Q: What is the California State Library Parks Pass and who can use it?
A: In partnership with the First Partner’s Office and the California State Library, the California State Library Parks Pass program provides a free vehicle day use entry for one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle at over 200 participating state park units to library card holders.

Q: How do I use the Parks Pass?
A: The pass (photocopies not accepted) must be: a) hung on the rearview mirror or displayed on vehicle dashboard when visiting state parks that honor this pass or b) scanned at a barcode scanner, where available. When displaying pass in vehicle, place pass front-side out. To avoid theft, highway-licensed motorcycle pass users should present the hangtag at the entrance station in exchange for a day-use ticket, utilizing self-pay envelopes where no attendant is available.

Q: Can I use the Parks Pass for more than one day?
A: Yes. The Parks Pass can be checked out for 21 days and may be used every day for 21 days.

Q: Is the pass valid at all 279 state parks?
A: No. The State Library Parks Pass is valid for vehicle day use at over 200 participating state park units of the California State Park System operated by State Parks. It is not valid at units operated by federal and local government, private agencies or concessionaires. Also, the pass is not valid for per-person entry or tour fees (such as museums), boat use, camping, group use or sites, special events, additional/extra vehicle fees, sanitation disposal use or for supplemental fees. To see a list of ineligible parks, click here(link is external), and read the full terms and conditions here(link is external).

To view an interactive map with participating state parks, click here(link is external).

Q: Does the pass cover camping fees?
A: No. The pass entitles the user to a free vehicle day use entry for one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle at over 200 participating state park units.  Also, the pass is not valid for per-person entry or tour fees (such as museums), boat use, group use or sites, special events, additional/extra vehicle fees, sanitation disposal use or for supplemental fees.

Q: Can more than one car or a bus use the pass?
A: No. Below you will find some details on the pass:

• Valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle at participating state park units.
• Valid any day of the week, including holidays, if space is available. Pass does not guarantee parking space.
• Pass does not provide access to state vehicular recreation areas (off-highway vehicles parks).
• Not valid for per-person entry or tour fees (such as Hearst Simeon State Historical Monument, California State Railroad Museum, etc.), camping, boat use, group use or sites, special events, oversized vehicle fees, additional/extra vehicle fees, swimming pool fees, sanitation disposal use or for supplemental fees.

Q: What happens if I lose the pass or the pass is stolen?
A: A $5.00 processing fee will be charged to your Salinas Public Library account.

Borrowing rules for the State Park Passes:

• The loan period for this item is 21 days.
• This item cannot be renewed
• If the pass is not returned 3 days after the return date, it will be declared lost.
• A processing fee of $5.00 will be charged for a lost or stolen pass.
• Lost or stolen passes will no longer be valid in the participating state parks.
• Regular State Park Passes may be put on hold.
• NO hold can be placed on the "Lucky Day" State Park Passes.

For more information on the California State Parks Pass, please visit parks.ca.gov(link is external).