State Parks campgrounds reopen

Ready for a getaway? State Parks campgrounds have reopened for walk-up campers, and existing reservations are being honored. New reservations also are available now at New Brighton, Seacliff, Sunset and Half Moon Bay State Beaches. 

Portola Redwoods State Park is open for new and existing reservations only, and is not offering walk-ups at this time. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park will reopen for camping this Saturday (Feb. 13).

Pro tip: call ahead to find out if spots are open. Phone numbers for all state parks and beaches can be found here on our website — just click on the park you are interested in.

If you have questions about a reservation that was canceled, check here for further information.

Get access to elephant seal tours at home with new Año Nuevo program

Missing the elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park this year? The COVID cancellation of interpretive tours into the preserve was unfortunate but necessary. The good news is you can now take an elephant seal tour from home!

For the price of a single tour ticket, you can join the Año Nuevo State Park Patreon account where interpretive staff members are posting video blogs from the seal preserve all winter long! All proceeds go to our partners at Coastside State Parks Association.

Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz offer free online Trail Academy

Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz, a local organization that has partnered with California State Parks to build and maintain trails for almost three decades, is offering free Trail Academy online courses. Expand your existing knowledge of sustainable trail development and maintenance through these online classes.

The courses cover all aspects of trail building, from the natural history of trails and volunteer management, to rock armoring and advanced dirt-shaping. You can even become a Trail Crew Leader through this program. Sign up today.