State Park Pass
California State Park
Annual Pass 2026
Complete guide to California's state park annual pass — fees, inclusions, senior and disabled discounts, breakeven visit calculations, and most visited parks. The California Explorer Pass provides day-use access to most California State Parks. With 279 parks covering over 1.5 million acres, the annual pass pays for itself quickly. Camping fees are separate and not included.
$195 Annual Pass
Disabled Pass: FREE
Pays off in 18 visits
2026 Pass Quick Facts
— California Explorer Pass
Verified 2026
Annual Pass
$195
California Explorer Pass
Senior Rate
$98
50% off regular price
Disabled Pass
FREE
Free for qualifying disabled persons
Breakeven
18
visits to pay for itself
Value Calculator
Is the California Pass Worth It?
Breakeven Point
18
visits
At an average day-use fee of $11 per visit,
the $195 California Explorer Pass pays for itself after just 18 visits.
If you visit California state parks more than 18 times per year, you save money every single time.
Avg Day-Use Fee
$11
per visit (saved)
10 Visits/Year
-$85
not yet breakeven
20 Visits/Year
+$25
saved vs. daily fees
Pass Inclusions
What Does the California Pass Cover?
The following activities and facilities are covered (or not covered) by the California Explorer Pass.
Hiking
Included
Swimming
Included
Camping
Extra Fee
Boat Launch
Not Included
Fee Schedule
California State Park Pass Pricing
| Pass Type | Annual Fee | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| California Explorer Pass | $195.00 | Base rate |
| Senior Pass 62+ or 65+ | $97.50 | 50% off |
| Disabled Pass Qualifying disability | FREE | 100% off |
Park System Facts
California State Park System
279
State Parks
1.5M
Total Acres
Top Destinations
Most Visited California State Parks
These parks see the highest visitation and where the annual pass pays off fastest:
1
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
2
Malibu Creek State Park
3
Año Nuevo State Park
4
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
5
Crystal Cove State Park
Important Notes
California Pass Details
The California Explorer Pass covers day use only. Camping, boat launching, and special facilities require separate fees. Senior discount (62+) is 50% off. Disabled veteran pass is free. The pass is tied to one license plate.
Source: California Department of Parks and Recreation (www.parks.ca.gov).
Pass fees and inclusions verified 2026. Always confirm current pricing directly with the agency before purchasing.