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Back Ranch Meadows Campground

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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!
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Available campgrounds nearby

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

More to explore nearby

100%
14 ratings · 6 reviews
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Alex H.
September 23, 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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Hedy K.recommends
July 12, 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.
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Elizabeth C.
July 9, 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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Cydney H.
June 28, 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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Allie F.
May 17, 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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Clinton L.
February 16, 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!

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.

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