This Southern Tuolumne County community is steeped in history. During the height of the Gold Rush, more than 5,000 Chinese lived here — hence the name. Many settled to help build the railroads … others to work in gold mines. Today Chinese Camp has less than 200 residents but there is ample evidence of its colorful past including old buildings and cemeteries.
Chinese Camp is easy to find — it’s right on Highway 49 about 5 miles south of Jamestown. If you are accessing Yosemite via its 120 Big Oak Flat entrance, you’ll go right by. If you have a few minutes or an hour, we suggest you check out Chinese Camp. It’s one of our favorite places to take photographs.