Learn about current park closures and updates.
How do I get a
memorial bench?
What
discounts does County Parks offer?
Where can I
access a map of all of the trails in County Parks?
Are parks open
year-round?
Which
lakes and bodies of water are managed by the County of San Diego
Department of Parks and Recreation?
What
activities are free?
Are any
County Parks facilities listed as designated cool zones?
How do I
make camping reservations?
How much do camping
reservations cost?
How do I pay for a campsite?
Are there any park fees
besides camping fees when I’m staying overnight?
What’s the difference between
a full hookup, partial hookup and non-hookup/tent site?
How can I cancel my
reservation?
How
can I change my reservation?
What time is check-in and check-out?
Can we have a fire in our
campsite?
Are we
allowed to bring firewood into the park?
Can we run a generator in
our campsite?
Day-Use
Am I allowed to bring
alcoholic drinks into the park?
Where can I go fishing or boating?
Where can I go
swimming?
Can I
take my dog to a park?
Environmental Stewardship
Are there protected
species on County land? If so, what are we doing to protect
them?
What are
we doing about invasive species?
What is the Heritage Tree
Program?
What
happens when a tree dies in a County Park?
What should I
do if I see a rattlesnake?
What should
I do if I see a mountain lion?
Is it cheaper to get
married in a County Park?
What are some benefits to getting married in a
County Park?
Does my photographer have to complete a film
and photography permit?
What is required to bring a jumper or bounce
house into a County Park?
I’m a vendor and I want to sell stuff at
County Parks. What are the rules?
Memorial Benches: The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation does not currently have a formal program for memorial benches. However, on a case-by-case basis, memorial benches may be added to specific parks if they are a) managed by the County and b) at properties that need a bench. This is determined when a request is emailed to Askparks.lue@sdcounty.ca.gov.
To see if your preferred bench location is part of the County park portfolio, search by map or alphabetized list. To see if your preferred bench location is part of a more comprehensive park agency map, visit getoutsidesandiego.org. You can also do an internet search by park name, and when you visit the official homepage for that park it should portray the name of the managing agency. If you are open to other ideas, for example naming a playground, trail, event structure or sports facility, you may be interested in our Naming Rights and Sponsorship Program. Details can be found here and will continue to evolve as new parks open and new opportunities become available. This flyer has additional information.
What discounts does County
Parks offer?
We offer a number of discounts and permit
options for residents who wish to spend the day at a county park.
Please visit our Discounts page for more information.
Where can I access a map of all
of the trails in County Parks?
Great question! We’re in
the process of designing a brand new trail map that will help you
navigate to and through some of our favorite trail destinations.
Please check back in a couple of weeks.
Are parks open year-round?
Yes, parks are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year unless
otherwise noted. Get up-to-date park information on our News & Events page.
Which lakes and bodies of
water are managed by the County of San Diego Department of Parks and
Recreation?
Bodies of water we oversee include Lake Morena, Lindo Lake, Luelf Pond (Dos Picos County Park),
two fishing ponds at Guajome Regional Park, the coastal
habitat at San Elijo Lagoon and Ecological
Reserve, and three hot spring-fed pools at Agua Caliente County Park. We also
operate interactive water fountains at Waterfront Park and splash pads
at Hilton Head, East View and Sweetwater Summit Regional Park.
What activities are
free?
Many of the activities that take place in County
Parks are free! From play and picnic areas to organized programs and
hikes led by rangers, we have offerings to suit all ages, interests
and abilities. View our Programs and Activities Guides for
more information. A $3 day-use/maintenance fee is required at some
locations, which support ongoing park maintenance and operations. All
other fees will be listed.
Are any County Parks facilities listed as designated cool zones? Yes, we maintain three community centers in central areas throughout the county. Check hours on their website or call ahead.
Camping
How do I make camping reservations?
Camping is available year-round at County Parks. First, pick
your destination by visiting our Camping
Page. Then make your reservation in person at 5510 Overland
Ave., Suite 270, San Diego, CA 92123 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, or by phone toll-free at (877) 565-3600
or (858) 565-3600. You can also book directly on the Reservations
Site. If you’re already at the park where you wish to camp,
reservations can be made through ranger staff (pending availability).
All reservations must be paid in full at the time of booking.
How much do camping
reservations cost?
Camping reservations vary in cost,
depending on the location you select. However, tent sites typically
cost between $22 and $24, partial hookup sites cost between $27 and
$29, full hookup sites cost $33 (only available at
Sweetwater Summit, Agua Caliente, and Lake Morena), and cabins cost
between $50 and $100 (not available at Sweetwater
Summit or
Vallecito). View all camping destinations
on our
Camping Page.
How do I pay for a
campsite?
Campsites can be paid for via cash, check,
money order, VISA, or MasterCard. Gift certificates may also be
applied. All reservations must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Are there any park fees besides camping fees when I’m staying overnight? There may be a cost for firewood if you wish to have a campfire in your designated fire pit. Firewood from other sources is not permitted in County Parks – this is to prevent the spread of invasive species.
What’s the difference between a full hookup, partial hookup and non-hookup/tent site? A full hookup site includes water, electricity and sewer. A partial hookup includes water and electricity (no sewer). A non-hookup site has access to water nearby. Cabins differ by location but some offer electricity, water and a restroom inside – all come with wooden bed frames and an option for climate control.
How can I cancel my
reservation?
You may cancel your camping reservation
online by locating the reservation in your online account and clicking
the cancel button and following the screen prompts. Your account will
be credited less any reservation and cancellation fees, provided it is
cancelled more than 72 hours prior to the checkin time and has not
previously been changed or transferred. If you paid with cash or
check, you may cancel online but will need to contact Central
Reservations to process your refund. For assistance, please call
(858) 565-3600 or (877) 565-3600, Monday through Friday, between the
hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If calling on a weekend or holiday, please
leave a detailed message including reservation number and a contact
phone number on our after hours message line to document the date/time
of your request and a Central Reservations Representative will call
you back during regular business hours to assist you.
How can I change my
reservation?
To change a reservation, please call (858)
565-3600 or (877) 565-3600, Monday through Friday, between the hours
of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. A $5 fee will be applied. The new reservation
arrival date cannot be more than 3 months after the original
reservation arrival date. Changed/transferred reservations may be
cancelled but are non-refundable. If calling on a weekend or holiday,
please leave a detailed message including reservation number and a
contact phone number on our after hours message line to document the
date/time of your request and a Central Reservations Representative
will call you back during regular business hours to assist you.
What time is check-in and
check-out?
Check-in is at 2 p.m. for tent/RV sites and 4
p.m. for cabins, and check-out for all campsites is at 12 p.m. at all
County campgrounds. Day-use hours are listed on individual park pages
– for more information, view the Park Finder.
Can we have a fire in our
campsite?
Yes, campfires are allowed in designated fire
rings between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. All campfires must be
extinguished between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. An open-flame ban
shall go into effect whenever a Red Flag Warning has been issued by
the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and will
remain in effect until the Red Flag Warning is lifted by the NOAA.
Because Red Flag Warnings are weather-related, no refunds can be given
due to an open-flame ban.
Additionally, stoves and lanterns allowed in all campsites. For up-to-date information on open-flame bans at County Parks, please contact the park directly or call (858) 565-3600 or (877) 565-3600, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Are we allowed to bring
firewood into the park?
Due to drought and various
invasive
species that can cause tree mortality at County Parks, our
motto is to buy it where you burn it. Outside firewood is not
permitted. Local firewood is available at all of the County’s
camping parks for a nominal donation to the San Diego County Parks
Society. Contact the park directly for more information.
Can we run a generator in
our campsite?
Please call ahead to see if generators are
allowed at your preferred location. Where generators are allowed,
rules will apply to ensure the noise is not disruptive to nature or
other campers in the area. Generators may only run between the hours
of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. and at the discretion of park staff.
Am I allowed to bring alcoholic
drinks into the park?
Alcoholic beverages are permitted
in most County parks, providing the alcoholic content does not exceed
20%. No alcohol is allowed at the following parks: All 4S Ranch Local
Parks and Sports Park, Agua Caliente (pool areas), Cactus, Collier,
Eucalyptus, Goodland Acres, Hilton Head, Jess Martin (skate park area)
Lamar, Lindo Lake, Nancy Jane, Old Ironsides, Rainbow, Spring Valley,
Sweetwater Lane or Waterfront Park. For more information, please call
the park directly or call (858) 565-3600 or (877) 565-3600, Monday
through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Where can I go fishing or
boating?
Lake Morena County Park, a camping
park located in the Campo area of San Diego County, also offers
fishing and boating. Visit the park page for hours, the latest
fish report, and other useful information. Due to the lake’s low water
levels, the boat dock is occasionally to personal watercraft. Motor
boats can be rented through the park office. Swimming is not permitted
- call ahead at (619) 478-5473. Guajome Regional County Park has
two ponds where people can fish, and ponds at
Dos
Picos County Park and
Lindo
Lake offer anglers two additional recreational venues.
Where can I go swimming?
Agua Caliente County Park offers
three naturally-fed pools that provide different ways of enjoying the
parks mineral water; two outdoor pools of varying temperatures average
90 degrees and are great for families; one indoor therapeutic spa is
heated to 102 degrees and outfitted with Jacuzzi jets. Agua Caliente
is closed during summer months due to extreme heat; please visit the
park page for more information. Swimming is not permitted in any other
body of water within the County Parks system. This is for your safety
as well as for the safety of the species that live in/near our
regional waterways.
Yes, we love dogs! Dogs are allowed in most County Parks except for on the trails at Agua Caliente County Park. Assistance dogs, including guide dogs, signal dogs and service dogs, are welcome at all County Parks and Recreation facilities – and we ask handlers of these dogs to comply with all associated regulations. When in a County park and on any County trails, all dogs must be on leash no longer than 6 feet. Please obey leash laws at all County parks – this is for your safety as well as for the safety of your pet. Owners with dogs that are out of control or who pose a demonstrated risk to other park-goers may be asked to leave. The fee for dogs in County campgrounds is $1 per night, per dog, and the owner must carry the license and proof of current vaccinations.
Are there
protected species on County land? If so, what are we doing to
protect them?
San Diego County parks and preserves are
home to a wide diversity of species. The ecosystems that call oceans,
ponds, deserts, mountains and valleys their home are unique to each
area, and many contain species that are protected. Learn more about
these plants and animals, and what we’re doing to protect them, on our
Multiple Species Conservation Plan page.
What are we doing about
invasive species?
Invasive species are plants, fungi or
animals that are not native to a specific location. They disrupt the
local ecosystem, changing processes that have been in play for decades
– many causing harm to the areas they invade. Read Pests, Interrupted
to learn more about the damage incurred by invasive species. DPR
is part of a local taskforce called the Emerging Pest Steering
Committee. This committee is a multi-agency group that launched years
ago in response to drought and effects of the Goldspotted oak borer;
last fall they updated their charter and expanded their focus to
include all invasive pests including the recently discovered shot hole
borer. Read additional information in
this article.
What is the Heritage
Tree Program?
We’re doing what we can to protect our
trees and to be forward-thinking when it comes to ways to save them.
County Parks’ vision is to have a no-net-loss tree canopy in San
Diego, which basically means we’re re-planting trees 3:1 wherever
possible, as new resources become available. Our county-wide Heritage
Tree Program was initiated to catalog existing trees and to establish
requirements for maintaining tree density and diversity in all County
parks. Action plans are catered to each location where tree loss or
Heritage Tree protection efforts are taking place. Read additional
information in
this article.
What happens when a tree dies
in a County Park?
There are regular tree removals at all
of our parks where dead/dying trees pose a safety risk to park users
(due to drought, GSOB and other pests). This is more prevalent in our
mountain region where the tree canopy is thicker. At campgrounds we
can use the cut trees as firewood - in line with our "buy it
where you burn it" campaign to prevent the spread of invasive
species. The mulch can also be spread on trails and in other public
areas. Dead or dying trees near or on public thoroughfares like
parking lots and trails within TRVRP have been trimmed by park staff
and mulched and solarized in a designated area. Our next step is to
trim, mulch and solarize dead/dying trees within 25 feet of our
trails. We’re always sorry to lose a tree and do our best to replant
wherever trees are lost at a 3:1 ratio.
Is it cheaper to get
married in a County Park?
Short answer? Yes! Our
17-location park portfolio includes sites with cityscapes, mountain
views, forest shade and historic ranchos. Parks are very customizable
spaces with very few vendor limitations; we encourage brides and
grooms to build their special day, just the way they want it, in a
format that matches their budget. View the wedding venue
cost comparison chart
or call the reservations team between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5
p.m. Monday, through Friday at (858) 565-3600 (locally) or (877)
565-3600 (toll free).
What are some
benefits to getting married in a County Park?
We have
designated “wedding trees” at Stelzer County Park, Flinn Springs
County Park and El Monte County Park (all in Lakeside) as well as at
William Heise County Park (Julian). There are prep kitchens at all
three of our community centers (Fallbrook, Lakeside and Spring Valley)
as well as at our newest wedding venue – Provence House (Bonita).
Waterfront weddings can be held at Dos Picos County Park (Ramona),
Lindo Lake/Lakeside Community Center, Sweetwater Summit (Bonita) and
Waterfront Park (downtown). Power and restrooms are available at all
of our wedding locations. Some of our wedding venues even offer bridal
changing areas and overnight accommodations in the form of cabins, RV
sites and tent camping sites, including: Dos Picos County Park, Heise
County Park and Sweetwater Summit.
Does my photographer have
to complete a film and photography permit?
The San Diego
County Parks and Recreation Department maintains and operates more
than 55,000 acres of beautiful and unique locations and settings. Many
of these are desirable for still photographers and filmmakers for
backdrops and film footage. Most of the park locations are available
for use by reservation, and in many of these locations, park rangers
can be on hand to assist with and monitor activities. A permit is
required for any event where photos taken will be used for commercial
purposes. View our web page on Permits and Fees for additional information.
What is required to bring
a jumper or bounce house into a County Park?
For parks
that allow jumpers or bounce houses, a $25 permit fee is required
along with proof of liability insurance and a signed hold harmless
agreement – prior to the reservation. These items should be delivered
to the Reservations team at 5510 Overland Avenue, Suite 270, San
Diego, CA 92123 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or
sent via email to
our reservations team.
I’m a vendor and I want to sell
stuff at County Parks. What are the rules?
We love
vendors, but there are some policies in place to ensure the right
permits are secured before goods or services are shared or sold.
Please contact the park where you plan to set up shop or call our
reservations team between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday,
through Friday at (858) 565-3600 (locally) or (877) 565-3600 (toll free).
