China Camp State Park — Attraction in Santa Venetia

Really enjoyable experience here! Great for big groups! Lots of trails and trees to trek around! The campground staff are so friendly and really know a lot about the area. Many awesome wildlife here too like owls, deer, salamanders, and many more! I recommend packing a bit light because it is a hike-in camp so you’ll have to carry and hike everything from the parking lot to your campsite. Or you can bring a wagon to bring your entire wardrobe of clothes you may not even wear. The campground do provide bins to put your camping gear in, but they do get heavy so a wagon is recommended. Gates close at 9pm and open at 8am. So if you need to make a last minute run or if you’re trying to get back in, do know the gates are not open 24 hours. Free parking anywhere around the area and the parking lot if you are camping too. Showers are great also. Instant hot water. $1 for 10 minutes of shower time so bring lots of quarters!! Raccoons are the worst!! They won’t stop bothering you. They’re so bold enough to try to get food from your campground even if you’re there. Throw your trash out. Anyways, going down to the China Camp village was nice too. There’s a beach and dock there you can also visit. I would love to come back and would...

A great place for hiking and mountain bike riding is just a few miles from our home and from many in the Bay Area. China Camp State Park has a number of trails that we enjoy. These are primarily single track trails that take you through the oak woodlands. 

One of our favorites is the Shoreline Trail. It winds around the campground and then rides like a roller coaster as you follow the terrain of the hills beside the Bay. You’ll often see black tail deer, grey squirrel, and if you’re lucky - a flock of Turkey.

If you’re adventurous and have the energy, pedal (or hike) up to the ridge of . You can travel up either Powerline Trail or Oak Ridge Trail and the views at top are beautiful.

In 2012, the State of California suspended funding for 70 state parks including China Camp State Park. Locals founded a. Non-profit called Friends of China Camp who keep the park maintained and in good shape. Be sure to purchase a Day Pass (or an annual pass like we have) to support the park and ensure it will be here for us to enjoy...

So, the park itself is very nice, and the trails seem to offer a great variety of options. However, the level of wasps that inhabit the campground is on the dangerous level, and the traps seem to be doing very little.even though they are full. A serious inquiry has to be made into this I believe, or it should be very blatantly posted on their website.

Additionally, this is an extremely family friendly campground, but I think this also needs to be more upfront. I don't generally plan on going camping to be surrounded by 30-50 children screaming until quiet hours and right away when quiet hours end. If a large camp event for children's groups is going to be there, it should be disclosed before you book.

I get the appeal of this place due to city proximity, and there are some decent views and hikes when you go out. But at the end of the day because of the above issues, it is just not a repeat for me. Time would be better spent going another hour to a different location if you are looking to...