California
About
China Camp Campground
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.
ADA Access: N
Access
Drive In
Operator
USDA Forest Service
Contact
Location
China 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.
6 Reviews of China Camp Campground
New year's Eve
Celebrated the new year camping. Nice size campsites. Dog friendly. Friendly hosts. Walk-in campsites.
Lots of raccoons. Don't forget to lock your bear box.
Fantastic quick visit!
We made a quick trip and stayed 1 night. The camp was clean and everyone was really friendly. It is a walk-in camp, so it took some time to unload and pack up, but it wasn't too far. We had some visitors during the night (raccoons) so be sure to lock up your stuff!
China camp
Camp site has lots of trees and shades. Friendly camp host. Watch out the raccoons
China Camp was a great place to camp near SF! Ha don't the best attendant who was very funny and helpful. Dogs allowed so 2 paws up🐶👍👍
Enjoyable time during Cotopaxi Questval
Awesome local place
We met some friends here and it was a great surprise! We live close by and didn't expect to like being in close quarters with others… didn't think it would feel like nature but it was fantastic. Restrooms clean and campground clean.
First to Review
This is such a beautiful campground, I can't believe how few people know about it! Was just there for a few nights earlier this week and loved all the wildlife (birds, owls, deer, rabbits, raccoons). Our site was perfect, lots of flat space for tents and still some distance from other aites, nut all the sites seem to be spaced out fairly well so you'll have some privacy. A few things to note:
1. You won't be able to drive up to your campsite. You have to carry your gear in a short distance from the parking lot. Not a big deal, but if you tend to overall, pick a spot closer to The parking lot. This is nice if you're not a fan of cars circling by your campsite constantly.
2. The campground and the beach are dog friendly, but the hiking trails are not.
3. The beach is not right next to the campground, it is a few miles away by car or there are hiking trails that lead to it.
4. Last but not least, the raccoons here are AGGRESSIVE! They won't attack you, but they will walk right up to your camp and try to steal your food. I stupidly left my tent unzipped for a few minutes to run up and use the bathroom at night and came back to find 2 rooting around my things.
