California State Parks

California has 279 state parks, from the northern redwoods, to a southern Spanish village. California has the larges park system in the United States. A non-profit membership organization called California State Parks Foundation is dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and advocating for California's state parks. The foundation was formed in 1969, and has raised more than $150 million to help the state parks.

The oldest state park in California is Big Basin, established in 1902. This state park covers over 18,000 acres, and has elevations ranging from sea level to 2,000 feet. You will see ancient coast redwoods, oaks, and chaparral trees, with over 80 miles of trails. You can pick up maps of the trails at park headquarters. Some of the trails in Big Basin State Park join up with Castle Rock State Park trails. Castle Rock State Park is located on Highway 35, two and half miles southeast of the Highway 9 Junction. This state park covers 3,600 acres, with Douglas-fir, and coast redwoods. The parks also have 32 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails for your outdoor enjoyment. In San Diego, another place to visit is Old Town State Historic Park. This state park will help you learn about the Mexican and early American history, between the years 1821 to 1872. The park is located on San Diego Avenue, and Twiggs Street, in San Diego, California.

California has hundreds of state parks for your enjoyment, with things to do like horseback riding, hiking, camping, and fishing. Pack up the whole family and enjoy the state park nearest to you.