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San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Suisun City, California · Solano County

The San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve comprises two components located along the salinity gradient of the San Francisco Bay. The reserve's 3,710 acres are located at China Camp State Park in San Rafael and Rush Ranch in Suisun City, 30 miles north and 50 miles northeast of San Francisco, respectivel…

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38.21011, -122.01980
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About San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

The San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve comprises two components located along the salinity gradient of the San Francisco Bay. The reserve's 3,710 acres are located at China Camp State Park in San Rafael and Rush Ranch in Suisun City, 30 miles north and 50 miles northeast of San Francisco, respectively. A primary focus of the reserve is to support tidal marsh restoration through research, monitoring and education. These sites serve as valuable reference sites in the San Francisco area where nearly 97 percent of the historic tidal wetlands have been lost due to development pressures in the region. These reference sites create an opportunity for a scientific basis for restoration activities in the bay area.

Plan Your Visit to San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Heading to San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve?

No central reservation system listed for San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/2516) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve?

The San Francisco Bay Reserve comprises two components Rush Ranch and China Camp State Park.

How do I contact San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve?

You can reach the park at phone: 415-338-3703.