Last verified 2026-05-17.
Free state park pass from your library
The California State Library Parks Pass lets anyone with a California public-library card check out a free vehicle day-use pass good at over 200 state parks. One pass covers one car (or one street-legal motorcycle) for one day. Funding has been renewed through December 31, 2026. [Source: library.ca.gov/services/to-libraries/parks-pass (accessed 2026-05-17)] [Source: calparks.org/press/victory-park-access-state-library-parks-pass-funding-restored-final-california-budget (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Who qualifies
- Anyone with a free California public-library card. There is no income test, no age limit, and no residency proof beyond what your library already requires.
- Library cards are free at every California public library. If you don't have one, ask the front desk — most branches sign you up in about 10 minutes with a photo ID and proof of address.
What you get
- One physical hangtag good for vehicle day-use entry at 200+ participating state parks.
- Covers parking and entry for one passenger vehicle (up to 9 people) or one highway-licensed motorcycle.
- Does not cover camping, guided tours, special events, boat-launch fees, or extra-vehicle fees. [Source: parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30806 (accessed 2026-05-17)]
- Saves $10–$25 per visit at most parks. A weekend at Big Basin, Bodie, or Anza-Borrego pays for the gas to get there.
How to check one out
- Find your local branch at library.ca.gov/find-a-library. More than 1,100 California public libraries participate.
- Search your library catalog for "Parks Pass." In Nevada County, that's library.mynevadacounty.com.
- Place a hold online or by phone — passes go fast on holiday weekends. You can also walk in and ask.
- Pick up the pass in person at the branch that holds it. Passes are not transferred between libraries.
- Use it within 7 days (most branches), then return it like a book. Most libraries do not allow renewal.
Which parks are included
Over 200 state-park units accept the pass. A few well-loved ones near Northern California: Empire Mine SHP (Grass Valley), Malakoff Diggins SHP, South Yuba River SP, D.L. Bliss SP (Lake Tahoe), Bodie SHP, Big Basin Redwoods SP, Año Nuevo SP.
The pass is not honored at park units run by the federal government (Yosemite, Lassen, Sequoia), regional/county parks, or private concessionaires. [Source: parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30806 (accessed 2026-05-17)]
A live map of participating parks is on the State Parks pass page.
Common pitfalls
- Holds fill up fast in spring and summer — reserve 1–2 weeks ahead for any weekend trip.
- Bring the hangtag. Rangers check it on the dashboard. A photo on your phone is not accepted.
- Late returns can earn a fine and block your next checkout. Drop it in the book return on your way home.
- Federal parks are separate. For Yosemite, Sequoia, and other national parks, look into the free Every Kid Outdoors pass for 4th graders or the National Park Service's free-entrance days.
Why this program almost ended
The program runs on a yearly state budget line, not permanent funding. In 2025 the Legislature proposed cutting it; advocacy by the California State Parks Foundation and library users led to $6.75 million being restored in the final 2025–26 budget, keeping passes circulating through the end of 2026. A bill (AB 1804) to make the program permanent is still moving through the Legislature. [Source: calparks.org/press/victory-park-access-state-library-parks-pass-funding-restored-final-california-budget (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Where to get help
- Your local library — front-desk staff can show you the catalog search and place the hold for you.
- Nevada County Library: (530) 265-7050 — library.mynevadacounty.com
- California State Library questions: library.ca.gov/services/to-libraries/parks-pass
- California State Parks pass page: parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30806