California State Parks Backcountry Permits
California State Parks manage backcountry camping from coastal bluffs to mountain forests. Reservations open 6 months ahead on ReserveCalifornia.
About California State Parks Permits
California State Parks manage backcountry camping from coastal bluffs to mountain forests. Reservations open 6 months ahead on ReserveCalifornia.
Best Time to Visit
Check individual permit pages for specific seasonal recommendations.
Top California State Parks permits
The most sought-after permits in this category.
- Steep Ravine Cabin lottery· Mt. Tam
- Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground permit· Pfeiffer Big Sur
- Environmental Campsite #1 permit· Julia Pfeiffer Burns
- Environmental Campsite #2 permit· Julia Pfeiffer Burns
- Angel Island Environmental Campsites permit· Angel Island
- Steep Ravine Environmental Camp permit· Mt. Tam
- Castle Rock Trail Camp permit· Castle Rock
- Limekiln Campground permit· Limekiln
- Kayak-Accessible Group Campsite permit· Angel Island
- Backpacking Zone permit· Henry Coe
- Lower Moro Campground permit· Crystal Cove
- Upper Moro campground· Crystal Cove
Signature Experiences
The most sought-after permits in California State Parks
Steep Ravine Cabins
10/10“Nine wood-stove cabins on a marine terrace above the Pacific, one mile south of Stinson Beach - and you get in by drawing, not by refresh speed.”
Pfeiffer Campground
9/10“189 sites strung along the Big Sur River under redwoods - the largest campground on the Big Sur coast, and it fills six months out.”
Env Site 1
9/10“One of exactly two hike-in campsites in a cypress grove above the Big Sur coastline - a quarter mile from the lot, and booked out six months ahead.”
Parks & Wilderness Areas
Browse permits by location (20 locations)
Crystal Cove permits
Rare coastal backcountry camping in Orange County with primitive hike-in camps in the El Moro Canyon...
Mt. Tam permits
Iconic Marin County mountain with the ultra-competitive Steep Ravine cabin lottery. Stunning views a...
Castle Rock permits
Gateway to the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail with sandstone formations and old-growth redwoods in the San...
Butano permits
Secluded redwood canyon in the Santa Cruz Mountains with trail camp access to the Skyline-to-the-Sea...
Portola Redwoods permits
Old-growth redwoods and year-round Pescadero Creek in the Santa Cruz Mountains....
Big Basin permits
California's oldest state park, recovering from 2020 fire. Day-use access open, trail camps remain c...
Topanga permits
World's largest wildland within city limits. Key node on the Backbone Trail through the Santa Monica...
Point Mugu permits
Coastal wilderness in the Santa Monica Mountains with secluded La Jolla Valley camping on the Backbo...
Cuyamaca permits
Mountain wilderness in San Diego County with environmental camps for backpackers and equestrians....
Search California State Parks Permits
Find specific permits or browse all 41 permits
Steep Ravine Cabins
LotteryMt. Tam · California State Parks
Pfeiffer Campground
ReservationPfeiffer Big Sur · California State Parks
Env Site 1
ReservationJulia Pfeiffer Burns · California State Parks
Env Site 2
ReservationJulia Pfeiffer Burns · California State Parks
Env Sites
ReservationAngel Island · California State Parks
Steep Ravine Camp
ReservationMt. Tam · California State Parks
Castle Rock Camp
ReservationCastle Rock · California State Parks
Limekiln Camp
ReservationLimekiln · California State Parks
Kayak Group
ReservationAngel Island · California State Parks
Backpack Permit
Walk-UpHenry Coe · California State Parks
Lower Moro
ReservationCrystal Cove · California State Parks
Upper Moro
ReservationCrystal Cove · California State Parks
Deer Canyon
ReservationCrystal Cove · California State Parks
Waterman Gap
ReservationCastle Rock · California State Parks
Butano Camp
ReservationButano · California State Parks
Slate Creek
ReservationPortola Redwoods · California State Parks
Musch Camp
Walk-UpTopanga · California State Parks
La Jolla Valley
Walk-UpPoint Mugu · California State Parks
Trail Camp
ReservationAndrew Molera · California State Parks
Hike/Bike
Walk-UpPfeiffer Big Sur · California State Parks
Explore Other Regions
Planning a bigger trip? Check out permits in other areas.
California State Parks Permit FAQ
How many backcountry permits does PermitSnag track in California State Parks?
PermitSnag tracks over 41 backcountry permits across California State Parks, including day-use permits, overnight permits, thru-hike entries, and specialized permits like canyoneering and river access.
What are the most popular permits in California State Parks?
The most competitive California State Parks permits include Steep Ravine Cabins, Pfeiffer Campground, Env Site 1. These permits often sell out immediately when released.
How do I get notified about California State Parks permit cancellations?
Sign up for PermitSnag to receive instant alerts when California State Parks permits become available due to cancellations. Our system monitors availability 24/7 and notifies you immediately.