China Camp
Also known as: China Camp State Park
Why it's listed
China Camp is a former Chinese shrimp-fishing village on San Pablo Bay near San Rafael, now part of a California state park. The district takes in two coves, a ridge between them and nearby tide land. Chinese fishermen began taking shrimp in California around the mid-1860s, and China Camp was well established by the late 1860s. The 1870 census counted 77 male fishermen, and by 1880 the population was 469, supported by general stores, a marine supply store and a barber shop. Surviving remains include a shrimp-drying shed, a pier, a grinding shed inside the camp store, former houseboats, sampan hulls on the seabed, drying platforms, kettles and machinery. Though weathered and altered, the buildings keep their historical integrity. A prehistoric shellmound used by Coast Miwok people lies on the ridge, damaged but still of scientific interest. The place is described as the last operating remnant of the state's Chinese shrimp fishery.
Significance in brief: The nomination presents China Camp as one of the largest Chinese shrimp-fishing settlements in California and the last operating vestige of that fishery in the state. Its structures, artifacts and archeological remains reflect traditional Chinese fishing technology and lifestyle brought from the Pearl River delta. The shellmound, used by Coast Miwok Indians, adds scientific value as one of few surviving Bay Area mounds.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 79000493, listed April 26, 1979. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 247 N. San Pedro Dr., San Rafael |
|---|---|
| County | Marin County |
| Listed | April 26, 1979 |
| Reference number | 79000493 |
| Resource type | District |
| Period of significance | 1865-1925 |
| Architect / builder | Chinese Shrimp Fishermen |
| Areas of significance | Prehistoric, Commerce, Historic - Non-Aboriginal, Exploration/Settlement, Architecture, Social History |
| Level of significance | National |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Owned by the State of California as a state park. Historic structures are deteriorated, at least two are in danger of collapse, and the pier is unsafe for general use. The state plans to preserve the significant structures, and one fisherman still operates from the pier and buildings. |
| Acreage | 75 |
| Coordinates | 38.00114, -122.46178 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
This is a historic district. Buildings within its boundary are either contributing (they add to the district's significance) or non-contributing. Owners of contributing income-producing buildings can claim the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit; homeowners should look at state credits. National Register districts impose no design review by themselves; a local historic district ordinance, if one exists, does (the difference explained).
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 79000493.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q1073221
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.