast, our property is 400 acres of rolling hills and redwood groves, with a creek running along its base. With miles of trails meandering through quiet woods and meadows, you will be able to revel in the tranquility of a private preserve, without sacrificing easy access to some of Sonoma County's most famous attractions. A hundred years ago, this land was used to graze sheep. Remnants of the old fence lines can still be seen in places, along with old cement troughs. Since then, the land has been left to its own devices, passing through many hands, most famously owned by two brothers in the 1980's who built a truly amazing tree house in the forest which has been featured in several magazine articles. It was revamped and updated in 2016 by a master craftsman, using fallen redwood logs found on the property and is now a unique structural work of art, available for overnight stays. We produce 100% grass fed, dry-aged beef on our certified organic pastures and have a store on site if you would like to purchase delicious steaks, ribs, ground beef for hamburgers or some roasts to take home. Our cattle graze on the native grasses, never grain, and drink only water produced from our own springs. We also raise Kiko meat goats and produce pastured, certified organic duck eggs on a commercial basis. Whether it's surfing at sandy beaches, award-winning clam chowder, a wine tour, horseback riding or a hot air balloon ride you're after, you won't have far to drive if you make our ranch your base camp. You may see a family of deer appear suddenly, or a few Scottish Highland cows which we allow to roam freely over the property. There are over twenty species of wild birds that grace this protected spot, so bring your binoculars! A portion of your fee goes towards protecting native flora and fauna as part of our private wildlife preservation program. A limited number of private, widely spaced camp spots are available for visitors. The Eagles' Nest Treehouse (mentioned above) is very isolated and you may or may not even be aware that there are other people within miles of you. For those who value nature, seclusion, quiet and the artistry of old growth redwood, this is the place for you.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$120
 / night
  • This is the turn off from Olema Bolinas Road immediately after the tall 2 story farmhouse. Slow down when you see the tall white farmhouse thats close to the road otherwise you’ll miss the turn onto the small lane.
  • The property and bathhouse
  • This is the turn off from Olema Bolinas Road immediately after the tall 2 story farmhouse. Slow down when you see the tall white farmhouse thats close to the road otherwise you’ll miss the turn onto the small lane.
98%
(431)

Blackberry Farm

6 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Bolinas, CA
Blackberry Farm sits on the western side of Mount Tamalpais, tucked in the Gospel Flat area of Bolinas. The family farm and residence were established during the late 1970s on the site of the historic Peter’s Dairy Ranch. The original farmhouse dates back to the late 19th century and survived the great 1906 earthquake. Today, the 7-acre farm is being restored to sustainably support fruit orchards, cottage flower and kitchen gardens, honey bees, a boisterous flock of chickens, and naughty shetland sheep. Our self-serve farmstand attached to our barn has seasonal flowers, organic eggs, heirloom fruit, and local goods from the farm. Our property is the perfect rustic getaway for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll be surrounded by farm/ranch life: chickens clucking, roosters crowing, bees buzzing, and sheep bleating. We also have active nighttime wildlife: coyotes howling, raccoons foraging, owls hooting, etc. Bring earplugs if nature sounds are too much for you. We offer 4 walk-in tent sites that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. We welcome well-behaved pets ON LEASH that won’t harass the chickens, cats, sheep, other campers, or residents. Unruly pets and their campers will be asked to leave. No refund. Limit: 1 dog per site. Pitch your tent in a meadow shared by: Campsite 1 - left side of the meadow, closest to the common area and hot tub. Campsite 2 - middle of the meadow, closest to our fenced apiary and bee garden. Campsite 3 - right side of the meadow, near the orchard. (sites 1 and 3 are next to each other) Campsite 4 - front of the pasture, closest to the parking area (best for car/van campers wanting space to lounge near their parked vehicle.) Multiple sites may be booked for group camping. Sites 1 and 3 are next to each other under the Cypress Trees. Add site 2 if you would like the entire back half of the campground. Add site 4 if you'd like to have a maximum number of 16 total campers and 2 tents/per site. The common area has an outdoor shower, hot tub, covered bbq/cook area, tented (weather-protected) hangout space, and a place to stash your surfboard. The pizza oven is not available for campground use. Redwood Grove hangout areas have seating and tree swings. Please pack out your trash. We offer a recycling bin for glass bottles, cans, and clean paper. Parking is 100 yds or less from the campsites. We have a large wheelbarrow to help you cart your camping gear across the pasture to your campsite. No driving onto or parking in the meadow. Due to the narrow driveway and parking area (lack of turnaround), the site cannot accommodate RVs, trailers, or oversize vehicles beyond 16ft in length, 7ft in width, or 10 ft in height. 1 car per campsite, please. 15-minute walk to the beach and downtown.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$66
 / night
  • main kitchen/picnic area
  • chilling at the bottom level by Russian River
  • main kitchen/picnic area
89%
(23)

The Mojo River Spot in the redwoods

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Forestville, CA
A Russian River retreat within a redwood Grove with Private river access. Level space for camping!! two tiers of camping area with shared common area as well as private Gated with parking up to 4 vehicles. Please cleanup after your four-legged family members and we are Dog friendly ❤️❤️ Running water by a well on property. Tire swing, hammocks and lots of sitting areas for rested relaxation. Porto potty available and cleaned routinely. Stargazing at its finest, sunrise view in the morning. Solar lights and generator for power upon request. Fire pit. Private trail to the river. Access to a private island. Close to town and amenities yet within your own private piece of serenity!! A place to find your piece of Peace ❤️ and I look forward to sharing my piece of heaven with you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$80
 / night
  • Snug Harbor RV Park and Marina
  • Snug Harbor RV Park and Marina
  • Snug Harbor RV Park and Marina
86%
(14)

Snug Harbor RV Park and Marina

34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Walnut Grove, CA
Snug Harbor’s resort has a history of providing a great family and pet-friendly location for people who like to fish, boat, or just enjoy the peaceful Waterfront Cabins, RV Sites, and Loft Cottage's with docks space right in front of the sites! Stay at the resort to enjoy the rural beauty of the Delta and spend your days fishing, crabbing, and exploring all the Delta has to offer. The peaceful friendly atmosphere of the campground will have you relaxing the stress away on the patio or under a shade tree. One of the unique things about this area of the Delta is that you can still ride a car ferry to and from Ryer Island. How many people you know can say they have driven their car on a ferry? Don’t want to venture onto a ferry, or you are towing you can use the bridge route to Snug Harbor and Ryer Island.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
  • Estero San Antonio Wonderland
  • Estero San Antonio Wonderland
  • Estero San Antonio Wonderland
98%
(623)

Estero San Antonio Wonderland

14 sites · Lodging, Tents120 acres · Tomales, CA
Camp with sweeping views of beautiful pastureland in West Marin. Enjoy privacy, birds singing, cows, chickens, food from the farm, and hiking our gorgeous land that is on the Estero San Antonio. The campsites are spaced far apart from one another to ensure some privacy.  It is very quiet out here at night.  If there are other campers you might hear them in the distance.  All campsite are located overlooking the Estero and close to the grass road to enter and exit the property. You will have access to some of our pastures for picnics and leisurely walks.  When you check in we will give you directions to a few special places around the surrounding area and see if you would like some grassland finished beef, lamb, pork, eggs, or vegetables all grown or made on our ranch.  We offer other care packages, ask us when you arrive (include, home made focaccia, sourdough bread, local cheeses, etc...)  A liability waiver will be needed to be signed. This is primitive camping,  There is water but it is not potable. so bring your own drinking water. It can get very windy out here in Spring and Summer.  Come prepared.  We have situated the campsites to be on the leeward side and as protected as possible.  We try to leave the land better off than we found it and hope that you will share the same respect for the pristine beauty of this place. We are 10 minutes away from the quaint town of Tomale and 15 minutes from the town of Valley Ford. Dillon Beach is only 3.5 miles away.  Bring your own kayak or canoe and paddle to the ocean down the Estero San Antonio! You can learn more about our land and practices check out True Grass Farms online.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$67.50
 / night
  • Rancho Laslendini
  • Rancho Laslendini
  • Rancho Laslendini
98%
(185)

Rancho Laslendini

3 sites · RVs5 acres · Occidental, CA
RV, Trailer, Camper Van sites located on a coastal ridge-top orchard surrounded by redwoods. Each site includes access to artesian well water, 30-amp RV hook-up, 20-amp outlet, solar string lights, and a picnic table. ----------------------------------------------------- PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE RV/CAMPER VAN/TRAILER ONLY WE DO NOT HAVE TOILETS OR SHOWERS, AND THEREFORE WE DO NOT OFFER CAR/TENT CAMPING . How ever, you CAN pitch a tent along side your Trailer/RV/Camper Van... BYOB - Bring Your Own Baño. ----------------------------------------------------- A relaxing place to enjoy the peace and serenity of the area. Wake up to a chorus of birds while the sunrises over the forest. Stay up enjoying the 360 degree star gazing. The property is located east of Occidental in a unique "banana belt" along the USDA 9a/9b climate zones, inside the "Green Valley" Sonoma wine appellation, on a quintessential country lane. Originally settled and farmed in the early 1900's by a family of Italian immigrants, from who the lane is named. One acre is our family compound, two acres are forest preserve, and the other two acres are the orchard - where the parking sites have been integrated. The orchard has many different fruit trees including heritage Gravenstein apples that were originally planted by the family from Italy. The Gravensteins are ripe between mid July to mid August. The orchard borders a forest with old growth Redwoods, Douglas Fir, Bay Laurel, Oaks, and Madrone. Some wildlife passes through the orchard, especially birds. The site offers great star gazing, sun rises, moon rises and access to a charming walk on a beautiful country lane for sunsets. We highly recommend visiting for the Spring bloom in April and May for a temperate tropical experience. A Two minute drive to Occidental, and a twenty minute drive to the beaches of the Sonoma Coast and the Russian River. A great location to explore and enjoy nearby small towns, wineries, dairies, hiking, bicyling, surfing, kayaking, and farmers markets... or just relax at the site, make a picnic, and bask in the tranquility...
Pets
Potable water
from 
$55
 / night
  • Sleep Up High In A Redwood Tree-net
  • Sleep Up High In A Redwood Tree-net
  • Sleep Up High In A Redwood Tree-net
98%
(40)

Sleep Up High In A Redwood Tree-net

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · San Geronimo, CA
A unique experience awaits you. Spend a night sleeping 20 feet up in the air suspended between towering Redwood trees. A custom woven "treenet" by West Marin artist Andrew Castle (https://treenet.studio/), provides a firm surface to hang out and sleep up to 5 people on. It's like floating in space. Bring your sleeping bag, this is open air camping at its best - No roof, no floor! Wake up to the sun filtering through your temple made of trees! Rain is nearly non-existent in the Summer and early Fall in beautiful San Geronimo Valley, making this the perfect place and time to sleep out in the glory of the redwoods. Swainson's Thrush will sing at dusk, followed by the owls and coyote's yipping and howling in the middle of the night (don't let it spook you!) There is amazing hiking all around, potable water on site and a public toilet not far away. There's parking for your camper directly next to the site, keeping your amenities close by.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$89.25
 / night

More to explore nearby

97%
21 ratings · 9 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Pros: - 35 minute drive from western SF - Amenities like bathrooms on-site, each campsite has a fire pit and table - Woodsy with trails and a beach nearby Cons: - a little crowded at the campsite - 5-10 minute walk from parking lot to the campsite
A
Alex A.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
The host was incredibly welcoming and hospitable. He greeted us with a tour of the property and shared great recommendations for things to do around Albion. We had a relaxing weekend—the cabin was clean, cozy, and comfortably heated. Just steps away were a shared kitchen and bathroom, both well-maintained. I’d definitely recommend the cabins and campgrounds for families, and it’s a bonus that they’re pet-friendly!
L
Luyao Z.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2025
Great Bikepacking route from San Francisco
I last bikepacked into Blank Ranch Meadows Campground in February of 2020. The State Park campground sets aside a number of first come, first served sites for anyone arriving by foot or pedal. The sites are set further back in the forest away from the family-friendly loop. I'd highly recommend this site for new and experienced bikepackers—the destination makes for a great easy trip from the city (with most of the route being on protected or semi-protected bike path/lanes).
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Julian B.
122 reviews
September 2019
Camped in September. Glad we had one of the sites slightly off to the side (#26) as the center loop area was a bit of a toddler zoo. Yellowjackets were a bit annoying but otherwise no wildlife problems. Lots of mountain bikers on these trails -- we only saw one other on-foot hiker. Trail surface is a bit rocky/annoying to traverse at parts. Beautiful views of the water along the trails, also lots of tiny lizards, also turkeys and deer. Firewood available for sale at campsite on honor system.
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Alex H.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2017
You will have to park in a parking lot and carry everything to your campsite, so I recommend bringing a wagon if you have one. There are trashcans on wheels but they are in high demand during check-in/check out.
H
Hedy K.
7 years on Hipcamp
July 2017
So...my husband and I camped at site #15 this week. The pluses are water, functional trash, coin showers and bathrooms which were clean and well maintained, and the sort of gorgeousness only a oak woodland can deliver. (Arborists, please note: the site is dominated by Bay Laurel, which makes the place smell heavenly.) HOWEVER, and this is a biggie, the food lockers, which are very old wooden boxes, do not keep any animal out. Mice were able to gain access to our food. They despoiled about a third of it, which- seeing as we backpacked in-was a big problem. The food boxes are so derelict, that soon the raccoons will be able to rip their way inside. Bottom line: You must bring vermin-proof food storage with you.
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Elizabeth C.
7 years on Hipcamp
June 2016
Made a reservation for 005 - it was incredibly hot as there are not many trees, we did go early in the day, around 3pm the heat was unbearable. We noticed some campsites were still open so we had asked if we could move our camping gear to a site that was more shaded, the ranger was more than happy to let us switch sites. The campsite has lots of lovely critters, wild turkeys, squirrels, little salamanders. At night the raccoons will come out. There are plenty of wasp traps so there are not a lot of bees around the campsites, however, there are lots of fruit flies and very few mosquitoes. I had taken my camera with me and added more photos of the campsites. Will definitely be going again.
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Cydney H.
9 years on Hipcamp
May 2015
Camped there for Thanksgiving weekend! We had a rough time with wildlife at night. China Camp is beautiful and it was great to see quails running around everywhere!
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Allie F.
10 years on Hipcamp
February 2015
Just camped at site 28 for the weekend. Love this campground! Super organized and facilities were taken care of. I would recommend the sites closer to the parking lot for a great view of the bay (site #26, 27, 28). For a more secluded spot, #30 is farther away from the crowds. Overall, love the campground and we will be back again!
C
Clinton L.
10 years on Hipcamp
LocationBack Ranch Meadows Campground, China Camp State Park, California, United States
Is anything missing?Suggest edits to improve this listing for fellow campers.
What this place offers
Campfire allowed
No pets allowed
No showers
Toilets
No potable water
Picnic tables
No sewage hookups
No electric hookups

Your guide to camping in Back Ranch Meadows Campground

Overview

Biking

Among other things, China Camp offers some awesome riding for intermediate riders. In fact it offers some of Marin's best mountain biking and singletrack bike trails. There are some good options here, just be ready to get dirty!

Boating

China Camp is an awesome place for a boat excursion. On a hot summer’s day, the San Pablo breeze feels just right. The park is notorious for having wind blowing one way and the tide pulling another, so be sure to map out a careful anchoring strategy.

Fishing

Striped bass, flounder, perch and sturgeon can be found in good supply if you catch China Camp’s fishing environment on the right day. Sturgeon weighing up to 170 pounds have been caught in this area, so bring your best bait and your biggest, baddest reeling muscles.

Hiking

With over 15 miles of trails for hiking (or running if you’re hardcore), this place has some exploring to do. We recommend this 7.3 mile loop , although it’s a bit on the longer side, we know you won’t be dissapointed.

Horseback riding

China Camp is home to fifteen miles worth of trails that are open for horseback riding .

Paddling

Kayaking is even better when you’ve got a good backdrop. Thanks to amazing scenery, China Camp is known as one of the best kayaking spots around.

Swimming

China Camp is the ideal open water swimming location. It features warm water and a weaker current. The water tends to be on the shallow side, so make sure you check the tides in order to find the perfect time to swim.

Wildlife watching

China Camp can be a great place for wildlife watching. The camp even houses two known endangered species - the California clapper rail and the salt marsh harvest mouse.

Top parks near Back Ranch Meadows Campground

Henry W. Coe State Park
Limekiln State Park
Butano State Park
Modesto Reservoir Regional Park
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park
Castle Rock State Park
Tolowa Dunes State Park
Portola Redwoods State Park

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Hipcamp is the #1 camping app to find and book campsites, from national parks to blueberry farms. Explore our collection of over 500,000 iconic public lands, well-equipped RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else. Browse our comprehensive maps, filter by your camping style, read real reviews, and create free availability alerts. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars. Camp Your Way®

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