A look at San Rafael’s China Camp State Park

China Camp State Park is a great place to visit. You can hike near salt marsh or oak woodland, bike the ridge trails, camp in a wooded area and visit a small museum at China Camp Village. The museum showcases the life and times of Chinese Americans who fished for shrimp at the edge of San Pablo Bay in the 1880s.

In 2012, some of our state parks were going to be closed due to budget constraints. The Friends of China Camp entered an agreement with the California Department of Parks and Recreation on July 27, 2012. The Friends of China Camp agreed to operate the park and to protect its natural and cultural resources. All the money from entrance fees go directly to China Camp.

In early spring, look for milkmaids, warrior’s plume and buttercups. Some unusual flowers like red mimulus and royal larkspur can be seen in April.

— katie martin, UC Marin Master Gardeners