Park Fee FAQs
Q: Why does California State Parks charge a fee?
California’s 280 state parks are home to some of the most stunning natural and cultural resources in the world. Some parks can be enjoyed at no cost, whether by using a free pass or because no fee is required at that park for your chosen activity. When a state park charges a fee, it is to help keep your state parks safe, clean and open for everyone to enjoy.
Fees support essential services like clean restrooms, walkable trails, protected wildlife habitats and inclusive experiences throughout the California State Park System. When you pay a fee to enjoy a state park, you’re investing in its care and future. Thank you for supporting your California state parks for generations to come!
Q: Where does my money go?
Right back into the parks! California’s state parks are here because visitors like you care enough to keep them thriving. When you pay a fee, you are contributing directly to California State Parks to protect your parks and maintain and improve campgrounds, trails, amenities and much more for generations to come.
Your fee helps cover all the things that collectively add up to a safe and enjoyable visit for all. Your contribution helps keep the entire system running smoothly, from maintaining restrooms, signage, roads and visitor centers to necessary upgrades and repairs.
Camping, lodging and tour reservations booked through ReserveCalifornia.com, State Parks’ official reservation service, also require a fee. A portion goes toward operating the reservation system and the remainder gets reinvested into your parks.
Q: What kind of fees do state parks charge?
At most state parks, day-use fees are charged per vehicle (with capacity of nine people or less) for parking. Walking or biking into these parks is free, and some parks are also accessible by public transit.
At state historic parks with museums or tours, entry fees may be charged per person.
To see fees by park, visit the park’s webpage and click on the “Day Use and Entry Fees” button for more information. Special rates may apply for peak season, high-demand holiday periods and weekends. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Q: Are discounts available?
Yes. California State Parks offers a Senior Citizen Discount. Anyone age 62 or older receives a $1 discount on vehicle day-use fees and a $2 discount for family camping in most California State Park-operated units regardless of income status without the need to purchase a pass.
Other ways to enjoy state parks at a free or reduced rate include:
California State Library Parks Pass: Available to be checked out by library-card holders at approximately 1,100 public library branches throughout the state, provides free day-use vehicle entry (with capacity of nine people or less) to over 200 participating state park units.
Free Fourth Grade Pass: Gives fourth graders attending public school and their families who live in the state a free pass to access 54 selected state parks for a full year.
Golden Bear Pass: This annual, free vehicle day-use pass is valid at more than 200 participating state parks and is available for families who receive CalWORKs, individuals who receive supplemental security income, and income-eligible Californians over the age of 62.
Distinguished Veteran Pass: A free lifetime pass for California residents who are honorably discharged veterans meeting certain requirements that entitles the passholder to use of all basic facilities (day-use, camping, and boating) in state parks for free.
Disabled Discount Pass: A lifetime pass for individuals with permanent disabilities, entitling the passholder to a 50% discount on vehicle day-use, family camping, and boat-use fees.
Senior Golden Bear Pass: Valid for the calendar year, pass holders 62 years or older and their spouse/domestic partner receive free entry to many state parks during off-peak season.
Visit the California State Park Pass webpage for more information on these and other state park passes. To see which parks accept each pass, visit the Find a Park page and use the dropdown menu for “Accepts Pass”.
Thank you for helping keep your state parks thriving and welcoming for all, now and in the future.