California State Parks Backcountry Permits
California State Parks manage backcountry camping from coastal bluffs to mountain forests. Reservations open 6 months ahead on ReserveCalifornia.
About California State Parks Permits
California State Parks manage backcountry camping from coastal bluffs to mountain forests. Reservations open 6 months ahead on ReserveCalifornia.
Best Time to Visit
Check individual permit pages for specific seasonal recommendations.
Signature Experiences
The most sought-after permits in California State Parks
Parks & Wilderness Areas
Browse permits by location (20 locations)
Crystal Cove State Park
Rare coastal backcountry camping in Orange County with primitive hike-in camps in the El Moro Canyon...
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Iconic Marin County mountain with the ultra-competitive Steep Ravine cabin lottery. Stunning views a...
Castle Rock State Park
Gateway to the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail with sandstone formations and old-growth redwoods in the San...
Butano State Park
Secluded redwood canyon in the Santa Cruz Mountains with trail camp access to the Skyline-to-the-Sea...
Portola Redwoods State Park
Old-growth redwoods and year-round Pescadero Creek in the Santa Cruz Mountains....
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
California's oldest state park, recovering from 2020 fire. Day-use access open, trail camps remain c...
Topanga State Park
World's largest wildland within city limits. Key node on the Backbone Trail through the Santa Monica...
Point Mugu State Park
Coastal wilderness in the Santa Monica Mountains with secluded La Jolla Valley camping on the Backbo...
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Mountain wilderness in San Diego County with environmental camps for backpackers and equestrians....
Search California State Parks Permits
Find specific permits or browse all 42 permits
Steep Ravine Cabins
LotteryMt. Tam · California State Parks
Pfeiffer Campground
ReservationPfeiffer Big Sur · California State Parks
Env Site 1
ReservationJulia Pfeiffer Burns · California State Parks
Env Site 2
ReservationJulia Pfeiffer Burns · California State Parks
Env Sites
ReservationAngel Island · California State Parks
Steep Ravine Camp
ReservationMt. Tam · California State Parks
Castle Rock Camp
ReservationCastle Rock · California State Parks
Limekiln Camp
ReservationLimekiln · California State Parks
Kayak Group
ReservationAngel Island · California State Parks
Backpack Permit
Walk-UpHenry Coe · California State Parks
Lower Moro
ReservationCrystal Cove · California State Parks
Upper Moro
ReservationCrystal Cove · California State Parks
Deer Canyon
ReservationCrystal Cove · California State Parks
Waterman Gap
ReservationCastle Rock · California State Parks
Butano Camp
ReservationButano · California State Parks
Slate Creek
ReservationPortola Redwoods · California State Parks
Musch Camp
ReservationTopanga · California State Parks
La Jolla Valley
ReservationPoint Mugu · California State Parks
Trail Camp
ReservationAndrew Molera · California State Parks
Hike/Bike
ReservationPfeiffer Big Sur · California State Parks
Explore Other Regions
Planning a bigger trip? Check out permits in other areas.
California State Parks Permit FAQ
How many backcountry permits does PermitSnag track in California State Parks?
PermitSnag tracks over 42 backcountry permits across California State Parks, including day-use permits, overnight permits, thru-hike entries, and specialized permits like canyoneering and river access.
What are the most popular permits in California State Parks?
The most competitive California State Parks permits include Steep Ravine Cabins, Pfeiffer Campground, Env Site 1. These permits often sell out immediately when released.
How do I get notified about California State Parks permit cancellations?
Sign up for PermitSnag to receive instant alerts when California State Parks permits become available due to cancellations. Our system monitors availability 24/7 and notifies you immediately.