State of the State Parks

State of State Parks

Park crime and maintenance database | Stories | Photo Galleries | Share Your Photos

By Carlos Alcalá - Updated: Sunday, March 25 2012 - 10:30 am

The only state park in Plumas County will be spared the budget ax, thanks to a donation from its park association, the California Department of Parks and Recreation announced.

Editorial: School kids show the state why parks should be open to all

Updated: Sunday, February 12 2012 - 2:41 pm

Slowly but surely, nonprofits and local communities are exploring what they can do to keep open the 70 state parks slated to close on July 1.

Workshops set for group interested in running state parks

By Carlos Alcalá - Updated: Wednesday, May 9 2012 - 12:11 am

Want to run a state park?

Viewpoints: Twilight for a state park

By Susan Sward - Updated: Sunday, January 22 2012 - 11:02 am

The tree had toppled over onto the picnic table, crushing it with its weight.

Mono Lake like another planet east of Sierra

By Lucy D'Mot - Published: Sunday, November 27 2011 - 12:00 am

When I viewed the list of the 70 state parks scheduled for closure, the biggest surprise was Mono Lake Tufa State Nature Reserve.

State's park closure criteria murky, Assembly panel told

By Matt Weiser - Updated: Sunday, November 6 2011 - 2:31 pm

Leaders of the California parks department on Tuesday were unable to explain to lawmakers the full list of criteria they used to pick 70 state parks for closure.

An Olmsted steps forward to fight California park shutdowns

By Miles Bennett-Smith - Updated: Sunday, August 7 2011 - 3:34 pm

Alden Olmsted has picked up right where his father left off, looking for solutions that could keep as many state parks as possible from closing their gates.

Photo galleries: State of State Parks

Staff shortage, sewer failure close Folsom Lake campground

By Cathy Locke - Updated: Monday, July 11 2011 - 4:04 pm

A staffing shortage and equipment failure have led state Department of Parks and Recreation officials to close the Peninsula Campground on Folsom Lake effective July 18.

State Parks Galleries

Ano Nuevo State Park elephant seal colony

McArthur-Burney Falls offer hiking, camping

California State Railroad Museum and other transportation museums

Wayne Myers
Jug Handle State Natural Reserve

Taken From Nature Trail - Wayne Myers, 7-14-09
Luong
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Morning at Big Sur - Luong, July 2010
Luong
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Intense shore at Big Sur - Luong, July 2010
Paul Hosley
Grover Hot Springs State Park

Camping friend relaxing on a rock below the Hot Springs Creek waterfall. - Paul Hosley, Aug. 16, 2010
Priscilla Ouchida
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

Sun peeking through storm clouds. Taken from Castle Tufa. - Priscilla Ouchida, September 4, 2009