California State Parks have rules and regulations to protect park areas for the convenience and safety of the park visitors as well as for the enjoyment of future generations. Click on a topic below to find out more information.

Health & Safety
Are the parks accessible to the disabled?
Is alcohol allowed?
Are campfires or fireworks allowed?
Am I allowed to hunt?
What is the policy for dogs and other domestic animals?
What are the rules for keeping the parks clean?

Natural Resource Preservation
Am I allowed to collect wood in the parks?
How do I deal with the plants and animals in the parks?

Camping
What is a camphost?
What are the rules for campsite usage?
Are there tent cabins available?
Where are trail camps available?

Vehicles
Where am I allowed to drive in the parks?
May I bring my motorcycle?
How many vehicles am I allowed?

Sports & Recreation
Where can I launch a boat?
Is rock climbing available?
Is there fishing allowed in the parks?
Where can I ride a horse?
Which parks have mountain biking trails?
Where is swimming available?
Where can I windsurf?

Other
Are there discounts for park access?
How do I make reservations?
How do I reserve an area for a wedding, family reunion, or other special event?

Health & Safety

Are the parks accessible to the disabled?

One of the goals of your Santa Cruz State Parks is to make sure that everyone - including visitors with disabilities - has access to the natural and cultural wonders and recreational opportunities. We are constantly striving to make our parks more accessible. To find specifics on accessibility in each park, please consult our Recreation Matrix. Questions or comments are welcome and should be directed to the Accessibility Office at (916) 445-8949. Email: access@parks.ca.gov

Is alcohol allowed?

Alcohol is permitted in Santa Cruz State Parks by persons of legal drinking age (21 years). Alcohol is prohibited on all State Beaches and not allowed at all in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Are campfires or fireworks allowed?

Fires are permitted only in fire rings provided. There are fire rings at all campsites and on the beaches at Sunset, Manresa, Manresa Uplands, Rio del Mar, New Brighton, Twin Lakes, and Seabright. Ground or beach fires outside of fire rings are not permitted. Portable stoves may be used in designated areas. All fireworks are prohibited.

Am I allowed to hunt?

Loaded firearms and hunting are not allowed in the state parks. Possession of loaded firearms or air rifles is prohibited.

What is the policy for dogs and other domestic animals?

Dogs are not allowed at Fall Creek, Rancho del Oso, Sunset, or Wilder Ranch. No animals, including cats, can be turned loose in any of the parks. All animals must be under immediate physical control. Dogs must be on a tended leash no more than 6 feet. Dogs, other than those that assist the permanently disabled, are prohibited on trails, beaches, and wherever posted. Visitors with vicious, dangerous, noisy, or disturbing animals will be asked to leave.

What are the rules for keeping the parks clean?

Please clean up after yourself so that others may enjoy the beauty of these parks. Garbage, cigarettes, paper boxes, bottles, ashes and other rubbish, should be placed only in designated receptacles. Your pleasure and pride in your parks will be enhanced when they are kept clean.

Back to top

Natural Resource Preservation

Am I allowed to collect wood in the parks?

Gathering of wood is prohibited in the parks. Dead and down wood is part of the natural condition ö decayed vegetation forms humus and assists the growth of trees and other plants. Wood is sold in the parks for your convenience. (When considered a hazard, down wood is removed by park personnel.)

How do I deal with the plants and animals in the parks?

Plants and animal life are the principal attractions of the state parks and are integral to the ecosystem and natural community. They are protected by federal, state and park laws. Disturbance or destruction of these resources is strictly forbidden. LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS - TAKE ONLY MEMORIES.

Back to top

Camping

Campground Hosts are representatives of the State Park System at campgrounds and at day-use parks. Their volunteer duties include providing visitor information, checking campgrounds, collecting fees, performing light janitorial duties, conducting interpretive programs, and encouraging compliance with park rules and regulations. You will see camphosts at Big Basin, Manresa Uplands, New Brighton, Portola, Seacliff, and Sunset. If you are interested in becoming a camphosts, contact the supervising ranger at the campground with a completed DPR 208H State Parks Volunteer Application.

What are the rules for campsite usage?

Campsites must be paid for in advance. You are only allowed to hold a campsite by reserving it or by occupying it. The District Superintendent may regulate the limits of each campsite. Checkout time is 12:00 noon. To encourage the greatest number of visitors possible, the camping limit in the Santa Cruz District is 30 days per calendar year.

Are there tent cabins available?

Tent cabins are managed by a private concession at Big Basin. To make reservations, call 899-874-TENT (8368).

Where are trail camps available?

Trail camps are available at Big Basin, Castle Rock, Portola, Rancho del Oso, and the Forest of Nisene Marks. Contact the park directly for camp fees and availability.

Back to top

Vehicles

Where am I allowed to drive in the parks?

All vehicles must use designated roads or areas. The speed limit is 15 miles per hour in camp, picnic, utility or headquarters areas and areas of general assemblage. Parking is permitted only in designated areas. Blocking parking spaces is prohibited.

May I bring my motorcycle?

Off-road motorcyles are not allowed in any Santa Cruz State Park. The closest facilities are in Hollister Hills SVRA (831-637-3874) and Metcalf (408-226-5223).

How many vehicles am I allowed?

Two vehicles are allowed per campsite. Additional vehicles are subject to a $3.00 extra vehicle fee and must, generally, be parked in an overflow vehicle area.

Back to top

Sports & Recreation

Where can I launch a boat?

There are no facilities for boat storage or launching in any Santa Cruz State Park. Please contact the Santa Cruz Harbor at 831-475-6161.

Is rock climbing available?

Caves and rock climbing are open to the public at Castle Rock.

Is there fishing allowed in the parks? Fishing is allowed in streams and in the ocean with a valid license. A fishing license is not required when fishing from the Seacliff pier.

Where can I ride a horse?

Horses are allowed at Big Basin, Henry Cowell, Fall Creek, the Forest of Nisene Marks, and Wilder Ranch. Horses are not allowed on Santa Cruz District beaches.

Which parks have mountain biking trails?

There are shared use trails which allow designated trails for mountain bike use at Big Basin, Henry Cowell, the Forest of Nisene Marks, and Wilder Ranch.

Where is swimming available?

Swimming is allowed at all Santa Cruz State Beaches. Limited lifeguard service is provided at Palm, Sunset, Manresa, Rio del Mar, Seacliff, Twin Lakes, Seabright, and Natural Bridges. We recommend that you always swim near a lifeguard.

Where can I windsurf?

Windsurfing may be enjoyed at Waddell Creek located on Highway 1 nineteen miles north of Santa Cruz.

Back to top

Other

Are there discounts for park access?

California State Parks are pleased to offer a number of discount passes. They include the Annual Day Use Parking Pass, Disabled Discount Pass, Disabled Veteran/Prisoner of War Pass, Golden Bear Pass, Limited Use Golden Bear Pass, and Senior Citizen Discount. For information or an application, please contact the District Office at 831-429-2851 or any park entrance station.

How do I make reservations?

Contact ReserveAmerica at 800-444-7275 or www.reserveamerica.com.

How do I reserve an area for a wedding, family reunion, or other special event?

Contact the Special Event Coordinator at 831-335-3455.

Back to top