California State Library Parks Pass

California State Parks Pass Access Programs

With the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California created innovative access programs for children and families to explore California’s State Park System. Via the new California State Park Adventure and State Library Parks Pass programs and a revamped Golden Bear Pass Program, California is promoting a healthier, more equitable California for all. This effort helps advance the Newsom Administration’s “California Outdoors for All” initiative to enable all Californians, regardless of zip code or income, to access parks and open spaces.

How It Works 

The California State Library Parks Pass provides free vehicle day-use entry into a participating state park, and you can visit more than one state park while you have the pass checked out. For detailed information, please visit CheckOutCAStateParks.com.

To use your free California State Library Parks Pass, follow these easy steps:

1. Check out the pass at your local branch. Passes can be checked out for up to three weeks. 
2. Plan your adventure. The pass is valid at over 200 participating state park units. A list of ineligible park units is available at  CheckOutCAStateParks.com.
3. Park for free at a participating California state park unit. Show pass to a uniformed state park employee, scan barcode on front of pass at reader or display from your vehicle’s rearview mirror.
4. Return the pass to the library for others to use.

Other Passes

Adventure Pass 
Provides free day-use passes for fourth graders and their families to 19 participating state parks. The pass is valid over the duration of the fourth grader’s school year through the following summer (September-August). More info: www.parks.ca.gov/AdventurePass

Golden Bear Pass
State Parks and the California Department of Social Services have made it easier for CalWORKs families to receive a free annual vehicle day-use pass valid at over 200 participating state parks and beaches operated by State Parks. Now, families receiving CalWORKs can complete the application on their smartphone in just minutes. More info: www.parks.ca.gov/OutdoorsForAll