California State Parks

Welcome to the main page for California State Parks. This page is designed to provide information related to the many state parks located in the state of California. Below you will a list of all the state parks in California along with the address of the parks. Click on the links below for the individual state parks where you can find detailed information specific to that park.

The State of California Park Quick Facts: 110 State Parks | 31 National Wildlife Refuges | 19 National Forests | 10 State Reserves | 10 State Wildlife Areas | 9 State Recreation Areas | 8 National Parks | 6 State Forests | 5 State Historic Sites | 5 State Fish Hatcheries | 5 State Fish Hatcheries | 3 National Historic Sites | 3 National Recreation Areas | 1 State Nature Preserve | 1 National Seashore | 1 Metro and City Parks | So many beautiful resources in one State; Priceless

California State Parks Video Highlight

California State Park Activities

Camping

The Golden State is a camping trip like no other! No two state parks boast of the same scenery and wildlife so wherever you decide to set up your tent, you can be sure that the experience will be uniquely remarkable.

The developed campsites at Big Basin Redwoods State Park are a favorite among families, especially those with younger kids, as they are easily accessible and have a lot of space. Fall asleep under the canopy of huge old-growth trees, as well as to the thundering sound of the park’s many impressive waterfalls.

D.L. Bliss State Park may have over 140 sites to choose from but it isn’t easy to snag one! Many people wish to camp along the shores of Lake Tahoe with its famous blue waters and sandy beaches. The park’s campsites are almost always never available so it’s safe to say that this is the best place for a camping trip when you’re in California.

Campers who want a more rustic and woodsy experience flock to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, situated in the northeast of Crescent City. The park is famous for its towering redwoods and lush ferns, as well as for the tranquil emerald waters of Smith River.

Great camping spots may also be found in Butano State Park with its dense redwood grove and wildlife. Campers may glimpse deers and coyotes while strolling through the different trails all over the park. Young kids will also enjoy their weekend campfire programs and the Junior Ranger program.

Hiking Trails

The Rubicon Trail that connects Emerald Bay State Park with D.L. Bliss State Park is one of the best hiking trails in California! The 5-mile route winds along the coast and takes hikers to outlooks with majestic views of Emerald Bay.

At Big Basin Redwoods State Park, there are over 80 miles of hiking trails that take you through awe-inspiring redwood groves, waterfalls, and more. The Redwoods Loop is the shortest but most popular trail, taking hikers to the park’s tallest and oldest trees. On the other hand, those who want to see some stunning waterfalls will enjoy the Sequoia Trail, which will take you to Sempervirens Waterfalls with its world-famous opal blue waters.

Backpacking

Backpacking at Redwood National and State Parks is considered to be a bucket list experience with its towering redwoods and gurgling creeks. Majestic views and comfortable camping spots await backpackers on their adventure through the park.

Those with more time to kill should take on the John Muir Trail, a 210-mile route that winds through several parks, including Yosemite National Park, before culminating at Mount Whitney, the highest point in the United States. The trail takes nearly three weeks to complete but with scenic views and challenging routes, it’ll undoubtedly be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Fishing

With over 4,800 reservoirs and lakes, at least 1,100 miles of coastline, and more than 30,000 miles of rivers and creeks, California is the go-to destination for anglers all over the country! At Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Smith River’s crystal-clear waters are the perfect for catching huge salmon and steelhead.

Meanwhile, anglers love the smallmouth bass found in Lake Britton at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, as well as the world-class trout in the park’s many streams.

For a different sort of fishing experience, head on over to Salt Point State Park whose coastline with its many sea stars, anemones, and hermit crabs make it the perfect place for tide pooling.

Geocaching

An earthcache site concealed within the lush forests of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area may be accessed by using the park’s two main trails: the Mishe Mokwa Trail and the Sandstone Peak Trail.

Day Use Areas

The wooded picnic areas at Andrew Molera State Park are like no other with its views of the Big Sur River and meadows thick with wildlife. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of deers, bobcats, and even coyotes!

Picnic tables and barbecue grills are also available at Angel Island State Park whose diverse day-use areas are a favorite among tourists and residents alike. For instance, the park’s Drawsite picnic area is situated in a grove of eucalyptus trees while the Platform site overlooks the harbor. The largest picnic area in the park, however, is East Garrison, which boasts of a large field for playing soccer or softball, as well as a volleyball court, all of which visitors can make use of.

Biking Trails

Perhaps the most famous trail in California is the Lands End’s Trail at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which winds through rocky trails along the ocean, shady cypress groves, and culminating in an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are also plenty of historical spots along the route, such as the World War II USS San Francisco Memorial and the West Fort Miley batteries. The trail can get rather windy, though, so watch out!

Boating

Boat enthusiasts will love the peaceful waters of Donner Lake, as well as the amazing nature views at Donner Memorial State Park. The park also offers plenty of recreational activities and its beaches are perfect for relaxing after an exhausting excursion-filled day.

At Emerald Bay State Park, visitors have the chance to explore the incredible shoreline of Lake Tahoe aboard a boat. There are also many swimming and snorkeling spots in the park, as well as hiking trails and fishing opportunities.

Birdwatching

Most of California’s state parks are home to thousands of unique birds, making it a premium destination for avid Birders. The most popular hotspot is Henry W. Coe State Park where over 250 species of birds can be observed.

There are also plenty of bird species within the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. With canyons, tree groves, wilderness areas, and more, bird-watchers will have their hands full trying to record everything that they observe.

Olompali State Historic State Park is an underrated yet spectacular Birding spot. The park is situated in a mountainous region, making it the perfect place to observe a diverse set of birds across different sorts of habitats.

Swimming

California also has some of the best swimming holes in the United States! Swim in the world-renowned waters of Lake Tahoe at Emerald Bay State Park and D.L. Bliss State Park, which lie adjacent to each other. Popular spots include Calawee Cove and Lester Beach.

The Rock Pool Swimming Hole at Malibu Creek State Park is the perfect place to cool off in the summertime! The pool is surrounded by towering sheer cliffs, which make for great diving platforms although this should be done with great care. On the shores of the swimming hole, visitors may catch glimpses of the park’s native wildlife, which include turtles, salamanders, and toads.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing enthusiasts will be overjoyed to know that there are many premier spots for climbing and bouldering in The Golden State. Yosemite National Park, which has long been considered as the rock climbing mecca, has hundreds of granite boulders that make for a great adventure. The park is also home to some of the hardest and most dangerous climbing routes in the world, such as the Dawn Wall of El Capitan. Only the most fearless and most skilled rock climbers would dare take on this rock formation.

The granite spires, domes, and walls at Castle Crags State Park has plenty of routes with varying heights and levels of difficulty, making it the perfect destination for both newbies and advanced climbers.

Horseback Riding

There are plenty of opportunities to discover California’s stunning landscapes on horseback. At Trione Annadel State Park, there are over 40 miles of multi-use trails that wander through the park’s meadows, grasslands, and volcanic rock formations. The park’s largely undeveloped hilly terrain is a favorite among equestrians of all ages!

One of the most popular excursions at Jack London State Historic Park is their Triple Creek Horse Outfit, a guided horseback tour that takes visitors through oak woodlands, ancient winery ruins, and the unique vineyards that can only be found in Northern California.

Trails at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park are also popular with many equestrians. The trailhead accommodates over 12 horse rigs with a watering trough and hitching post to ensure that horses are comfortable and well-rested. From the summit of Bald Mountain, which lies within the park , visitors can catch a glimpse of the famous Golden Gate Bridge.

Caves

For caving enthusiasts, the Mitchell Caverns at Providence Mountains State Recreation Area should be on your bucket list! The caverns have perplexed many scientists since they contain a great number of unusual rock formations that aren’t found in other limestone caves. During the park’s 45-minute guided tour of the caverns, visitors explore the many rooms, staircases, and formations found inside.

Restaurants and Dining

There are many fantastic dining options in California’s national and state parks. At The Majestic Yosemite Dining Room in Yosemite National Park, diners will have the chance to try the restaurant’s famous Boysenberry Pie, which has been on their menu for more than half a century.

For a more laid-back affair, visit The Natural Sisters Cafe at Joshua Tree National Park whose smoothies, natural-baked goods, and organic food are a favorite among health-conscious eaters and those on special diets. Rock climbers, in particular, love to pick up sandwiches from the restaurant before going off to conquer some cliffs.

Museums

Due to California’s colorful history, there are plenty of historical state parks to explore, the most famous one being Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. With plenty of original and restored buildings, as well as costumed volunteers, you’ll definitely feel like you just stepped back in time to the 1849 California Gold Rush! The park’s museum also offers visitors the opportunity to pan for gold, an activity that is enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

Another favorite spot for history fans is the Empire Mine State Historic Park, which lies northeast of Sacramento. Guided tours through California’s oldest, largest, and richest gold mine shed light on the lives of the miners and their managers. For instance, the Mine Yard Tour exhibits the rough living conditions of those working deep underground while the Cottage Grounds Tour, which takes you to the Bourn Cottage, shows the luxurious lives of those who owned the mines.

Winter Activities

California may be the land of sea and sunshine, but don’t let that fool you! Its national and state parks offer a whole host of winter adventures that will keep visitors coming back all year round.

At Yosemite National Park, trudge through snow-covered grounds and try your hand at cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding. The park also boasts of a centuries-old skating tradition, which offers visitors the chance to ice skate at the Curry Village Rink while taking in stunning views of Half Dome.

Grover Hot Springs State Park is also a favorite winter destination for those who wish to warm themselves in the park’s cozy hot spring pool.

There are also plenty of opportunities for cross-country skiing at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The 1.5-mile long North Grove Ski Trail takes skiers beneath towering Sequoias while the 3.5-mile long Parkway Loop Ski Trail offers magnificent views of the Sierra Nevada.

Scuba Diving

California’s diverse marine life is a must-see for everyone! At D.L. Bliss State Park, a popular snorkeling spot is Rubicon Point, which lets snorkelers explore a cool rock wall at a depth of more than 800 feet.

Underneath the beautiful waters of Emerald Bay at Emerald Bay State Park lies an underwater forest of pine trees, as well as old wooden barges that used to transport cargo across the lake.

Surfing

Naturally, you can’t leave California without having surfed (or tried to surf) in its many hotspots. Wait for the tide at San Elijo State Beach although impatient surfers can choose to head up north to Swami’s or down south to Cardiff Reef to catch huge and challenging waves.

Complete California State Park List and Addresses

Here is a complete list of all the state parks in California along with the address for each park. Enjoy all that California has to offer for outdoor actives and natural beauty.

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To see state parks in states other than California click on our find a state park page.