What is changing?
California State Parks is updating the reservation policies regarding the cancellation timeline and fees, no-show penalties, and related changes to the modification and early out policies. Refunds of site fees will be provided for cancellations made seven or more days ahead of the reservation period. After that, there will be a penalty of the first night’s site fee. Cancellations within 48 hours of arrival or no-shows will forfeit all fees paid. If a person does not show up for their reservation (no-show) three times in a calendar year, they will be banned from placing reservations for one year.
Along with these updates, we are updating the ADA campsite policy to allow acceptance of more document types.
When will the new policy go into effect?
The policy changes will be applicable to reservations that start on or after July 1, 2026. The policy changes will not be applicable to reservations that begin prior to this date.
Why is the policy being changed?
The intention is to encourage reservation holders who cannot use their reservation to cancel earlier so the sites can be rebooked, allowing more visitors to camp in California State Parks. California State Parks are in high demand. With reports on campsites going unused, and with input from the legislature via Assembly Bill 618 (2023), these new policies aim to improve State Parks reservation system by allowing for more inventory to be readily available to the public.
Why are there new cancellation penalties?
The reservation cancellation fees stem from recently enacted legislation. The new policy encourages earlier cancellations for people who will not be able to use their reservation. If cancellations are made in further advance, sites are more likely of being rebooked. Most cancelled sites will become available for booking in the reservation system at 8 a.m. the day following the cancellation.
Can I still get a full refund?
Full refunds will be available seven days prior to the reservation start date. For example: If your reservation starts on a Friday, you need to cancel by noon the previous Friday.
Cancellations made betweentwo and six days prior to the reservation start date will be subject to a penalty of the first night’s site fee.
Acancellation fee of $8.25 will be deducted from the refund amount.Any additional fees paid, such as the $8.25 reservation fee, or a modification fee, are non-refundable.
What if I need to cancel within 2 days of my trip?
Campers whocannot make their reservation are encouraged to cancel their reservation as early as possible. While cancelations within two days of the tripare not eligible for a refund, doing so allowsother campers to have the opportunity to book thesite andalso avoid incurring no-show penalties. If a person does not show up for their reservation (no-show) three times in a calendar year, they will be banned from placing reservations for one year.
Call the park at the number listed on your confirmation email to alert them of your cancellation.
What if I still plan to arrive but will be late?
The current policy remains in place. Your site remains reserved until noon the day after the reservation start date. After that time, you may be marked as a no-show, fees will be forfeit and your site released for rebooking. To keep your site, you will need to contact the park at the number on the confirmation email.
If no one answers, please leave a message. Staff may be busy at the time of your call, but your message will be checked and processed.
Can I still modify my reservation?
Yes, you can still modify your reservation until 48 hours prior to your trip. After that time, you can no longer change your arrival, departure or other reservation details, unless those changes are made with the assistance of staff at the park.
How will I know if I have a temporary restriction on new reservations due to incurring 3 no-shows?
The goal is to educate reservation holders on the new policy prior to enforcing. People who fail to show up for a reservation will have their account marked as a no-show. Prior to having their account restricted, the reservation holders will be notified by ReserveCalifornia using the information available in their account.