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2h ago

California Opens 200+ State Parks for Free on MLK Day, Contrasting New Federal Rules

The one-day waiver, paid for by the California State Parks Foundation, is framed as a response to the National Park Service dropping MLK Day from its fee-free calendar.

A waterfall in the heart of California’s Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
TOPANGA, CA – FEBRUARY 17: Hikers take in a view from Eagle Rock along the Backbone Trail in Topanga State Park on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021 in Topanga, CA. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
A family makes sandcastles at China Camp Beach in China Camp State Park in San Rafael in 2021. Over 200 California state parks, including China Camp, will be free on Martin Luther King Day this year.
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Overview

  • Free vehicle day-use entry applies Monday, Jan. 19, for one car with up to nine passengers at more than 200 participating state parks.
  • Exclusions include off-highway vehicle areas, parks with per-person or tour fees such as Hearst Castle, and sites run by partner organizations.
  • Gov. Gavin Newsom cast the move as honoring Dr. King’s legacy after the Trump administration removed MLK Day and Juneteenth and added Flag Day to the federal free-entry schedule.
  • The California State Parks Foundation is covering the cost of the waiver, with officials noting no taxpayer dollars are used.
  • State officials posted park lists and visitor guidance, and noted that national parks will charge standard entrance fees on the holiday under the updated federal policy.