California State Parks (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular state park in California? ›

About California State Parks

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.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California. Five hundred miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and many miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the California Desert.

At most parks, Day Use Fees are charged for vehicle day use only. There is no charge to walk or bike into these parks. Most historical parks and museums charge a Day Use Fee per person.

Channel Islands National Park was the least-visited national park in California last year, and reaching Santa Rosa Island requires a three-hour boat ride from Ventura.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California's oldest State Park, established in 1902. Home to the largest continuous stand of Ancient Coast Redwoods south of San Francisco, the park consists of Old Growth and recovering Redwood Forest, with mixed conifer, oaks, chaparral, and riparian habitats.

SACRAMENTO — As California's newest State Park, Dos Rios, officially opens to the public today, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring June 12-16, 2024 as California State Parks Week.

Smallest California State Park

Watts Towers of Simon Rodia State Historic Park – 0.11 acres.

This free pass provides free vehicle day-use access at over 200 California State Parks-operated units. Golden Bear passes are valid from issuance until December 31 of the year in which the pass was issued. WHO QUALIFIES. Supplemental Security Income recipients.

Which state park has the largest redwoods? ›

Visit the Largest Giant Redwoods in Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is where you'll find the world's most massive tree, General Sherman, and the only-slightly-smaller General Grant Tree. Not only are they big, but they're old, too. Scientists estimate these trees to be between 1,800 and 2,700 years old.

Alcohol is only allowed in your overnight camp site and you may also consume alcohol from a vessel. All traffic laws apply in the park as they are state roadways. Our speed limits are low for the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and children in the park. Do not drink or boat and drive.

In order to provide for the greatest number of visitors possible the CAMPING LIMIT in any one campground is 30 days per calendar year. REFUSE, including garbage, cigarettes, paper boxes, bottles, ashes and other rubbish, shall be placed only in designated receptacles.

Simply, county parks are operated by local counties, state parks by the state of California, and national parks by the federal government. Each agency has their own pass program since policies, guidelines and operations are unique.

Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in America, by far. Last year, it drew nearly three times the visitors as the second-most visited park, Grand Canyon, according to National Park Service data.

First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

New York City Central Park.