I have a secret to tell you. Well, it’s not really a secret, but as someone who works in libraries, I know one of our biggest problems is marketing. Public libraries offer so many great services, but so many people just don’t know about them. So even though this program is not new, you might not have heard of it yet….
Did you know you can borrow a California State Parks Pass for *free* from any public library in California? This program began in 2022 as a collaboration between California State Parks and the California State Library, and while it has been hugely popular, I know there are a ton of parks enthusiasts who still aren’t taking advantage of this opportunity.
Specific details (e.g. checkout time, residency requirements) may vary by public library, but generally, here’s how the program works.
Save our California State Library Parks Pass program by signing this petition!
How do I get a free California State Parks Pass?
You will need a library card to check out library materials, including a California State Library Parks Pass. Call your local library and ask what their requirements are for getting a card. Due to differing funding structures and local rules, some libraries require you to live in a certain area and provide proof of your current address (such as a utility bill). Other libraries are more generous and allow you to live anywhere in California. This is the case with most big library systems in California, including:
San Francisco Public Library
San Jose Public Library
Sacramento Public Library
Los Angeles Public Library
Other libraries are even more generous and let you live anywhere at all! Not all libraries require proof of address to get a card, but you should expect to at least show a photo ID. As mentioned above, it’s best to call your library or visit their website to see their specific requirements.
You will also typically have to visit the library in person to complete your library membership, but as the Parks Passes are physical items, you have to visit the library anyway to check out a pass, so this won’t be an extra burden.
After you have your library card, simply ask the library staff to check out a Parks Pass! (Note: Some libraries also offer passes to their local county or regional parks. It’s worth asking!)
Use this nifty interactive map to find the public libraries and state parks sites closest to you.
How much does a library card cost?
Nothing! There are a few exceptions where cardholders who don’t live in the service area of the public library may have to pay a fee, but this is very rare and becoming even rarer. The major library systems I listed above charge nothing for membership, and that’s the norm across California.
What if I don’t live in California?
If you don’t live in California but will be visiting a few California State Parks, it’s worth seeing if the public libraries around you have generous residency requirements! Simply call them up and ask. Just make sure you’ll be able to return the pass to the library when you’re done. (So a one-way road trip might not be the best time to try this service.)
What can I get with a California State Library Parks Pass?
This pass grants free admission for one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or fewer, or one highway-licensed motorcycle. Basically, you know how usually you have to pay $6 – $20 to park at a California State Park? This pass gets you in for free! It also works for California State Beaches and other state parks sites.
Can I use my California State Library Parks Pass to go camping?
No. This pass is not valid for extra fees, such as boating and camping. It is best for day use. There are also a limited amount of parks that do not accept the pass, usually because they involve special tours or other fees, such as Hearst Castle in Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument.
For a complete list of California State Parks where you can and cannot use your California State Library Parks Pass, see this list.
How long can I keep my California State Library Parks Pass?
Checkout times vary by library, but 3 weeks is pretty standard. Some libraries’ checkout periods are as short as one week. You may or may not be able to renew your pass (i.e. extend your due date) depending on your library’s borrowing guidelines, but you’ll only be able to do this if no one is waiting for your pass.
There may also be different checkout periods for different passes. For example, in areas where the passes are very popular, some may be reserved as “Lucky Day” or “Skip the Line” passes, where they are available on a first-come, first-served basis to patrons who visit the library. (Said another way, you can’t place a hold on these passes.) Sometimes, these checkout periods may be shorter than the “regular” passes. The best way to know how long you can keep your pass is to ask your library!
Note: Please, please, please return your pass on time. Many public libraries in California have eliminated late fees to help increase access and promote equity. However, if someone is waiting for your pass, it’s just rude to keep it. Also, if a pass is overdue and gets deactivated by California State Parks, we have no way to “turn it back on” if it’s returned later, and our community simply loses access to that pass. So please be respectful of your due dates!
How do you use the California State Library Parks Pass?
It’s so easy! After you check out your pass, head to your nearest participating state park. Then show the pass to the ranger at the front and they will scan your pass for free admission. Or, if it’s a self-pay parking lot, simply hang your pass visibly on your rearview mirror.
Why are you just now telling me about this?!
I know, I know! I’m sorry. I’ve been meaning to write this post for two years, about as long as the program has been in existence. But now, it’s even more important that I share this great service with you, because the program is in danger of being eliminated in the new California state budget. Currently, the program is only projected to last through December 31, 2024.
The California State Parks Foundation has an online petition to “Urge Governor and Legislature to Restore Funding for Popular Pass Program.” You can sign it online in about one minute!
What are the best California State Parks to visit?
With more than 200 state parks in California, we’ve barely scratched the surface. BUT, here are some of our favorite parks and some of the ones we’ve heard the most about and want to get to soon* (county in parentheses):
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park* (Imperial, Riverside & San Diego)
Big Basin Redwoods State Park (San Mateo & Santa Cruz)
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park (Napa & Sonoma)
Calaveras Big Trees State Park (Calaveras & Tuolumne)
Castle Rock State Park (San Mateo, Santa Clara & Santa Cruz)
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (Del Norte, part of Redwood National & State Parks)
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve (Mono)
Mount Tamalpais State Park (Marin)
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park* (Monterey)
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve* (Monterey)
Portola Redwoods State Park (San Mateo)
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (Del Norte & Humboldt, part of Redwood National & State Parks)
Russian Gulch State Park (Mendocino)
Salt Point State Park (Sonoma)
Sue-meg State Park* (Humboldt)
Van Damme State Park (Mendocino)
Plus, as I mentioned above, you can get free parking at many popular state beaches, such as these:
Half Moon Bay State Beach (San Mateo)
Manresa State Beach (Santa Cruz)
Seacliff State Beach (Santa Cruz)
Torrey Pines State Beach (San Diego)
Typing out this list also made me remember: Please check the park website before your visit to see if there are any closures and if any reservations or permits are required. Unfortunately, due to wildfires, landslides, storms, floods, etc., some parks may be closed, sometimes for months! And other popular parks or areas may require advance reservations.
Anything else I need to know?
One important thing to note is these passes are only good at participating units in the California State Parks system. That means they do not work for national parks (sorry, Yosemite visitors!) or any other NPS sites (like Muir Woods National Monument), or for other parks systems including county, city or regional parks.
Also, did you know your local library might check out hiking equipment? Also for free?! Hiking items I’ve seen circulated at public libraries in my area include hiking poles, bear canisters, child carriers, binoculars, telescopes, and even hiking backpacks pre-loaded with lots of goodies for outdoor adventures. Want to know what cool stuff your library offers? Check their website or ask a staff member!
Any more questions?
Please ask in the comments and I’ll be sure to get back to you! Also feel free to comment if you have anything to add, or if you live in another area that offers a similar program. You might be helping someone else reading the comments.
Enjoy your budget-friendly California State Parks adventures!
Feature image: Using our library pass to park for free at Half Moon Bay State Beach! (September 2022)
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