Within Los Padres National Forest, China Camp Campground operates as a walk-in facility where campers park and carry gear to their designated sites. The US Forest Service manages this forested campground at $20 per night from March through November, with reservations available for those planning ahead.
The walk from parking to campsites requires some effort, as Kristen S. notes it was "quite a workout." Sites feature bear boxes for food storage, which campers consistently use due to active raccoon populations that emerge at night. Multiple reviewers emphasize securing all food and scented items in the provided metal storage containers.
Campsites include picnic tables and access to restroom facilities, with quarters required for shower use. The campground accommodates RVs up to 20 feet, though the walk-in nature makes tent camping more practical. Trees provide shade coverage across most sites. Wildlife sightings include deer, squirrels, and frequent raccoon visits after dark.
Camp hosts provide local recommendations and maintain the facility's cleanliness standards. For additional options in the region, campers can explore places to camp near Los Padres National Forest. The walk-in format appeals to campers who don't mind carrying gear in exchange for a more separated camping experience within the national forest setting.
Description
Overview
Pleasantly nestled under a large canopy of pine trees, China Camp is a campground where peace and quiet is commonplace. The spacious campsites allow you to set up camp with more than enough space between you and your neighbors. As you drive into the campground you are overtaken by the sweet smell of pine and the natural beauty surrounding the campground.
Recreation
China Camp offers trails along the hillside and a trailhead which begins in the campground. The Pine Ridge trailhead begins across from the campground bulletin board. This 23-mile trail offers stunning views of the Santa Lucia mountain range which are covered in towering oaks trees.
Facilities
The campground offers 10 campsites, with campsites 1 - 5 open year-round and campsites 6 - 10 open only in the summer season. The campground is suitable for tent and car camping, but is not recommended for RVs over 20 feet. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings, however, always check local fire restrictions prior to your arrival. Two vault toilets are located near the campground bulletin board. You should plan to be completely self-sustainable for the duration of your trip. There is no potable water (drinking water) onsite. There is no dump station.
Natural Features
China Camp is surrounded by oak and pine trees, providing ample shade for visitors. Bobcats, coyotes and black tailed deer roam the rolling, lush hills. Red tailed hawks and turkey vultures can be seen soaring above the trees, so bring along some binoculars and make sure to keep an eye out. The melody of chirping of birds during the day time complimented by the sounds of crickets at night provide the textbook balance of unspoiled nature.
Nearby Attractions
Hiking and biking trails are within 10 - 15 minutes from the campground. Backpacking and mountain biking the trails nearby is a popular activity in the area.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Tassajara Road is closed to the public until further notice per Monterey County Roads Department
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundChina Camp Campground is located in California
Directions
Latitude: 36.29554 Longitude: -121.567507 The road eventually turns into dirt, please drive slow and carefully. From Highway 101 North, take exit for Arroyo Seco Rd before the city of Greenfield. Continue down the road for 16.2 miles to the junction of Arroyo Seco Road and Carmel Valley Road then follow to the right. Take Carmel Valley Road 17.2 miles to the junction with Tassajara Road and turn left. Continue for 11 miles until you see the entrance to China Camp on the right-hand side. From Highway 101 South, take exit for Arroyo Seco road then make your first, immediate left onto Elm Ave. Continue down Elm Ave for 6 miles then take a left at the \"T\" onto Arroyo Seco road. Follow the road for 6.5 miles to the junction of Carmel Valley road, then bear right. Take Carmel Valley for 17 miles to the junction of Tassajara road, take a left and continue 11 miles until you see the entrance to China Camp on the right-hand side.
Coordinates
36.2955389 N
121.5675083 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr 21 min from Salinas, CA
- 1 hr 52 min from Santa Cruz, CA
- 2 hrs 6 min from San Jose, CA
- 2 hrs 37 min from San Luis Obispo, CA
