California State Parks

Passes are primarily accepted at units operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. California State Park units operated by federal or local government, private agencies or concessionaires may not accept the pass.

To find out which parks accept the specific pass you have, visit the California State Park Passes webpage at www.parks.ca.gov/passes. Click on the link for the pass type you have. The webpage will contain more information about that pass, including the Terms and Conditions document with either a combined or separate list of parks accepting the pass.

Patrons wishing to purchase an annual pass or apply for a discount pass in person may do so at several locations. The following link provides locations to purchase annual or apply for discount pass in person: www.parks.ca.gov/passlocations

Perform a password reset.

If the function is not working, escalate to Team SOS

Okay to make updates to correct typos.

Name changes need to be performed by the pass office. Direct patrons to email documentation supporting the name change to the Pass Office: passinfo@parks.ca.gov

When patrons need help navigating www.ReserveCalifornia.com to apply for a discount pass online, provide these steps:

1. Go to www.reservecalifornia.com

2. Click on 'Passes' at the top.

3. You'll need to create an account or log into an existing one (this will allow you to book reservations online using your pass benefits).

4. Once logged in, you'll see a blue banner on the passes page that says, 'Apply for a Discount Pass', click 'Apply now'.

5. Select the pass type you are applying for and click ‘Apply’.

6. Next, you'll upload documents and submit your application.

7. Once reviewed and approved by the Parks Pass Office, you'll receive an email to log in and purchase your pass. Your pass will become effective immediately for making online reservations and a physical card will be mailed to you.

After the application is approved, patrons must return to ReserveCalifornia to complete the purchase – even if there is no cost for the Discount Pass. Provide these steps: 

1. Go to www.reservecalifornia.com

2. Log into your account using the email associated with the pass,

3. Click on “Passes” tab on top of screen,

4. Find the icon for the pass you applied for; it should say APPROVED

5. GO back to the Passes page

6. Scroll down to the SELECT Pass and click the drop-down button at the Annual Passes box to select the pass you applied for.

7. Scroll down to verify address and click on the ADD TO CART button

8. Click on GO TO check out

9. Purchase pass (insert $0.00 for State Park Adventure, Golden Bear, and Distinguished Veteran passes)

Check profile to see if there is a pass associated with their account.

· If there is and it’s within 2 weeks, then the pass is in the mail.

· If there is and it’s been over 2 weeks, direct them to contact the pass office.

If there is no pass associated with their account, then check the Applications tab of their profile. The Applications tab will show one of the following:

1. All documents were approved. This means that the customer needs to return within 30 days of approval to complete the application process. Go to “Purchasing Approved Pass” for more steps.

2. There may be missing documentation that they need to upload within 30 days (or else need to begin the process again). Refer to “Application Was Not Approved, How do I Upload My Files?

If more assistance is needed, direct them to contact the Pass Office: 

passinfo@parks.ca.gov

Advise them to include the following so that their inquiry can be answered:

Full Name

Phone Number

Email Address

Mailing Address

Application Reference Number

Sale Confirmation Number (if pass was purchased, yet not received)

Direct the customer to the automatic email notification that was sent to them. It will contain information on the reason their application was not approved. Usually, it is that a document is missing.

If they need a more detailed explanation, they can contact the Pass Office by e-mail: 

passinfo@parks.ca.gov

Refer the patron to the email notification that was sent to them. When they click on the link in that email, they will be led to the page where they can upload their files.

They can also go to ReserveCalifornia.com and click on Applications. From there, check their application’s progress. After locating the application, they can upload their additional files.

If they’re still unable to upload their files, escalate to Team SOS.

Direct patrons to try the following:

1. Ensuring that files are under 5MB.

2. Clear cache and cookies

3. Try another browser.

If still unable to upload files, direct them to apply by mail or in-person.

If they want to apply online, escalate to Team SOS.

The only way to replace the pass is for the customer to apply again.

Cancel their current pass and direct them to re-apply. Details on how to apply are located at www.parks.ca.gov/passes.

Pass expiration dates in ReserveCalifornia are correct. These reflect any applicable extensions.

Alert customers to retain their existing pass card until instructed to do otherwise. Despite the original renewal/expiration date, the pass remains valid. For complete details on pass renewal and extensions, visit www.parks.ca.gov/passes.

If additional help is needed, direct them to contact the Pass Office by e-mail: 

passinfo@parks.ca.gov

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.

Not sold through ReserveCalifornia. 

Patrons can visit www.parks.ca.gov/passes to find information on how to purchase.

California State Parks is unable to replace lost or damaged passes.

If it is a Distinguished Veteran pass holder, do not update address to a non-California address because this violates the pass requirements for residency.

All other profiles can be updated.