Day-use Park Passes

Membership includes day-use passes to help you get outside and explore. 

Russian Gulch State Park

Day-use Park Passes

Your California State Parks Foundation membership may include day-use passes that provide free vehicle day-use entry at participating California state parks. 

 

How Do I Get My Passes?  

Day-use passes are included with qualifying California State Parks Foundation memberships. 

When you join, renew, or receive a gift membership at an eligible level, your passes will be mailed as part of your membership package. Please allow approximately four weeks for delivery. 

Pass Benefits by Membership Level 

LevelDonation AmountBenefits
Park Supporter$25 annually2 day-use passes
Park Adventurer$75 annually4 day-use passes
Park Advocate$150 annually6 day-use passes
Park Defender$250 annually8 day-use passes
Park Champion$500 annually10 day-use passes
Park Protector$10+, monthly8 day-use passes

Pass benefits are subject to change. 

 

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Where Do the Passes Work?

Day-use passes are valid at participating California state parks. 

The passes are accepted at many of California's most popular state parks, beaches, and recreation areas throughout the state. The California Explorer Pass is honored at most California State Parks-operated units that charge a vehicle day-use fee. It is not valid at every park and is not accepted at parks operated by other agencies or concessionaires. 

View the full list of participating parks
Mono Lake
San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

How Do I Use My Day-Use Passes?

When visiting a participating park: 

  1. Check the list of parks where day-use passes are accepted.
  2. Drive up to the kiosk and hand the one-time-use pass to California State Parks staff.
  3. Enjoy your visit. 

PLEASE NOTE: If no staff are present at the kiosk, the pass cannot be used for entry that day. Passes are valid for vehicle day-use entry only and do not cover camping, boat launch fees, special events, or other supplemental fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

The number of passes you receive depends on your membership level. View the chart above to compare membership levels and the number of passes available at each level.  

Yes. Expiration information is included with your membership materials, and printed on day-use passes. 

No. The day-use passes included with qualifying memberships are single-use passes that can each be used for one vehicle day-use entry at a participating California state park. 

If your membership includes day-use passes, you will receive a set number of passes based on your membership level. Once a pass has been used, it cannot be used again. Please refer to the membership benefits chart above to see how many passes are included with your membership. 

 If no staff are present at the entrance kiosk, the pass cannot be used for entry that day.

No. Passes cannot be refunded, replaced, or exchanged for any reason, including loss, theft, damage, environmental conditions such as low water levels, fire, park closures, or inclement weather. 

If you have questions, please contact Member Services at [email protected] or 415-262-4400 and we will be happy to assist you. 

No. The passes cover vehicle day-use entry only and do not include camping fees.