"ForSummer is peak season for California’s 280 incredible state parks, and there is no shortage of fun! We asked our staff to share their favorite photos and ways to spend this sunny seasons in state parks. the past 20 years, our band — the 5M's — has played music at Wilder Ranch State Park's Old Fashioned Independence Day. It is a great way to spend time with your family enjoying the feel of the 4th of July as if it was 1919. With hand-cranked ice cream, wagon rides, and a cake walk, we look forward to it every year. Even now as our boys are all teenagers." – Randy Widera,
Director of Philanthropy Hiking at Castle Rock State Park is my favorite summer activity. It’s mostly shaded and cool and has rock scrambles and picturesque views. Perfect for a hot summer day! –Laura Bernstein,
Executive Assistant Emerald Bay State Park is such a great place to camp with friends in the summertime. By day, you can hike, swim, picnic, and breathe in the fresh alpine air. At night, cook yourself a well-deserved dinner and drink in the starry skies. I bet you’ll even see a shooting star. – Kathleen McCurdy, Membership Marketing Coordinator
Camp under the redwoods and swim in the magnificent swimming hole at Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area! – Rachel Norton, Executive
Director McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park has it all! The park's centerpiece is the 129-foot Burney Falls, which is a must while visiting. There are 5 miles of hiking trails winding through the park's evergreen forests, including part of the Pacific Crest Trail passing through the park. There is an exceptional visitor center and you are able to rent boats, kayaks, canoes, and more to explore Lake Britton. – Ashley Tittle, Director of Engagement
Picking up oysters and picnicking with friends at Tomales Bay State Park! – Sam Joseph, Grants Manager
“Every summer, our family – husband Mike, son Alex, and daughter Allison – camp at Donner Memorial State Park and fill our days with fishing, kayaking, biking, swimming (mostly the kids, burr!!), cooking, and roasting marshmallows around the camp fire all the while surrounded by the fresh smell of pine trees, chipmunks (all of who’ve been named Carlos) scurrying around the campsite for left overs, and the occasional thunderstorm rolling in to make a brief appearance just enough to soak the kids with excitement in a downpour of rain. – Holly Martinez, Director of Programs and Advocacy
Grilling out and spending a night under the stars at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area! The lake is the perfect spot to cool off after a long hike through the surrounding hills. Plus, leashed dogs are allowed in the campgrounds! – Sydney Little, Communications Manager
Which state park is your favorite during the summer season? Share yours by commenting below or posting tagging us on social media at @calparks on Instagram and Twitter and California State Parks Foundation on Facebook.