The opinions and views expressed in the news stories of interest do not always reflect those of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
News Stories of Interest
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Week of May 11, 2026
California is getting 3 new state parks—and they’re not where you’d think: The new parks in underserved areas of the Golden State are part of a larger initiative to preserve 30 percent of the state’s land and water by 2030.
Ada Tseng, National Geographic, May 15, 2026
California State Parks Offers Free Admission to Veterans, Active Duty and Reserve Military Members on Memorial Day: California State Parks is honoring the service of veterans and active duty and reserve military members by offering free admission to 145 participating state parks on Memorial Day – Monday, May 25.
Redheaded Blackbelt, May 15, 2026
- More Coverage: Folsom Times, Fox 5
Get on Board: Your safety starts with habits during National Safe Boating Week: As the 2026 boating season begins, California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways, or DBW, is reminding Californians to prioritize safety on the water during National Safe Boating Week, which is May 15 to 22.
Lake County News, May 15, 2026
‘Extremely popular’ California park named best for camping in 2026. Where is it?: Looking for the best camping in California? Head to the Central Coast, according to the California State Parks Foundation.
Alexiah Syrai Olsen, The Tribune, May 15, 2026
Just 2 hours from San Francisco, this coastal reserve was voted the ‘best state park for day trips’ out of 280 California locations: Point Lobos is the ultimate bucket-list destination in California, and we're lucky to enjoy it as a great day trip from SF.
Jamie Ferrell, Secret San Francisco, May 14, 2026
California state park is top spot for ‘dog-friendly adventures.’ Where to go: Planning an outdoor adventure with Fido? Northern California is home to the best dog-friendly state park, according to the California State Parks Foundation.
Alexiah Syrai Olsen, The Sacramento Bee, May 14, 2026
Big Basin adds land amid long recovery effort: As crews continue restoration work at Big Basin Redwoods State Park after the devastating 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire, state officials and conservation groups are expanding the park’s footprint through a series of land acquisitions that aim to reshape how visitors enter and experience California’s oldest state park.
Ashton J. Hacke, Coastside News, May 14, 2026
Where can I ride ATVs in California? Find top off-roading spots: Planning to bring your ATV to the Oceano Dunes? You may need to find another place to ride.
As of Wednesday, May 13, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area was temporarily closed to off-road riding.
Alexiah Syrai Olsen, The Fresno Bee, May 14, 2026
Why most California beaches ban overnight sleeping: Summer is around the corner, meaning beach and camping trips for those who can find time off, and with so many beaches in California, vacationers may want to combine the two.
Ernesto Centeno Araujo, Ventura County Star, May 14, 2026
Humbug Day Living History Festival at Malakoff Diggins SHP on June 13: Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park will be hosting the 58th annual Humbug Day, on Saturday, June 13th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
YubaNet.com, May 14, 2026
CA state park is top spot for hiking in 2026. Where to go for ‘spectacular views’: Looking for the best hiking in California? Head to the oldest state park in the Golden State, according to the California State Parks Foundation.
Alexiah Syrai Olsen, The Sac Bee, May 13, 2026
- More Coverage: Lookout Santa Cruz, Active Norcal
California withheld Palisades Fire text messages, lawsuit alleges: California is accused of failing to turn over text messages and emails to a judge about prior knowledge of smoke long before the deadly Palisades Fire fully ignited, NewsNation has learned. In December, a court ordered California State Parks to turn over all text messages and emails. However, the agency allegedly did not, leaving them out of the case.
Rob Taub and Rich McHugh, NEWSNATION, May 13, 2026
Video shows Point Lobos stranded doe rescue; animal later dies, State Parks says: A doe that fell from a cliff at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve was almost rescued after likely spending about two days stranded below, according to an update from State Parks. Raphael with CAL FIRE in the Carmel area said the incident happened Sunday or Monday near China Cove, based on video footage from the scene.
Ricardo Tovar, KSBW, May 13, 2026
LA residents criticize ‘deceptively maze-like’ public comment process for Dodger Stadium gondola: Los Angeles community organizers say construction of the proposed Dodger Stadium gondola would irreparably damage LA State Historic Park by uprooting its trees and siphoning hard-won public space. But they say a state website about the project’s impact on a section of the park is difficult to navigate and limits public engagement ahead of a crucial May 18 deadline.
Martin Macias Jr., Los Angeles Public Press, May 13, 2026
California Oldest State Park Was Just Voted the Best Hiking Park in the State: Big Basin Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains has been voted the best hiking destination in California’s entire state park system.
Active NorCal, May 13, 2026
From Olivia Rodrigo’s Drive-In Prom To ‘Ferris Bueller’—Street Food Cinema Turns 15: Street Food Cinema's 15th season opens Saturday, May 16th, at LA State Historic Park.
David Hochman, Forbes, May 13, 2026
State Parks Investigating Burl Cutting and Trail Vandalism in Humboldt Redwoods State Park: California State Parks is investigating vandalism that occurred Friday in Humboldt Redwoods State Park near Stephens Grove outside Miranda, where an old-growth redwood burl was cut from a tree and multiple trail signs were damaged or removed.
Kym Kemp, Redheaded Blackbelt, May 13, 2026
Smoke expected from Lake Perris prescribed burn in Riverside County: California State Parks says the smoke will be coming from a prescribed burn planned for the Lake Perris State Recreation Area.
Tony Kurzweil, KTLA, May 13, 2026
City of Greenfield scores a $6 million State grant for a new nine-acre park: The City of Greenfield has been awarded $6 million for a new nine-acre park as part of a $42.6 million California State Park grant.
Royvi Hernandez, Monterey County NOW, May 12, 2026
Between Santa Rosa And Redwood National Park Is California's Abandoned Fort Turned Historic State Park: One place visitors can learn about the area's pioneer-era history while enjoying the coastal scenery for which Humboldt is known is Fort Humboldt Historic State Park.
Eva Johnstone, Islands, May 12, 2026
Heading out on the trail in California? Know these rules for trail etiquette: Here’s what to know about trail etiquette.
Don Sweeney, The Sacramento Bee, May 12, 2026
Teenager arrested for attempted robbery near Carmel Rancho Shopping Center: Carmel Police Department deputies and California State Parks rangers located the juvenile suspect and led a foot pursuit.
Tracy Escobedo, KSBW, May 12, 2026
Spring Bird Walk Planned at South Yuba River State Park’s Historic Bridgeport Area: Bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families are invited to join a guided spring bird walk at South Yuba River State Park on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
YubaNet.com, May 12, 2026
Sugarloaf Ridge Named Best State Park Hidden Gem: The California State Parks Foundation recently announced the winners in its second annual “Best of California’s State Parks” poll, where thousands voted on their favorite state park across 12 categories. Among the dozen winners, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood won “Best California State Park for a Hidden Gem Experience.”
Maci Martell, Sonoma Magazine, May 11, 2026
As Lawsuits Pile Up, California Legislators and Environmental Groups Vow to Keep Fighting Sable Offshore: In Sable Offshore Corp’s push to restart oil production on the Central Coast, it has been met with heavy opposition and legal pressure from the state. But with backing from the Trump administration, Sable has yet to buckle. Oil is now flowing again through the same pipeline that ruptured in 2015, causing the devastating Refugio Oil Spill that polluted 150 miles of coastline and damaged sensitive shoreline habitat.
Callie Fausey, Santa Barbara Independent, May 11, 2026
Lompoc's La Purisima Mission undergoes program changes, renaming of historic nonprofit: La Purisima Mission State Historic Park is moving forward with several operational and interpretive updates that state park officials say are intended to preserve the site’s long-term educational mission while adapting to statewide policy changes, wildfire preparedness efforts and evolving community outreach.
Lisa Andre, Santa Maria Times, May 11, 2026
Iconic 'secret' waterfall now limits access as crowds push park to breaking point: Reportedly called 'Eighth Wonder of the World' by Theodore Roosevelt, the park has seen visitor numbers double since 2015.
Andrea Margolis, Fox News, May 11, 2026
This 11,000-acre Park Is One of the World’s Largest Urban Wildlands—With Mountains and Ocean Views Just 1 Hour From L.A.: Located a short drive away from the heart of Los Angeles, Topanga State Park is known as the world’s largest wildland within a city’s limits.
Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, May 11, 2026
Northern California beach town offers great hiking, barbecue, ice cream and more: What we love best about Aptos is its variety of terrain, allowing visitors and locals alike to enjoy so much without having to travel very far.
Jim Harrington, The Derrick, May 11, 2026
Today is Living History Day at the Petaluma Adobe: California State Parks once again invites you to step back in time to the 1840’s when vaqueros, traders, cooks and craftspeople populated this area, then known as Rancho Petaluma. Subscription Required.
Petaluma Argus-Courier, May 9, 2026
This tiny California state park feels like stepping straight into the Wild West: Tucked into the Sierra Nevada foothills of Tuolumne County, Columbia State Historic Park is one of California’s best-kept secrets.
Emma Larkin, Fast Food Club, May 9, 2026
Monterey County parks recognized in ‘Best of California’s State Parks’ poll: The California State Parks Foundation recently released the results of its second annual “Best of California State Parks” poll, with Monterey County’s own Point Lobos, Pfeiffer Big Sur and Asilomar all receiving recognition. Subscription required.
Arianna Nalbach, Monterey Herald, May 8, 2026
California officials search for poachers chopping up redwood trees in Humboldt Redwoods State Park: In the past six months, rangers have made four arrests related to redwood poaching from the park, California State Parks said in a Tuesday news release.
Lucy Hodgman, SF Chronicle, May 8 ,2026
- More Coverage: Redheaded Blackbelt
This Quiet Park in Northern California Was Just Named the ‘Best Hidden Gem’ in the State: Out of more than 280 state parks in California, voters just chose a quiet Sonoma County park as the best hidden gem in the entire system.
Active NorCal, May 8, 2026
The Picturesque California State Park That Offers A Leg-Burning Mountain Summit Day Trip Without The Tourist Crowds: This picturesque California state park offers a leg-burning mountain summit day trip without the tourist crowds, a rare combination in a state famous for overcrowded trailheads.
Caleb Norwood, My Family Travels, May 8, 2026
Trading screen time for green time in Oakland schools: On a recent Tuesday in April, Angel Island State Park became a classroom for 100 eighth graders from Oakland’s Frick United Academy of Language.
Ashley McBride, The Oaklandside, May 7, 2026
Best California state park poll results released. See the winners: The California State Parks Foundation has released the results of its second annual "Best of California’s State Parks" poll. Subscription Required.
Danielle Segura, Desert Sun, May 7, 2026