EFFECTIVE (Sept. 19, 2020) - 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.

As a reminder, Californians are encouraged to avoid road trips and stay close to home, maintain physical distancing, wear a face covering when a physical distance of six feet from others who are not from the immediate household members cannot be maintained, and avoid congregating. Everyone has the responsibility to slow down the spread of COVID-19.

Here are some additional guidelines for locals visiting South Carlsbad State Beach:

What is open now?

• South Carlsbad State Beach including day use parking at North Ponto and South Ponto are open for active and passive recreation.
• Volleyball courts at South Ponto are open for limited use. Players from the same family or household unit can play, but pick-up and multiple family unit games continue to be prohibited per the San Diego County Public Health Order and industry guidance.
• Day-use fees may be paid through the automated pay machines installed at the park.
• Campgrounds are open at full capacity but visitors should expect a different camping experience:
• Campsites are limited to 8 people, all from the same household unit (strictly enforced)
• Courtesy passes will not be issued during this time and visitors are not permitted
• Face coverings are required when unable to maintain 6 foot social distance
• Campsites are sold by reservations only, walk-ins are not permitted
• For more information about camping, visit www.parks.ca.gov/COVID19Camping. To make a reservation, visit www.ReserveCalifornia.com or call 800-444-7275.

What is currently closed?

• Group activities and athletics are permitted for household use only.
• Park amenities such as drinking fountains are closed.
• Group campsite is closed until further notice and group gatherings are not permitted.

Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, please see below:

• 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 to allow for the required physical distance.
• Stay Clean: Be prepared. Bring soap/sanitizer and pack out all trash. Restrooms will be temporarily closed in order to keep up with cleaning schedules.
• 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.

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. Even though the department has increased access across the State Park System, 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.