China Camp State Park stretches along San Pablo Bay’s eastern shore, about 15 miles north of San Francisco near San Rafael. The 1,640-acre park sits on the San Pedro Peninsula and layers history on top of itself—the Miwok people lived here for thousands of years before Spanish settlers arrived, followed by Irish landowner Timothy Murphy during the Mexican period, and later Chinese immigrants who came to harvest shrimp from the bay’s rich waters.

Dogs can’t access the trails here, which is a frustration if you’re hoping for a longer hike, but they’re allowed on leash in the campground, day-use areas, and on the beach itself. That beach is actually worth the trip alone—the park averages over 200 fog-free days annually, so you’ll often get good visibility across the bay. The sand is solid and the water is cold but manageable for wading with your dog during warmer months.

The park’s centerpiece is China Camp Village, where the Quan Bros. Snack Shop sits open on weekends. This isn’t fancy—it’s a casual spot where you can grab food, drinks, and ice cream while your dog hangs nearby. You’ll likely spot Frank Quan, a longtime shrimp fisherman who’s been part of this place for decades. The Visitor Center nearby has exhibits on both the natural history and the Chinese fishing heritage that shaped this peninsula.

If you want to stay overnight, Back Ranch Meadows Campground has sites you can reserve through Reserve America. The Friends of China Camp website offers detailed visitor information covering everything from cultural history to picnicking spots and annual passes. The setting feels quieter than you’d expect given the proximity to the Bay Area, with water views and a genuine sense of the area’s layered past.