Open year round. Day use hours are from 8am to 30 minutes after Sunset.
Fremont Peak State Park
Update (December 7, 2020): California has issued a Regional Stay at Home Order to stop the surge of COVID-19 cases and prevent a strain on the health care system. This action will help protect critical care for patients. While the order includes the closure of campground sites in impacted regions, the state also recognizes that mental health is physical health. As such, day use outdoor areas of park units currently open to the public will remain open. Members of the same household are encouraged to stay local and recreate responsibly in the outdoors. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and the COVID-19 guidelines for this park unit.
What is open now?
What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
Statewide:
Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, State Parks has implemented the following guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors:
Statewide, California State Parks continues to work 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. However, the situation remains fluid and park operations can change at any time. The need for Californians to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the outdoors remains critical.
For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
What is open now?
- Park hours are 8am to 1/2 hour after sunset.
- 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.
What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
- Camping, including group campsites are closed. For more information about the temporary campground closures due to the regional stay at home order, visit www.parks.ca.gov/COVID19CampgroundClosures.
- Fremont Peak Observatory is closed.
Statewide:
- Many campgrounds across the state remain temporarily closed until further notice or will be temporarily closed in accordance with the new Regional Stay at Home Order. More information here.
- 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, State Parks has implemented the following guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors:
- Stay Local –Stay close to home to slow the spread of COVID-19. Do not travel if you or someone in your household is sick.
- Plan Ahead – The COVID-19 pandemic response continues to be dynamic and fluid. As such, information on this webpage may change. Prior to visiting us, please check this webpage again right before you visit the park to find out if new guidelines are in place.
- Stay Safer at 6 feet – No matter the recreational activity, maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more. Your guests should only include those within your immediate household. This means no guests or friends, and no gatherings, picnics or parties. Visitors are being asked to leave if there are too many people to allow for the required physical distance.
- Boating: Do not raft up to other boaters or pull up onto a beach next to other recreators.
- Off-highway Vehicle Recreation: Do not ride next to others or pull up next to someone else as it could put you in close proximity to others. Stage 10 feet or more from each other during unloading and loading.
- Keep Clean – Be prepared. Not all restrooms are open to the public. in some cases, restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer. Please pack out all trash. Park units are experiencing heavy use and you can help alleviate the impact on park facilities.
- Stay Covered – The state requires you wear a face covering when you cannot maintain physical distancing of six feet or more. Individuals must have a face covering with them at all times.
Statewide, California State Parks continues to work 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. However, the situation remains fluid and park operations can change at any time. The need for Californians to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the outdoors remains critical.
For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
Phone Number
(831) 623-4255
Max. Trailer Lengths
Trailer: 25 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 25 Feet
Park Hours
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.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.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Environmental Campsites
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Primitive Camping
RV Access
Environmental Campsites
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Primitive Camping
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Family Programs
Geocaching
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
As of November 14, 2020 wood and charcoal fires are allowed in the park. You must bring your own wood and use the park provided fire ring. Collecting any wood, leaves or other material to burn is not allowed. Tickets will be issued for people collecting wood or other materials to burn. Fires must not be left unattended.
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.
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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