California State Parks

Requirements for an Adventure Pass

Must be a California resident and a fourth grade student at a public school. 

Visit www.parks.ca.gov/AdventurePass for more information.

What’s included in the Adventure Pass?

You receive free day-use entry at 54 locations for the fourth grader and those accompanying them, as described here:

· A waiver of a per vehicle entrance fee, for all passengers in one vehicle, as long as the vehicle is private and noncommercial that is used to transport the fourth grade child to the unit of the State Park System;

· A waiver of a per person entrance fee, including up to three adults, 16 years of age and above, and all children, 15 years of age and younger, accompanying the fourth grade child. Locations are listed here: www.parks.ca.gov/AdventurePass

How to Get an Adventure Pass

To apply for a pass for the California State Parks Adventure Pass, visit Reserve California at: www.ReserveCalifornia.com. Click on the “Passes” tab at the top of the home page and create a login. Once you have created a login, you should be able to complete the application process online.

Once you have your pass, you can use it by either printing it out or keeping it on your phone to show a uniformed state park staffed at any of the participating parks.

You can also sign up in person at the participating parks.

Visit www.parks.ca.gov/AdventurePass for more information.

About Pass

The Disabled Discount Pass provides recipients with a 50% discount on day-use, camping and boat-use fees at many California state parks. This pass is awarded to persons with permanent disabilities and is valid for use of the pass holder only. Although the benefits are lifetime, the pass holder's card will need to be renewed periodically. There is an application fee of $3.50.

Disabled Discount Pass Park Acceptance List can be found here. 

For information regarding our Disabled Discount Pass, please visit the following webpage: www.parks.ca.gov/dd.

How to Apply 

Apply online through www.ReserveCalifornia.com.

Detailed instructions are available at www.parks.ca.gov/dd.

This webpage also includes instruction on how to apply by mail and in-person.

About Pass

The Distinguished Veteran Pass provides recipients with free day use, camping and boat use at many California state parks. This pass is awarded to Honorably discharged veterans who have California residency, and one of the following three criteria/criterion:

· An overall/combined service-connected disability at a rating of 50% or greater with service during periods of wartime or operations against a foreign power.

· Held as prisoners of war by forces hostile to the United States.

· Recipient of the Medal of Honor.

For information regarding our Distinguished Veteran Pass, please visit the following webpage: www.parks.ca.gov/dv.

How to Apply 

Apply online through www.ReserveCalifornia.com.

Detailed instructions are available at www.parks.ca.gov/dv.

This webpage also includes instructions on how to apply by mail and in-person (limited locations).

About Pass

The Golden Bear Pass is a free annual pass that provides day-use vehicle access to over 130 selected state park units. Any person receiving SSI, aid under the CalWORKs Program, or any person 62 years of age or older meeting the income limitations specified on the current application form is eligible to receive the Golden Bear Pass.

For information regarding our Distinguished Veteran Pass, please visit the following webpage: www.parks.ca.gov/gb.

How to Apply 

Apply online through www.ReserveCalifornia.com.

Detailed instructions are available at www.parks.ca.gov/gb.

This webpage also includes instructions on how to apply by mail and in-person.

CalWorks or Tribal TANF Recipient

CalWorks and Tribal TANF Recipients can go through the California Department of Social Services to request a Golden Bear Pass. 

Direct them to www.cdss.ca.gov/goldenbearpass.

About Pass

California State Parks offer a Limited Use Golden Bear Pass to any person 62 years of age or older. 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. This pass is good for one calendar year for a fee of $20.

For information regarding our Distinguished Veteran Pass, please visit the following webpage: www.parks.ca.gov/lugb.

How to Apply 

Apply online through www.ReserveCalifornia.com.

Detailed instructions are available at www.parks.ca.gov/lugb.

This webpage also includes instructions on how to apply by mail and in-person.

Disabled Discount, Distinguished Veteran, Golden Bear, and Limited Use Golden Bear.

The California State Library Park Pass entitles the user to a free vehicle day-use entry for one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle at over 200 participating state park units.

These passes are available for check out directly through library branches in California. Library patrons will be able to check out the pass for the allotted number of days allowed by the local library.

To view an interactive map with California’s public libraries and nearby participating state parks visit: www.parks.ca.gov/30806.

California Explorer, Golden Poppy, Tahoe Regional, Historian Passport, Sno-Park, Boat Use and Oversized Vehicle.