Visiting a California state park this summer? Here are 3 ways to get in free
California residents can access hundreds of state parks for free this summer, thanks to a trio of programs.
State officials recently restored funding for the Library Parks Pass Program, which lets Californians with library cards access more than 200 state parks, beaches and recreation areas with free passes, according to a Monday news release from the California State Parks Foundation.
The library pass program was a victim of budget cuts earlier this year.
However, state officials agreed on a joint budget deal over the weekend, providing one year of funding at $6.75 million for the program through December 2025.
“We commend the Legislature and (Gov. Gavin Newsom) for reaching an agreement to restore full funding for this highly effective and popular program providing free access to California state parks,” Rachel Norton, executive director of California State Parks Foundation, said in the release.
Here’s how you can visit California state parks for no cost this year:
How does California Library Pass Program work?
State parks admission and parking fees can be barriers for Californians, Norton said, especially those with lower incomes.
These costs can prevent families from enjoying the “physical and mental health benefits, educational opportunities, and recreational activities these spaces provide,” Norton said in the release.
Through the Library Parks Pass Program, anyone with a public library card holder in California can check out a California State Parks pass at their local library.
This pass grants free vehicle day-use entry for up to nine people or one highway-licensed motorcycle at more than 200 state parks, including:
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area in Fresno County
- San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area in Merced County
- Pismo State Beach in San Luis Obispo County
- Turlock Lake State Recreation Area in Stanislaus County
- Brannan Island State Recreation Area in Sacramento County
Library cards and park passes are free, according to the California State Parks website.
Each library location, including mobile libraries, will have passes available for checkout. Patrons can borrow the pass for the number of days allowed by their local library.
To find participating locations, visit library.ca.gov/branches.
You can see the full list of parks accepting library passes on the California State Parks’website.
How else can I visit California state parks, beaches for free?
Here are other ways to visit California State Parks for free.
The California State Park Adventure Pass program provides free entry for fourth-grade students in California and their families.
Your fourth-grader and their family — including up to three adults and other kids in one vehicle — can get into 54 state parks for free with an Adventure Pass.
The pass is valid for the school year during which the child is a fourth grader or fourth grade equivalent, from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31.
You can sign up for a pass online.
If your family receives benefits from CalWORKs, you can qualify for a free park pass via the Golden Bear Pass program, which grants no-cost access to more than 200 participating state parks.
The pass can be used year round.
You can sign up for free park access through CalWORKS or the state parks website.
