Fremont Peak State Park

UPDATE (June 24, 2020) - As California State Parks begins working with locals on a phased and regionally-driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved, it is important for visitors to continue to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with people outside their immediate household. Everyone has the responsibility to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Here are some guidelines for people visiting Fremont Peak State Park:
What is open now?
  • The park is open from are 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • The parking lots and trails are open.
  • Very limited parking is now available to the public.
  • Once the park has reached its safe parking capacity, the park will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian entry.
  • Camping is now available at Fremont Peak State Park. Group campsites will remain closed. For more information about camping, visit www.parks.ca.gov/COVID19Camping.  To make a reservation, visit www.ReserveCalifornia.com  or call 800-444-7275. Walk-ins will NOT be allowed.

What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
At this park:
  • Fremont Peak Observatory is closed.
Statewide:
  • Many campgrounds across the state remain closed until further notice. Some campgrounds have started to reopen with modifications. For more information, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/COVID19Camping.
  • High public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
  • Special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.

Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, please see below:
  • Stay Local: Stay close to home. Walk or bike into the park. Parking is very limited. Do not take road trips to parks and beaches or to neighboring states.
  • Stay Active: Keep walking, jogging, hiking and biking. Watch for one-way trails.
  • Stay Safer at 6 Feet: Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more. Gatherings, picnics and parties are not allowed. Visitors will be asked to leave if there are too many people at the park or on trails to allow for the required physical distance.
  • Stay Clean: Be prepared. Bring soap/sanitizer and pack out all trash.
  • Stay Covered: The state now requires you to wear a face covering in most indoor settings and public outdoor spaces when you cannot maintain physical distancing of six feet or more from people outside of your immediate household. For details, please visit CDPH’s guidance here. Visitors should also abide by their local county health orders.

Thank you for your patience and continued support of California State Parks as we work to limit your risk for exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors. For more information, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.

Phone Number

(831) 623-4255

Max. Trailer Lengths

Trailer: 25 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 25 Feet

Park Hours

Open year round Day use hours 8:00am to one-half hour after Sunset.

Dogs Allowed?

Yes
Dogs not allowed on trails.

Driving Directions to Fremont Peak SP

Off of Highway 156, 11-miles south of San Juan Bautista on San Juan Canyon Road.

View on Map

Camping and Lodging

Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.

Online Reservations

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Environmental Campsites
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Primitive Camping
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available

As of June 22, 2020 wood and charcoal fires are NOT allowed in the park due to high fire danger.  Only propane or gas fires are allowed. Collecting any wood, leaves or other material to burn is not allowed. Tickets will be issued for people having wood or charcoal fires.

This park features expansive views of Monterey Bay, from its hiking trails in the grasslands of the higher peaks of the Gavilan Range. Other views include the San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountains east of Big Sur. Pine and oak woodlands in the park are home to many birds and mammals. There are camping and picnic facilities in the park. The park also features an astronomical observatory with a 30-inch telescope, which is open for public programs on selected evenings.

Location-Directions

Off of Highway 156, 11-miles south of San Juan Bautista on San Juan Canyon Road.

Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing

The weather can be changeable. Layered clothing is advised.

Facilities - Activities

Astronomical Observing


It’s best to arrive before sundown as vehicle headlights after sunset disrupt astronomers’ night vision. Clouds or rain will cancel astronomy programs. Check the link below for program dates.

In general, astronomers are friendly, outgoing, and happy to allow you to view through their telescopes and answer your questions. A few courtesies that will enhance everyone’s experience:

  • Do not touch any part of any telescope unless the owner instructs you on the proper method. In particular, do not touch any glass optical surfaces.
  • Please be sure that all children are supervised around telescopes.
  • Remember, using lights near telescopes at night is highly disruptive. A piece of red "cellophane" wrapped over the end of a flashlight and held in place with a rubber band works great.


    For more information take this link to the Fremont Peak Observatory Association

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