Friends of China Camp

China Camp’s climate is coastal-temperate. Winter temperatures generally range from the mid-40s to high-50s. Winter storms can range from brief showers to heavy downpours. Summer temperatures usually range from the low-70s to low-90s during the day, while nights can cool off into the low-50s when marine fog sweeps in. The park has an average of more than 200 fog-free days per year. Summer afternoons are often blustery. Best weather often comes in the fall, with pleasantly warm days and refreshingly cool evenings.

China Camp overlooks San Pablo Bay, the northern lobe of the San Francisco Bay. While the water can be chilly for much of the year, the temperature can warm nicely in late summer and fall (low 70s are common), providing some of the most comfortable and protected water sport conditions in the SF Bay region.

While China Camp ranks as a fantastic location for swimming, paddling, and other nonmotorized water sports, the park’s waterfront is strongly affected by tides. At low tide, large areas that look inviting can turn into mud flats in a matter of hours. Also, strong tidal pulls can be a challenge.

To avoid getting stranded in the mud, or getting caught in a tidal current, plan your aquatic adventure during a high tide, or during slack tides (halfway between high and low tide) when the tide is coming in.

The park is located four miles east of San Rafael on the shore of San Pablo Bay. From Highway 101, take North San Pedro Road heading east for 5 miles until it enters the park. Contact us for more detailed information.

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