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Get Free Entry to 200+ CA State Parks w/ Your Library Card

“Check out” a vehicle pass through the library to get free access to over 200+ State Parks
By - posted 4/8/2022 No Comment

California State Parks and the California State Library just announced an additional opportunity to advance safe and equitable outdoor access to all Californians. Starting this week—National Library Week—California State Parks will be distributing the California State Library Parks Pass to public libraries across the state for checkout by library patrons. The new pass will allow free vehicle day use entry at more than 200 participating state parks.

Research shows that spending time in the outdoors is associated with better mental and physical health, and that many Californians face barriers to accessing their parks. California has a wealth of state parks, and many public libraries are likely within driving distance of one. By reducing barriers to park access and partnering with entities such as public libraries, the state can help more Californians explore the outdoors and generate positive impacts in the area of health, natural resource stewardship, and historical and cultural connections.

As part of a three-year pilot program starting in April, each library jurisdiction will receive at least three California State Library Parks Pass hangtags per branch for checkout by library patrons, including mobile libraries. Park Passes will enter circulation on a rolling basis throughout April and May for checkout by library patrons; library users can contact their local library for more information. Library-card holders will be able to check out the pass for the allotted number of days allowed by the local library, then return the pass to the library for others to use. The pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with a capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle at participating state park units.

“All Californians should have the opportunity to be outdoors in nature,” said California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. “Yet many of our state’s residents live in communities without adequate parks and open space. This innovative new program will enable more Californians to explore our incredible State Parks system, and in the process create more equitable access to nature and the outdoors.”

The 2021/22 State Budget included initiatives to advance equitable access to state parks and open spaces for all Californians. A $9.1 million one-time General Fund investment was included in the budget to launch a state parks pilot to expand parks pass distribution, especially for youth in disadvantaged communities. The pilot includes the California State Park Adventure Pass program that provides free day-use passes for fourth graders and their families, the revamped Golden Bear Pass Program and the California State Library Parks Pass.

“California State Parks Foundation was honored to work with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom to secure funding for the California State Library Parks Pass program and other innovative pilot programs to increase access to the state’s magnificent park system. We firmly believe every Californian should have access to the beauty and benefits of parks, and we know that cost can be a barrier to visiting. We’re excited that local branch libraries will now be a gateway to state parks,” said Executive Director of the California State Parks Foundation Rachel Norton.

Detailed information on the new California State Library Parks Program, including full terms and conditions, is available online at CheckOutCAStateParks.com. For more information on all the new parks pass programs, please visit parks.ca.gov/CaliforniaOutdoorsForAll.

California State Parks near the Bay Area

California State Library Parks Pass Ineligible Parks

  • Angel Island State Park (SP)
  • Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park (SHP)
  • Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland SP
  • Bodie SHP
  • California State Mining and Mineral Museum Park Property (PP)
  • California State Railroad Museum Point of Interest
  • Cambria State Marine Park (SMP)
  • Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA)
  • Castaic Lake State Recreation Area (SRA)
  • Cayucos State Beach (SB)
  • Clay Pit SVRA
  • Corona del Mar SB
  • Dockweiler SB
  • Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch SVRA
  • El Presidio de Santa Barbara SHP
  • Empire Mine SHP
  • Fort Tejon SHP
  • Governor’s Mansion SHP
  • Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
  • Heber Dunes SVRA
  • Hollister Hills SVRA
  • Hungry Valley SVRA
  • Lake Del Valle SRA
  • Lake Valley SRA
  • Leland Stanford Mansion SHP
  • Leucadia SB
  • Limekiln SP
  • Los Encinos SHP
  • Marconi Conference Center SHP
  • Marsh Creek SHP
  • Martial Cottle Park SRA
  • Monterey SHP
  • Moonlight SB
  • Oceano Dunes SVRA
  • Ocotillo Wells SVRA
  • Pacifica SB
  • Petaluma Adobe SHP
  • Pío Pico SHP
  • Placerita Canyon SP
  • Point Cabrillo Light Station SHP
  • Point Dume SB
  • Point Sur SHP
  • Prairie City SVRA
  • Railtown 1897 SHP
  • Robert W. Crown Memorial SB
  • San Bruno Mountain SP
  • Santa Monica SB
  • Santa Susana Pass SHP
  • Shasta SHP
  • Sonoma SHP
  • State Indian Museum SHP
  • Sutter Buttes SP
  • Sutter’s Fort SHP
  • Tomo-Kahni SHP
  • Twin Lakes SB
  • Wassama Round House SHP
  • Watts Towers of Simon Rodia SHP
  • Weaverville Joss House SHP
  • Will Rogers SB
  • Will Rogers SHP
  • Woodland Opera House SHP

Read more at California Department of Parks and Recreation.