California State Parks Closes Lake Oroville SRA until Further Notice as Emergency Spillway is Evaluated

Due to the on-going flood management emergency at Oroville Dam, California State Parks has closed Lake Oroville State Recreation Area to all uses until further notice.

State Offers Educational Opportunities for the Public and Boating Facility Operators to Help Keep California’s Waterways Clean

California’s Boating Clean and Green Program and its partners are offering free volunteer opportunities, workshops and seminars on ways to help keep California’s waterways clean. Motivated individuals with a willingness to learn and an ability to convey important environmental messages are encouraged to participate. Space is limited; pre-registration is required for all opportunities.

California State Historical Resources Commission to Consider 10 Properties for Action

The California State Historical Resources Commission (Commission) will consider 10 nominations for federal historic designation Friday, February 3.

New Date Set for Public Meeting on Preferred Alternative Site Design for Kings Beach State Recreation Area

The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) are holding a public meeting to solicit comments on an effort to upgrade recreational facilities at Kings Beach State Recreation Area (Kings Beach SRA). The original date, scheduled for Wednesday, January 18, 2017, has been rescheduled to February 2, 2017. Some of the proposed enhancements would be made to the pier, playground, restrooms, picnic areas, boat ramp and parking area. The effort reflects an approach by DPR and the Conservancy to renovate Kings Beach SRA over the next 20 or more years.

North Grove Trail Partially Open at Calaveras Big Trees State Park through the Weekend

A portion of the North Grove Trail in Calaveras Big Trees State Park reopened this morning. Visitors will have limited access to the fallen Pioneer Cabin Tree as well as the Big Stump, but the remainder of the trail is closed. The storms over the last week have created a public safety concern for visitors on several areas of the trail as limbs have fallen and debris continues to run through small streams.

California State Parks Invites Outdoor Enthusiasts to Enjoy the Winter Season Safely

California State Parks reminds outdoor enthusiasts that winter recreation can be hazardous. Every year, thousands of individuals and families enjoy California’s winter season by playing in the snow, fishing, walking/hiking a trail, boating, off-highway recreation or visiting historical sites. The recent winter storms have changed the state’s outdoor landscape with snow in many higher elevation areas and many of our waterways have more water. While many may be eager to enjoy this new landscape, the department reminds outdoor enthusiasts to properly plan for their outings by checking road conditions, site destination availability, the weather, and by enjoying the outdoors safely with everyone.

Heavy Rains Topple Iconic Pioneer Cabin Tree at Calaveras Big Trees State Park

The Pioneer Cabin Tree, one of California’s oldest tourist attractions and a beloved specimen of a rare California native species, fell Sunday in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. A combination of trunk and root decay and storm water runoff appears to have brought the giant sequoia down at its base, shattering it and a nearby cedar tree. No one was hurt. 

California State Parks Invites the Public to Kick-Off the New Year with a First Day Hike

This New Year’s Day 2017, California State Parks will participate in the 5th Annual First Day Hikes at 50 parks across the state. This national-led effort encourages people to experience the beautiful natural and cultural resources found in the outdoors with a seasoned guide so that they may be inspired to take advantage of these treasures throughout the year.

California State Parks Seeks Public Comment on Amended Proposed Rule for Off-Trail Restrictions in Reserves and Preserves

California State Parks seeks public comment on an amended proposed California Code of Regulation aimed to protect natural and cultural resources in highly-sensitive areas within the state park system. The public review period is now open until 5 p.m., Jan. 18, 2017.

California State Parks Seeks Public Comment on Outdoor Environmental Education Facilities Program

California State Park’s Office of Grants and Local Services is preparing guidelines to award up to $10 million in competitive grants through the Outdoor Environmental Education Facilities Program.

2016 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards Presented to 12 Recipients

The Office of Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2016 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards.

California State Park Organizations Invite You to Skip the Lines and Go Green on Black Friday

116 State Park Destinations Will Be Offering A Limited Number of Free Day-Use Passes

Save the Redwoods League, California State Parks and the California State Parks Foundation have collaborated to create #GreenFriday, a new Thanksgiving tradition that promotes the enjoyment and appreciation of California’s magnificent state parks. Thanks to the support of members and donors from Save the Redwoods and the California State Park Foundation, more than 13,000 free vehicle day-use passes will be available to visitors for use at one of the 116 participating state parks. The passes will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis and cover day-use admission and parking fees. Some of the parks include Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park and Bolsa Chica State Beach.

California State Parks and REI Invite You to "Invent Your Adventure" over the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend

California State Parks and Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) invite the public to “Invent Your Adventure” over the Thanksgiving holiday by participating in a photo contest.  The contest will take place exclusively on the Instagram accounts of California State Parks and/or the seven participating state parks. REI is directly awarding one $100 gift card per participating park to the most creative participants who complete all steps of the photo contest. 

5 MPH Vessel Speed Limit Lifted at Folsom Lake

State Park officials at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area have announced the lifting of the 5 mph speed limit restriction for all vessels at the lake.

California State Parks Offers Free Admission to Veterans and Military Personnel on Veterans Day

California State Parks honors the service of veterans, as well as active and reserve personnel, by offering free admission at 143 participating state parks on Veteran’s Day, Friday, November 11.

California State Historical Resources Commission To Consider 25 Properties for Action

The California State Historical Resources Commission (Commission) will consider 24 nominations for federal historic designation and one nomination for state historic designation Friday in Sacramento.

Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission Considers Approving an Updated General Plan for Carnegie SVRA

The California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission will hold a public meeting to consider approving an updated general plan for Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (Carnegie SVRA).

Colorado Desert District to Increase Day-Use Fees

California State Parks will increase day-use fees in state parks located in the Colorado Desert District starting this Saturday, October 15.

California State Parks and Partners Commemorate Road Safety Improvements at Mount Diablo State Park

Today at Mount Diablo State Park, California State Parks held an event to commemorate recent road safety enhancements. California Senator Steve Glazer (D-Orinda), Assemblymember Catharine Baker (R-San Ramon), Diablo Cyclists and a number of partners were in attendance.  

Elephant Seal Guided Walks Resume at Año Nuevo State Park

Reservations for guided seal tours at Año Nuevo State Park go on sale October 8 for school groups and October 20 for the public.

Areas of Garrapata State Park to Remain Closed

California State Parks is extending the closure to all Garrapata State Park lands east of Highway 1 through Spring 2017 when the closure will be reevaluated.

Mother Bear and Cubs Shown in New Video in Bay Area State Park

Three pairs of glowing eyes lumber past the camera one by one, in a new video showing a mother bear and two cubs at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Sonoma County.

Hazard Tree Removal at Negro Bar -Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

California State Parks will be removing several hazardous trees in the Negro Bar unit of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.

“Gold Rush Live” Returns to Coloma’s Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

California’s rich Gold Rush history will be the focus of a four-day celebration atMarshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

Critically Endangered Wildflower Discovered at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve - Plant on Brink of Extinction

ANTIOCH – Thanks in part to a team of renowned botanists contracted by the East Bay Regional Park District to survey wildland vegetation in Eastern Contra Costa County, the endangered wildflower Mount Diablo Buckwheat was identified as thriving at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch, California.

Replica Ship San Salvador Comes to Monterey SHP

Be part of history as the full-scale 16^th century replica of Juan Cabrillo’s San Salvador makes a stop at Monterey State Historic Park and docks at Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf - September 22-25.

Outdoor Recreation Safety Tips for Labor Day Weekend

California State Parks invites outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy this Labor Day weekend safely.

Steer Clear on Crowded Waterways during Labor Day Weekend

Navigation “Rules of the Road” Help Boaters Avoid Collisions. California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) anticipates an increased number of recreational boaters on waterways during the upcoming Labor Day weekend.

Fire Restrictions in Effect at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

As a result of the extreme fire danger in the San Bernardino Mountains, California State Parks is implementing fire restrictions at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area.

Applications for Clean Vessel Act Grant Program due Sept. 26

The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is currently accepting grant applications for the Clean Vessel Act Education and Outreach Grant (CVA) Program.

Electricity Fair Returns to the Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park is proud to host the 5th Annual Electricity Fair on Saturday, September 10.

Get Involved in Planning the Future of Kings Beach State Recreation Area

California State Parks (State Parks) and the California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) are collaborating to plan for the future of the Kings Beach State Recreation Area (SRA) and are soliciting your input on alternative elements for redevelopment of the SRA during preparation of a general plan revision and pier rebuild project.

Hearst Castle® Reopens for Tours Beginning Aug 29

SAN SIMEON, Calif. –The California Department of Parks and Recreation will reopen Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument (Hearst Castle) on Monday August 29, 2016. All tour operations will return to normal on this date

Some Big Sur State Parks Reopening State Parks Lifts Some Temporary Closures Due to Soberanes Fire

BIG SUR, Calif. – The California Department of Parks and Recreation is lifting the closure of some of its Big Sur region state parks as firefighters begin to gain control of the Soberanes Fire. The fire, which started July 22 in Garrapata State Park due to an illegal campfire, forced the closure of six parks in the region.

Silverwood Lake Cleared for Recreation; Algal Bloom Test Results Fall below Caution Levels

HESPERIA, Calif. - Swimming, boating and other water activities can resume at Silverwood Lake, a State Water Project reservoir in San Bernardino County, according to the Department of Water Resources (DWR). 

Low Water and 5 MPH Speed Limit at Folsom Lake

California State Parks asks visitors to be cautious while enjoying Folsom Lake, as low water levels have left four of the five boat ramps dry.

Blue-Green Algal Bloom Persists in Silverwood Lake; Stay Out of the Water until Further Notice

Recent sampling for microcystin toxins in the water showed that levels have increased, and DWR and California State Parks are warning the public to stay out of the water until further notice.

Blue-Green Algae Blooms in Silverwood Lake; No-Swimming Advisory in Effect

Swimmers, boaters and recreational users are urged to avoid direct contact with Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino County until further notice because of a cyanobacteria (blue-green) algal bloom.

California State Historical Resources Commission To Consider Eleven Properties for Action

The California State Historical Resources Commission is scheduled to consider 10 nominations for federal historic designation and one nomination for state historic designation.

Boating Infrastructure Grants Available for Marina Operators

California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is accepting applications for the National Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIG). Applicants must submit a grant application to DBW on or before Aug. 11, 2016. 

California State Parks Offers Safety Tips for the Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

With 280 fabulous state park destinations in California,outdoor enthusiastshavegreat optionsforcelebratingthe Fourth of July holiday. While California State Parks welcomes all visitors and hopes everyone has fun, it wants to remind them to enjoy the outdoors in a safe manner.

Boat Safe this Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) reminds boaters to use caution on the water this Fourth of July holiday weekend.

DBW Expands Herbicide Treatment in the Delta for Egeria densa

Continuing the effort to control invasive aquatic plants in the Delta, California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) will begin treating Egeria densa in the Bethel Island region starting July 11 through November 4, 2016. DBW will concurrently be treating curly-leaf pondweed as well.

Eagle Point Campground at Emerald Bay State Park Opens July 1 with Reservations Starting June 28

Emerald Bay State Park’s Eagle Point Campground reopens July 1, 2016; reservations can be made beginning Tuesday, June 28 at 8:00 am PST.Please contact ReserveAmerica to book your campsite at www.reserveamerica.com or 1-800-444-7275.  

Boating Safety Patrols Increased This Weekend for “Operation Dry Water”

This weekend, many law enforcement agencies across the nation and in California will be out in force on waterways looking for drunken boat operators. This heightened vigilance, known as Operation Dry Water, is part of a national effort to change the cultural acceptance of drinking and boating, and raise awareness that boaters can have safe and fun recreational boating experiences without the use of alcohol and/or drugs. California will also emphasize the dangers that drunken passengers face. 

Hearst Castle Launches Reimagined Mobile App

Launching today on the Apple App Store is Hearst Castle’s completely reimagined mobile app. The groundbreaking app features a breathtaking 3D map of the estate, support for iPads, and new content from Hearst Castle’s State Historian, Victoria Kastner.

Malakoff Diggins SHP Celebrates 50 years

Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, site of the California’s largest hydraulic mine, celebrates its 50^th anniversary as a state park on Saturday, June 11. The anniversary will be celebrated during Humbug Days, an annual living history day commemorating the park’s historic gold rush past.

State Indian Museum Presents 39th Annual “Gathering of Honored Elders” Event this Saturday

California State Parks is proud to honor and celebrate California’s Native Elders 39^th Annual “Gathering of Honored Elders” this Saturday, June 4 at the State Indian Museum, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum is located on 2618 K Street in Sacramento.

California State Parks Eliminates Wood Fires in a Number of San Diego Area Beaches

Effective immediately, all wood burning fires are prohibited in four San Diego region state beaches where established fire rings are not provided. The new policy is intended to prevent injuries to visitors and reduce beach debris.

California State Parks Announces Recommendations for $8.8M in Local Projects

California State Parks announced today recommendations to the National Park Service for $8.8M in funding for 17 local park projects under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Program (LWCF). Grant funding is made available if the National Park Service approves the recommended projects.