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California State Library Parks Pass

Visit State Parks for free!

Check out a California State Library Parks Pass with your library card and get free entry to over 200 participating state parks!

The California State Parks Pass provides free vehicle day-use entry to participating state park units operated by State Parks. The Parks Pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle.

Neighboring Eligible Parks

Planning on visiting a different park? Check out this interactive map with participating state parks.

Parks Passes Information

  • Parks Passes may be checked out for 14 days.
  • Parks Passes can be used at at over 200 participating state parks of the California State Park System.
  • Passes are valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with capacity of 9 people or less, or one highway licensed motorcycle, at participating state parks where a vehicle day-use fee is collected or vehicle access is available.
  • Passes are valid any day of the week, including holidays, if space is available. No priority will be given to pass users. State park admittance and use are subject to available space.

Parks Passes Restrictions

  • Parks Passes are not valid for per-person entry or tour fees (such as museums), boat use, camping, group use or sites, special events, additional/extra vehicle fees, sanitation disposal use, or for supplemental fees.
  • Passes are not valid at units operated by federal and local government, private agencies, or concessionaires.
  • Passes do not provide access to state vehicular recreation areas (off-highway vehicles parks).

Using the Parks Pass

  • Pass users must abide by any rules and regulations applicable to California State Parks or to the use of this pass, as amended from time to time. In addition, pass user must abide by any terms and conditions set by the library from which the pass is checked out.
  • The pass (photocopies not accepted) must be:
    • a) hung on the rearview mirror or displayed on vehicle dashboard when visiting state parks that honor this pass or b) scanned at a barcode scanner, where available.
    • When displaying pass in vehicle, place pass front-side out.
    • To avoid theft, highway-licensed motorcycle pass users should present the hangtag at the entrance station in exchange for a day-use ticket, utilizing self-pay envelopes where no attendant is available.

Hiking Backpack Kits Available! 

Check out a Hiking Backpack with your California Parks Pass!. Each Backpack comes with the following items:

  • Walking Sticks
  • Microscope
  • Compass
  • Flashlight
  • Binnoculars
  • Mosquito Net
  • Water Pouches
  • SOS Safety Whistle
  • Animal identifier pamphlet
  • Plant identifier pamphlet

These Backpacks are set up as a 14-Day Checkout item with no renewals. Limit 2-Per Library Card.

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