Reservation Availability

Manresa State Beach features a beautiful expanse of sea and sand, with surf fishing, clamming, and recreation.

Sunset State Beach features pine trees, mountainous sand dunes, and ocean side picnic spots. Bordered by large agricultural fields between the cities of Santa Cruz and Monterey, the beach is a year-round destination for thousands of visitors.

New Brighton State Beach features picnic areas, swimming, fishing and a nearby forest of Monterey pine. The camping area is on a bluff overlooking northern Monterey Bay. Reservations can be made YEAR-ROUND.

San Luis Reservoir SRA is nestled in the grassy hills of the western San Joaquin Valley near historic Pacheco Pass. It offers three lakes for fishing, boating, board sailing, camping, and picnicking. The San Luis Reservoir stores runoff water from the Delta that would otherwise flow into the ocean.

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.

Campsites in Lower Ranch and Upper Ranch remain first-come, first-serve based on availability and cannot be reserved on our website. Please come see us at the kiosk for available sites. The only sites that can be reserved are the 2 remote campsites in Hudner Ranch (4x4 access ONLY), and the ADA campsites in Lower Ranch (dirt bike and ATV area).

George J. Hatfield SRA is located in the San Joaquin Valley and home to a variety of trees and wildlife. The Merced River meanders through the park, with swimming and fishing activities near facilities. It offers spacious grassy fields and picnic tables shaded by native oak trees for day use activities.

Portola Redwoods State Park has a rugged, natural basin forested with coast redwoods, Douglas fir and live oak. Eighteen miles of trails crisscross the canyon and its two streams, Peters Creek and Pescadero Creek. A short nature trail along Pescadero Creek introduces visitors to the natural history of the area. Visitors can see clam shells and other marine deposits from the time when the area was once covered by the ocean. The park has one of the tallest redwoods (300 feet high) in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Caswell Memorial SP is a small, wild refuge in the midst of the Great Central Valley. It's home to endangered animals, wildlife, nature trails, an Oak Forest, and protects one of the last oak-riparian woodlands. The Stanislaus River meanders through Caswell, with beaches and swimming near facilities.

McConnell State Recreation Area is located on the banks of the Merced River. It offers over 70 acres of outdoor activities for families and fishermen. Spring, summer, and fall offer fishing, camping, picnicking, river wading, sunbathing, hiking and nature study.