State Parks COVID-19 Resource Center

To date, State Parks has proactively taken the following temporary steps in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Closures
  
  • FULLY CLOSED Some State Parks and Beaches to the Public -- The full closure means there is no public access at these public outdoor spaces on a temporary basis to protect public health from the COVID-19 pandemic. All restrooms are closed, and there are no parking facilities open for visitors, recreational boats or off-highway vehicles. No form of activities is permitted (including sunbathing, walking, jogging or watersports).
  • Vehicular Access at Most State Parks and Beaches is Temporarily Closed -- Meaning there are no parking facilities and parking on roadways is prohibited. Although some parks and beaches are open to local residents – provided that they actively walk, jog, or bike into and at these public outdoor spaces, and follow the visitor guidelines below – congregating is not allowed. Additionally, if there are too many people at the park, beach or trail that does not allow for the required physical distancing, visitors are being asked to leave. Please plan ahead. Visit the webpage of your local destination before leaving home to find out if it is open, what new visitor guidelines are in effect and if parking is available.
  • High public use indoor facilities -- including museums and visitor centers -- have been closed until further notice.
  • Campgrounds across the state have been closed until further notice. All current reservation holders affected by the temporary closures have received a notification from ReserveCalifornia of their cancellation and refunds will be provided. State Parks appreciates the patience of the public as it moves along this process.

• New Visitor Guidelines:

Here are some visitor guidelines State Parks has implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors:

• Stay Local – Stay close to home. Parking is very limited or non-existent at park units across the state. Walk or bike to parks in your local neighborhood. Do not take road trips to parks and beaches or to neighboring states.
• Leave it at Home – The use of coolers, umbrellas, shade tents, BBQs or chairs is not allowed in many park units. Plan ahead.
• Keep it Moving – Passive recreation (lounging, picnics, sunbathing, etc.) is being restricted where physical distance is a challenge. In those areas, only active recreation (walking, running, biking, boating, kayaking, off-highway riding, etc.) will be allowed. Also, watch out for one-way trails.
• Stay Safer at 6ft -- No matter the recreational activity, maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Visitors are being asked to leave if there are too many people to allow for the required physical distance.
• Keep Clean – Be prepared. Not all restrooms are open to the public. Bring soap/sanitizer and pack out all trash.

Though State Park Peace Officers and allied law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public will adhere to the advice of the public health officials, visitor guidelines and closures. State Parks will continue to monitor visitation and physical distancing across the state park system and if unsafe conditions develop, park units may close again.

• Additional cleanings of public-facing facilities: Public-facing facilities, such as restrooms, are being cleaned more frequently per recommended protocols. Additionally, employee offices and facilities are being disinfected before and after work for use by essential employees.

• Cancellation of events: All events being held in the State Park System have been cancelled until further notice. Additionally, no new event cancellations or requests to postpone already-approved events will be accepted at this time.

There are some new visitor guidelines State Parks has implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors:

• Plan Ahead – With 280 park units in the state park system, visitors are advised to visit the webpage of their local outdoor destination before leaving home to find out if it is open, what new visitor guidelines are in effect and if parking is available.
• Stay Local – Stay close to home. Parking is temporarily very limited or non-existent at park units across the state. Walk or bike to parks in your local neighborhood. Do not take road trips to parks and beaches or to neighboring states.
• Leave it at Home – The use of coolers, umbrellas, shade tents, BBQs or chairs is not allowed in many park units. Plan ahead.
• Keep it Moving – Passive recreation (lounging, picnics, sunbathing, etc.) is being restricted where physical distance is a challenge. In those areas, only active recreation (walking, running, biking, boating, kayaking, off-highway riding, etc.) will be allowed. Also, observe one-way trails where they are in place.
• Stay Safer at 6ft -- No matter the recreational activity, maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Visitors are being asked to leave if there are too many people to allow for the required physical distance.
• Keep Clean – Be prepared. Not all restrooms are open to the public. Bring soap/sanitizer and pack out all trash.

Though State Park Peace Officers and allied law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public will adhere to the advice of the public health officials, visitor guidelines and closures. State Parks will continue to monitor visitation and physical distancing across the state park system and if unsafe conditions develop, park units may close again.

With 280 park units in the state park system, visitors are advised to visit the webpage of their local outdoor destination before leaving home to find out if it is open, what new visitor guidelines are in effect and if parking is available.

Please remember to respect the landscapes by staying on designated trails, not picking flowers, taking only photos and packing out all your trash if no trash bins are available.

State Parks understands that outdoor enthusiasts have questions and concerns about the safety measures the department has implemented in the State Park System to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is important for us to keep you informed of our actions. As such, we have developed frequently asked questions (FAQs) – view here. If you don’t find the answer to your question, please feel free to email us at info@parks.ca.gov

Thank you for helping us “Flatten the COVID-19 Curve at Parks.” The farther we stay away from each other, the closer we are to start enjoying California’s iconic natural and cultural resources.

• April 24: California State Parks Reminds All Californians to 'Stay Home, Save Lives' as Weather Warms Up Across State
• April 10: State Parks Advises Californians to Stay Home and Save Lives for this Weekend's Traditions
• April 3: UPDATE: California State Parks Closes Additional Beaches and Parks: Public Reminded to Practice Safe, Physical Distancing
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