Annual & Special Pass Descriptions
In an effort to protect public health and safety as the state responds to
In an effort to protect public health and safety
as the state responds to the spread of novel coronavirus also known as COVID-19,
the California State Parks Pass Sales Office in Sacramento, California
is temporarily closed to the public as of Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Annual Passes may be still be purchased by visiting the California State Parks Store
or use the Contact Us option for additional assistance.
We continue to accept Discount Pass applications by mail.
You can mail your Discount Pass applications attention to:
Park Pass Sales Office, PO Box 942896, Sacramento, CA 94296
If you have any questions, please contact us by email at [email protected].
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.
UPDATE (March 31, 2020): In an effort to prevent visitation surges and help stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), State Parks has taken the following temporary safety measures to date: closed some parks, meaning all trails and restrooms within these parks are closed; closed vehicular access at remaining parks, including for off-highway vehicle riding; closed all campgrounds, museums and visitor centers; and cancelled all events. Please practice social/ physical distancing of 6 feet or more and stay local, don’t take road trips to destination parks and beaches A list of closures is available online at parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve. The list is dynamic and updated on a regular basis.
Table of Contents
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS 2020 ANNUAL PASS PROGRAM
Are you a frequent visitor to a favorite state park, or love to sample the beauty of the state from north to south? A California State Parks Annual Pass may be for you. Our Annual Passes offer something for everyone, and make great gifts throughout the year!
Park Pass Sales Office hours of operation and contact information, click here.
CALIFORNIA EXPLORER VEHICLE DAY USE
ANNUAL PASS – $195.00
The “California Explorer” Annual Pass at $195 offers the most value including the popular Southern California beaches along the Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego Coasts like Huntington Beach, Leo Carrillo and Carlsbad State Beaches. This pass is also honored at most parks throughout the state that are operated by California State Parks and charge a vehicle day use fee.
The California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass is valid for 12 months from the month purchased. This pass does not provide access to Off Highway Motor Vehicular Recreation areas (OHV), is not valid for camping, boat use fees, oversized vehicle fees, additional/extra vehicle fees, sanitation disposal use, or other supplemental fees, and is valid only in parks operated by California State Parks. Admittance and use subject to available space. The pass (photocopies not accepted) must be presented at entrance station and displayed on the rearview mirror or vehicle dashboard (as applicable) when visiting state parks that honor this pass; proof of purchase not accepted for entry. For Terms and Conditions and complete list of parks accepting and not accepting the pass, click here.
To purchase a California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass, please visit us at the California State Parks Store or (866) 417-2757. Passes are also available for purchase at many units of the California State Park System (please contact in advance to ensure availability) or the Park Pass Sales Office located at 1416 9th Street, Room 116, Sacramento, California. Click here for a location map.
For questions or more information, please contact the Park Pass Sales Office at (800) 777-0369 ext. 2 or (916) 653-8280 or via email at [email protected].
Note: Lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced and no refunds can be issued.
GOLDEN POPPY
VEHICLE DAY USE ANNUAL PASS – $125.00
The popular “Golden Poppy” Annual Pass priced at $125, includes many of the premiere “destination” parks in the redwood region, and most of the state reservoirs. Parks like Julia Pfeiffer Burns and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park on the Monterey coast are included along with coastal units in San Luis Obispo and the Channel Coast area.
The Golden Poppy Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass is valid for 12 months from the month purchased. This pass does not provide access to Off Highway Motor Vehicular Recreation areas (OHV), is not valid at the high demand Southern California Beach Parks, is not valid for camping, boat use fees, oversized vehicle fees, additional/extra vehicle fees, sanitation disposal use, or other supplemental fees, and is valid only in parks operated by California State Parks. Admittance and use subject to available space. The pass (photocopies not accepted) must be presented at entrance station and displayed on the rearview mirror or vehicle dashboard (as applicable) when visiting state parks that honor this pass; proof of purchase not accepted for entry. For Terms and Conditions and complete list of parks accepting and not accepting the pass, click here.
To purchase a Golden Poppy Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass, please visit us at the California State Parks Store or (866) 417-2757. Passes are also available for purchase at many units of the California State Park System (please contact in advance to ensure availability) or the Park Pass Sales Office located at 1416 9th Street, Room 116, Sacramento, California. Click here for a location map.
For questions or more information, please contact the Park Pass Sales Office at (800) 777-0369 ext. 2 or (916) 653-8280 or via email at [email protected].
Note: Lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced and no refunds can be issued
TAHOE REGIONAL VEHICLE DAY USE
ANNUAL PASS – $75.00
This pass is specifically for one of the jewels of the state, the Lake Tahoe region. The “Tahoe Regional” Annual Pass at $75 gives Tahoe enthusiasts the ability to frequent their favorite Lake Tahoe State Parks including D.L. Bliss SP, Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine Point SP, Emerald Bay SP and Kings Beach SRA, and even includes Donner Memorial SP.
The Tahoe Regional Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass is valid for 12 months from the month purchased. This pass does not provide access to Off Highway Motor Vehicular Recreation areas (OHV) and is valid only at the units listed above. This pass is not valid for camping, boat use fees, oversized vehicle fees, additional/extra vehicle fees, sanitation disposal use, or other supplemental fees, and is valid only in parks operated by California State Parks. Admittance and use subject to available space. The pass (photocopies not accepted) must be presented at entrance station and displayed on the rearview mirror or vehicle dashboard (as applicable) when visiting state parks that honor this pass; proof of purchase not accepted for entry. For Terms and Conditions and the list of parks accepting and not accepting the pass, click here.
To purchase a Tahoe Regional Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass, please visit us at the California State Parks Store or (866) 417-2757. Passes are also available for purchase at many units of the California State Park System (please contact in advance to ensure availability) or the Park Pass Sales Office located at 1416 9th Street, Room 116, Sacramento, California. Click here for a location map.
For questions or more information, please contact the Park Pass Sales Office at (800) 777-0369 ext. 2 or (916) 653-8280 or via email at [email protected].
Note: Lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced and no refunds can be issued.
OHV VEHICLE DAY USE ANNUAL PASS – $50.00
This pass is valid for passenger vehicles with a capacity of nine persons or less at all State operated Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) areas designated as Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) units where vehicle day use fees are collected. Valid for 12 months from month of purchase. Admittance and use subject to available space, The pass (photocopies not accepted) must be presented at entrance station and displayed on the rearview mirror or vehicle dashboard (as applicable) when visiting state parks that honor this pass; proof of purchase not accepted for entry.
The following link is a list of the OHV parks that accept the OHV Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass:
OHV Parks
To purchase an OHV Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass, please visit us at the California State Parks Store or (866) 417-2757. Passes are also available for purchase at most OHV units of the California State Park System (please contact in advance to ensure availability) or the Park Pass Sales Office located at 1416 9th Street, Room 116, Sacramento. Click here for a location map.
For questions or more information, please contact the Park Pass Sales Office at (800) 777-0369 ext. 2 or (916) 653-8280 or via email at [email protected].
Note: The OHV Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass will only be honored at OHMVR areas designated as OHV units and not accepted at other units operated by California State Parks. Lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced and no refunds can be issued.
HISTORIAN PASSPORT DAY USE ADMISSION
ANNUAL PASS – $50.00
The Historian Passport Day Use Admission Annual Pass provides unlimited entry for up to four persons to many State Historic Parks that charge a per-person admission fee or a vehicle day use fee. Visit an authentic California Mission, learn about California’s Gold Rush and discover the stories unveiled by over a million historic artifacts around the Golden State.
The Historian Passport Day Use Admission Annual Pass is valid for 12 months from the month purchased. This pass does not provide access to Off Highway Motor Vehicular Recreation areas (OHV), is valid only at select units and not valid at high demand Southern California beach parks, at California state reservoirs and is not valid for camping, boat use fees, oversized vehicle fees, additional/extra vehicle fees, sanitation disposal use, or other supplemental fees, and is valid only in parks operated by California State Parks. Admittance and use subject to available space. The pass (photocopies not accepted) must be presented at entrance station and displayed on the rearview mirror or vehicle dashboard (as applicable) when visiting state parks that honor this pass; proof of purchase not accepted for entry. For Terms and Conditions and complete list of state historic parks accepting and not accepting the pass, click here.
To purchase a Historian Passport Day Use Admission Annual Pass, please visit us at the California State Parks Store or (866) 417-2757. Passes are also available for purchase at many units of the California State Park System (please contact in advance to ensure availability) or the Park Pass Sales Office located at 1416 9th Street, Room 116, Sacramento,California. Click here for a location map.
For questions or more information, please contact the Park Pass Sales Office at (800) 777-0369 ext. 2 or (916) 653-8280 or via email at [email protected].
Note: Lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced and no refunds can be issued.
BOAT USE ANNUAL PASS – $100.00
The Boat Use Annual Pass is a small sticker that is placed on the California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass hangtag or the Golden Poppy Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass hangtag or a separate card for those who already have their passes and for Golden Bear Pass or Limited Golden Bear Pass users.
Each motorized vessel, sailboat over 8 feet or personal watercraft (PWC) requires a separate boat use fee. A separate sticker can be purchased for each vessel. Valid for 12 months from month of purchase. Admittance and use subject to available space. If the craft is a sailboat that is under the length limit and is not motorized, no boat use fee is assessed; therefore, no Boat Use Annual Pass is needed.
The Boat Use Annual Pass is not valid at Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation areas (OHV), is not valid for per-person entry or tour fees (such as museums), camping, group use or sites, special events, oversized vehicle fees, additional/extra vehicle fees, sanitation disposal use, or other supplemental fees, and is valid only in parks operated by California State Parks. Admittance and use subject to available space. The pass (photocopies not accepted) must be presented at entrance station and displayed on the rearview mirror or vehicle dashboard (as applicable) when visiting state parks that honor this pass; proof of purchase not accepted for entry.
To purchase Boat Use Annual Pass stickers, please visit us at the California State Parks Store or (866) 417-2757. Passes are also available for purchase at many units of the California State Park System (please contact in advance to ensure availability) or the Park Pass Sales Office located at 1416 9th Street, Room 116, Sacramento, California. Click here for a location map.
For questions or more information, please contact the Park Pass Sales Office at (800) 777-0369 ext. 2 or (916) 653-8280.
Note: Lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced and no refunds can be issued.
OVERSIZED VEHICLE PASS Sticker- $75.00
The Oversized Vehicle Pass sticker is placed on the California Explorer Vehicle Day Use or Golden Poppy Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass hangtag or a separate card for those who already have their passes. Valid for 12 months from date of purchase or through the valid date of the annual pass. Possession of a valid Oversized Vehicle Pass sticker will waive the oversized vehicle fee as described below
Oversized Vehicle Fees
Oversized vehicles described as 25 feet or over in length or 9 feet or wider in width will be charged an Oversized Vehicle Fee (OVF) equal to and in addition to the park’s vehicle day use fee. A vehicle pulling a trailer will also be considered an oversized vehicle except as noted below.
Oversized Vehicle Pass Stickers can be purchased to cover the vehicle’s traveling size in lieu of paying the separate Oversized Vehicle Fees. However, extra stickers cannot be purchased to cover extending the vehicle beyond the traveling size. Any additional spaces occupied by the vehicle will be charged an extra vehicle fee for each whole or partial additional space occupied.
Distinguished Veteran or Golden Bear Pass holders will not be assessed the OVF. Vehicles towing a boat trailer with a valid Boat Use Annual Pass Sticker or having paid a boat use fee will be not be charged the OVF. Disabled Discount Pass holders and Limited Use Golden Bear Pass holders must pay the OVF or display a valid Oversized Vehicle Pass Sticker placard. The Oversized Vehicle Pass will not be required at Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Areas designated as OHV units. The pass (photocopies not accepted) must be presented at entrance station and displayed on the rearview mirror or vehicle dashboard (as applicable) when visiting state parks that honor this pass; proof of purchase not accepted for entry.
To purchase an Oversized Vehicle Pass, please visit us at the California State Parks Store or (866) 417-2757. Passes are also available for purchase at many units of the California State Park System (please contact in advance to ensure availability) or the Park Pass Sales Office located at 1416 9th Street, Room 116, Sacramento, California. Click here for a location map.
For questions or more information, please contact the Park Pass Sales Office at (800) 777-0369 ext. 2 or (916) 653-8280 or via email at [email protected].
Note: Not all parks can accommodate oversized vehicles and possession of the Oversized Vehicle Pass sticker does not guarantee an oversized vehicle can be physically accommodated at all parks. Please contact individual locations in advance to confirm availability.
Lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced and no refunds can be issued.
SNO-PARK SEASON/DAY PERMITS
– $25.00 Season / $5.00 Per Day
The California Department of Parks and Recreation operates 21 SNO-PARK sites that provide snow-cleared parking lots with sanitation facilities and access to snow play areas, cross-country ski and snowmobile trails.
A SNO-PARK permit is required for each vehicle parked at a SNO-PARK site from November 1 through May 30 of each year. Permits are sold as Day Permits or Seasonal Permits by permit vendors throughout northern California. Day permits are sold for $5.00 and are valid for one single day. Season permits are sold for $25.00 and are valid for the entire SNO-PARK season from November 1 through May 30.
To find out more about the SNO-PARK program or to locate a permit vendor in your local area please go to the California State Parks OHV Division website.
DISABLED DISCOUNT PASS – $3.50 (Lifetime Pass)
The pass is not valid at units operated by local government, private agencies or concessionaires. It is not valid for per-person entry or tour fees (such as museums), group use or sites, special events, commercial use, oversized vehicle fees, additional/extra vehicle fees, or for supplemental fees and cannot be used in conjunction with any other pass and/or discount. Admittance and use subject to available space. This is a lifetime pass and is valid for use of the pass holder only. Although the benefits are lifetime, the pass holder’s passcard will need to be renewed every five years. For complete Disabled Discount Pass Program Terms and Conditions, click here. For a detailed list of required documents pertaining to this application, click here. Application may be made in person at designated locations (please contact in advance to ensure availability) or at the Park Pass Sales Office located at 1416 9th Street, Room 116, Sacramento, California. Click here for a location map . For complete list of designated locations where Disabled Discount Passes are issued, click here: Alphabetical | Geographical Or, send completed application with required documentation including copy of Photo ID and $3.50 check/money order payable to CA Dept of Parks and Recreation to: California State Parks Please allow 8-10 weeks for processing. Once pass is received, you may use passcard for reservations and applicable benefits. The pass holder is required to present the Disabled Discount Pass and a valid California Driver License or other suitable photo identification, along with any campsite reservation, and to pay any supplemental fees at the park. Information relating to the 5-year renewal process for the passcard will be provided to the pass holder prior to the expiration date printed on current issued credit card style passcard (5-years from date of pass issuance). Pass holder should notify the Park Pass Sales Office of any change of name, address, e-mail address, or telephone number in order to continue to receive benefits. For questions or more information, please contact the Park Pass Sales Office at (800) 777-0369 ext. 2 or (916) 653-8280 or via email at [email protected]. Note: A lost or damaged pass may be replaced only through reapplication and no refunds can be issued. DISTINGUISHED VETERAN PASS – No Fee (Lifetime Pass)
Entitles the holder to the use of all basic facilities (including day use, camping and boating) in California State Parks at no charge. The pass is not valid for group use or sites, special events, commercial use, additional/extra vehicle fees, or for supplemental fees and cannot be used in conjunction with any other pass and/or discount. Admittance and use subject to available space. This is a lifetime pass and is valid for use of the pass holder only. Although the benefits are lifetime, the pass holder’s passcard will need to renewed every five years. For complete Distinguished Veteran Pass Program Terms and Conditions, click here. For a detailed list of required documents pertaining to this application, click here. Applications are only processed at the Park Pass Sales Office either in person at 1416 9th Street, Room 116, Sacramento, California (Click here for a location map) Or, by mailing completed application with required documentation including copy of valid California Driver License or California Identification Card to: California State Parks Please allow 8-10 weeks for processing. Once pass is received, you may use passcard for reservations and applicable benefits. The pass holder is required to present the Distinguished Veteran Pass and a valid California Driver License or California Identification Card, along with any campsite reservation or tour ticket, and to pay any supplemental fees at the park. Information relating to the 5-year renewal process for the passcard will be provided to the pass holder prior to the expiration date printed on current issued credit card style passcard (5-years from date of pass issuance). Pass holder should notify the Park Pass Sales Office of any change of name, address, e-mail address, or telephone number in order to continue to receive benefits. For questions or more information, please contact the Park Pass Sales Office at (800) 777-0369 ext. 2 or (916) 653-8280 or via email at [email protected]. Note: A lost or damaged pass may be replaced only through reapplication and no refunds can be issued. GOLDEN BEAR PASS – $5.00 The pass must be renewed each calendar year. Entitles the bearer and spouse or registered domestic partner entry to most California State Park operated units where vehicle day use fees are collected at no charge. The pass is not valid at units operated by local government, private agencies or concessionaires. It is not valid for per-person entry or tour fees (such as museums), boat use, camping, group use or sites, special events, commercial use, additional/extra vehicle fees, or for supplemental fees and cannot be used in conjunction with any other pass and/or discount. Admittance and use subject to available space. For complete Golden Bear Pass Program Terms and Conditions, click here. * 2020 Golden Bear Pass Applications – Valid January 1, 2020-December 31, 2020 Download the 2020 Golden Bear Pass Application Descargue la Solicitud de “Golden Bear Pass” Anio Calendario 2020 en español For a detailed list of required documents pertaining to this application, click here. Application may be made in person at designated locations of the California State Park System (please contact in advance to ensure availability) or the Park Pass Sales Office located at 1416 9th Street, Room 116, Sacramento, California. Click here for a location map. For complete list of designated locations where Golden Bear Passes are issued, click here: Alphabetical | Geographical Or, send completed application with required documentation including copy of Photo ID and $5.00 check/money order payable to CA Dept. of Parks and Recreation to: California State Parks Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing. Once pass is received, you may use passcard for applicable benefits. The pass holder is required to present the Golden Bear Pass and a valid California Driver License or other suitable photo identification and to pay any supplemental fees at the park. For questions or more information, please contact the Park Pass Sales Office at (800) 777-0369 ext. 2 or (916) 653-8280 or via email at [email protected]. Note: A lost or damaged pass may be replaced only through reapplication and no refunds can be issued. LIMITED USE GOLDEN BEAR PASS – $20.00 The pass must be renewed each calendar year. It is not valid for use during the peak season from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day at most state parks, and the Friday before Labor Day through Memorial Day at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Picacho State Recreation Area and Salton Sea State Recreation Area. The pass is not valid at units operated by local government, private agencies or concessionaires. It is not valid for per-person entry or tour fees (such as museums), boat use, camping, group use or sites, special events, commercial use, oversized vehicle fees, additional/extra vehicle fees, or for supplemental fees and cannot be used in conjunction with any other pass and/or discount. Admittance and use subject to available space. For complete Limited Use Golden Bear Pass Terms and Conditions, click here. *2020 Limited Use Golden Bear Pass Applications – Valid January 1, 2020-December 31, 2020 Download the 2020 Limited Use Golden Bear Pass Application Descargue la Aplicación De Golden Bear Pass Por Uso Limitado Año Calendario 2020 en español For a detailed list of required documents pertaining to this application, click here. Application may be made in person at designated locations of the California State Park System (please contact in advance to ensure availability) or the Park Pass Sales Office located at 1416 9th Street, Room 116, Sacramento. Click here for a location map. For complete list of designated locations where Limited Use Golden Bear Passes are issued, click here: Alphabetical | Geographical Or, send completed application including copy of Photo ID and $20.00 check/money order payable to CA Dept. of Parks and Recreation to: California State Parks Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing. Once pass is received, you may use passcard for applicable benefits. The pass holder is required to present the Limited Use Golden Bear Pass and a valid California Driver License or other suitable photo identification and to pay any supplemental fees at the park. For questions or more information, please contact the Park Pass Sales Office at (800) 777-0369 ext. 2 or (916) 653-8280 or via email at [email protected]. Note: A lost or damaged pass may be replaced only through reapplication and no refunds can be issued. FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION
For questions or more information, please contact the Park Pass Sales Office at (800) 777-0369 ext. 2 or (916) 653-8280 or via email at [email protected].
For persons with permanent disabilities, this pass entitles the bearer to a 50% discount for vehicle day use, family camping, and boat use fees at California State Park operated units.
Download the Disabled Discount Pass Application 
(Accessible form when downloaded)
Attn: Disabled Discount Pass Program
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, Ca 94296-0001
Honorably discharged war veterans who are residents of California with an overall / combined rating at 50% or greater service-connected disability, or were held as prisoners of war by forces hostile to the United States, or recipients of the Medal of Honor are eligible to receive the Distinguished Veteran Pass (formerly Disabled War Veteran/Prisoner of War Pass).
Download the Distinguished Veteran Pass Application
Attn: Distinguished Veteran Pass Program
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, Ca 94296-0001
Calendar Year (January – December)
Under the law, any qualifying person receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) [CA State Welfare and Institutions Code Section 12200]; any person receiving aid under the CalWORKS Program; or any person 62 years of age or older with income limitations specified on the current application form is eligible to receive the Golden Bear Pass.
Attn: Golden Bear Pass Program
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
Calendar Year (Jan-Dec) / Non-Peak Season
Persons 62 years of age or older are eligible to receive the Limited Use Golden Bear Pass. The pass entitles the holder and spouse or registered domestic partner entry to most California State Park operated units during non-peak season where vehicle day use fees are collected at no charge.
Attn: Limited Use Golden Bear Pass Program
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001