Department of Parks and Recreation (PARKS)

Last updated 11/08/2024

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Contact

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Description

California Department of Parks and Recreation manages 280 park units, which contain the finest and most diverse collection of natural, cultural, and recreational resources to be found within California.

Services

Find a State Park

Find a State Park near you via the Parks and Recreation website. You can search by name, feature, region, city, county, of alphabetically.

Launch service: Find a State Park

Last updated 01/08/2019

Make a Camping Reservation

The California Department of Parks and Recreation manages more than 270 park units, which contain the finest and most diverse collection of natural, cultural, and recreational resources to be found within California. These treasures are as diverse as California itself: From the last stands of primeval redwood forests to vast expanses of fragile desert; from the lofty Sierra Nevada to the broad sandy beaches of our southern coast; and from the opulence of Hearst Castle to the vestiges of colonial Russia.

Launch service: Make a Camping Reservation

Last updated 11/08/2024

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make a reservation at a State Park?

Visit ReserveCalifornia, our new system is easy to use - similar to booking hotels, airline tickets and other comparable services.
How do I submit a comment, suggestion or complaint?

General Questions
For general inquiries, please send email to: info@parks.ca.gov

Comments, Suggestions or Complaints
To send us comments, suggestions or complaints, please send email to: info@parks.ca.gov

Technical Inquiries
For technical inquiries regarding the website, please send email to the webmaster

Inaccurate Content
If you discover any information on our pages which you believe to be inaccurate or outdated, please send email to the webmaster


Accessibility
For inquiries related to accessibility for people with disabilities, please send email to access@parks.ca.gov or phone 916-445-8949. TTY relay service, 711.
What are some helpful camping tips for year-round camping enjoyment?

No matter what your destination is or whether you have a reserved or a first-come, first-served site, it's always a good idea to call ahead and check on park conditions.

For Reservations - Plan ahead

You can make reservations up to six months in advance through ReserveCalifornia.

Determine where you want to camp and be flexible

Have alternate parks in mind in case your first choice is booked.

To help you, get your copy of the California State Parks Camping Reservation Guide by calling (916) 653-6995 or writing to:

Consider less busy days

Sometimes reservations are easier to make if you can camp mid-week.

Consider less popular camps

Southern coastal campgrounds can be full year-round. You could have better luck getting reservations at State Parks north of Santa Cruz or inland.  Look for sites which are more remote and away from major metropolitan areas.

Remember the holiday crush

The closer you try to make reservations to a holiday (Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July, or Labor Day weekend), the further north and inland you may need to go.

Consider cancellations

Check the Reserve America website or call the 800-444-7275 phone number. While no waiting lists are maintained, cancellations are rare but they can occur.

Consider visiting the park for a day

If the campgrounds you want to visit are booked, consider a day visit to the park for a picnic, hike or other outdoor recreation.

Consider April, May, September, and October

The "shoulder season" (April, May, September, and October) is a good time to enjoy California State Parks.  The weather during these months is usually good.
Where can I find more FAQs regarding State Parks?

Visit the Full FAQ

How do I reserve a campsite?

Visit ReserveCalifornia, our new system is easy to use - similar to booking hotels, airline tickets and other comparable services.
What about non-reservation sites?

If the reservation sites are full, look for first-come, first-served campgrounds, and try to arrive on a Wednesday or Thursday to maximize your chance to get a campsite. Please call the specific park for details.  They include:
Emma Wood State Beach
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Where can I find more FAQs regarding Camping Reservations?

Visit the Full FAQ