National Parks Closed? California’s State Parks Are Ready to Welcome You

If you’re planning a fall getaway to one of California’s nine national parks, you might feel a bit confused right now. The federal government shutdown has affected park operations nationwide, leading to inconsistent access and services. Some parks are open, others are closed, and many are operating with limited staff and amenities. 

This is disappointing news for Californians, who take great pride in their parks. California has the most national parks of any state, showcasing stunning places like Yosemite’s granite peaks and Joshua Tree’s desert skies. 

However, there is good news: California’s 280 state parks are fully open, staffed, and ready to welcome visitors. They offer a wide range of natural beauty, from giant redwoods and alpine lakes to rolling deserts and rugged coastlines, often located just a short drive from the national parks. 

Before you head out, remember that more visitors mean more impact. Practicing Leave No Trace: packing out trash, staying on trails, and keeping your distance from wildlife, helps ensure these parks stay beautiful for everyone who follows. 

State Park Alternatives to California’s National Parks 

Whether your plans include a camping trip under the stars, a redwood hike, or a desert road trip, there’s a California state park that can provide a similar experience. With open facilities, maintained trails, and ranger support, you can make the most of your visit. Here are a few state park alternatives that capture the same beauty and adventure as our national parks: 

If you were headed to Yosemite National Park...

Visit: Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve or Calaveras Big Trees State Park 

Just east of Yosemite, Mono Lake features unique tufa towers rising from blue waters, creating a stunning landscape framed by the Sierra Nevada. To the west, Calaveras Big Trees State Park invites you to wander among ancient giant sequoias, complete with trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas, offering a quieter experience than Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove. 

If you were planning to visit Joshua Tree National Park… 

Visit: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park or Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park 

California’s largest state park provides the same desert scenery as Joshua Tree — without the crowds. Explore winding slot canyons, colorful badlands, and palm oases, then stay after sunset for some of Southern California’s darkest night skies. For those hoping to see actual Joshua trees, head to Arthur B. Ripley, where these iconic trees grow alongside native junipers in a quiet, uncrowded desert setting. 

If Redwood National and State Parks were on your list… 

You’re in luck! Many of these parks are still open. Redwood National and State Parks are jointly managed by the National Park Service and California State Parks, which means several areas remain operational during the federal shutdown. Parks like Prairie Creek Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Parks welcome visitors with open trails, campgrounds, and staffed visitor centers. These locations are part of the same UNESCO World Heritage site as the federally managed areas, showcasing stunning old-growth forests, misty fern canyons, and herds of Roosevelt elk. 

If you were hoping to reach Channel Islands National Park... 

Visit: Leo Carrillo State Park or Point Dume State Beach 

If the ferry isn’t an option, head to Malibu’s coastline, where you can spot dolphins, explore tide pools, and walk along sea cliffs that reflect the wild beauty of the Channel Islands. Both parks offer excellent wildlife viewing, coastal trails, and beach access. 

If Lassen Volcanic National Park was your destination… 

Visit: Castle Crags State Park or Plumas-Eureka State Park 

For dramatic peaks and volcanic landscapes, Castle Crags features granite spires above the Sacramento River canyon, with challenging hikes and stunning views. Plumas-Eureka, farther north in the Sierra Nevada, combines volcanic geology with rich mining history, and where mountain trails, alpine lakes, and restored 19th-century structures offer a glimpse into California’s rugged past. 

If you were heading to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks… 

Visit:  Calaveras Big Trees State Park 

Calaveras Big Trees is the only California state park that protects giant sequoias, featuring two main groves with trees that have stood for thousands of years. Easy walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic forest drives make it an ideal alternative for those looking to experience the majesty of California’s giants without venturing far from the Central Sierra. 

If Pinnacles National Park was your goal… 

Visit: Henry W. Coe State Park or Castle Rock State Park 

If you love Pinnacles' rugged trails and rock formations, Henry W. Coe offers vast wilderness, steep canyons, and panoramic ridges ideal for hiking or backpacking. For rock climbers, Castle Rock in the Santa Cruz Mountains features sandstone cliffs and forested trails that capture Pinnacles' adventurous vibe. 

If Death Valley National Park was your destination… 

Visit: Red Rock Canyon State Park or Providence Mountains State Recreation Area 

Both of these parks showcase the stunning beauty of California’s desert. Red Rock Canyon, located in the Mojave Desert, features dazzling red and white striped cliffs as well as colorful rock layers, making it a favorite spot for photographers. Providence Mountains, home to Mitchell Caverns, offers guided tours through ancient limestone caves and a chance to see rare desert wildlife. 

Help Keep Our Parks Protected 

As more visitors explore state parks, we all share the responsibility of caring for these landscapes and supporting our public lands. Whether you’re visiting a county, state, or national park, small actions can make a significant difference in keeping these spaces safe, clean, and open for everyone. 

Here’s how you can help: 

• Plan ahead and prepare: Check park hours and updates at parks.ca.gov/Find-a-Park.
• Pack it in, pack it out: Take everything you bring, including food waste.
• Stay on trails: Protect plants and wildlife habitats by sticking to established paths.
• Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and never feed them.
• Be kind: A little patience and courtesy go a long way during busy times.
• Every visit is an opportunity to demonstrate care for our shared lands, helping to ensure California’s parks, as well as public parks across the nation, thrive for generations to come. 

Plan Your Next Adventure 

California’s state parks are open, staffed, and ready for exploration. Whether you’re walking among redwoods, hiking desert trails, or watching a sunset on the coast, there’s a state park waiting to welcome you. Find your next destination at parks.ca.gov/Find-a-Park and make your visit part of the ongoing effort to protect and celebrate California’s public lands. 

Want to do even more to protect California’s parks? 

At the California State Parks Foundation, we work year-round to keep California’s state parks resilient, accessible, and thriving, even when other public lands face uncertainty. By volunteering, donating, or becoming a member, you actively help protect the places that make California extraordinary. Learn more at calparks.org.