Central Valley District
Welcome to your Central Valley and Sierra Foothill California State Parks!
We are excited to share with you several special places in California that offer beautiful scenery and endless recreational and educational opportunities. Scroll through the park listings below and plan your next State Park adventure!
Calaveras Big Trees SP
This park preserves a mixed conifer forest with some of the oldest giant sequoias in California. Here, visitors will discover the biological diversity among the flora and fauna of the Western Sierra Nevadas, while learning about the influence the Native Americans and California Settlers had over this land. Reacreation activities include camping, fishing, hiking, guided tours, mountain bike riding, nature photographyand wildlife observation.
Day Use $10, Holiday Use $12
(209) 795-2334
1170 CA-4, Arnold, CA 95223
Caswell Memorial SP
The park is located along the Stanislaus River near the town of Ripon, California. The park protects a fine example of the threatened and still declining riparian oak woodland, which once flourished throughout California's Central Valley.
Day Use $10, Holiday Use $12
(209) 599-3810
28000 S Austin Rd, Ripon, CA 95366
Columbia SHP
The town's old Gold Rush-era business district has been preserved with shops, restaurants and two hotels. Visitors have the chance to time-travel to the 1850s, imagining life when gold miners rubbed shoulders with businessmen and the other residents in Columbia. Visitors can experience a bygone era watching proprietors in period clothing conduct business in the style of yesterday. There are opportunities to ride a 100-year-old stagecoach, pan for gold, and explore the real working businesses of Columbia.
Day and Holiday Use, Free
(209) 588-9128
11255 Jackson St, Columbia, CA 95310
Indian Grinding Rock SHP
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park (IGR) is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills 12 miles east of Jackson, CA. The park nestles in a little valley 2,400 feet above sea level with open meadows and large valley oaks that once provided the Native Americans of this area with an ample supply of acorns. The park was created in 1968 and preserves a great outcropping of marbleized limestone with some 1,185 mortar holes -- the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America.
Day and Holiday Use, $8
(209) 296-7488
14881 Pine Grove Valcano Rd, Pine Grove, CA 95665
Railtown 1897 SHP
Located in Jamestown, in the heart of California’s Gold Country about 100 miles southeast of Sacramento, 
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is home to the Historic Jamestown Shops and Roundhouse—an intact and still-functioning steam locomotive repair and maintenance facility, portions of which date back to 1897. This one-of-a-kind attraction combines industrial heritage and railroad history with the lore of Hollywood’s film industry. The Railtown 1897 Interpretive Center, the authentic roundhouse and shops, and the Depot Store (a railroad specialty gift shop) are among the Park’s unique year-round offerings. Museum Admission: Adults $5, Youth (ages 6 - 17), $3 Children (5 and younger) Free. (209) 984-3953
Turlock Lake SRA
Turlock Lake is closed until further notice, while California State Parks and Turlock Irrigation District actively work to find a new operator for the park.
Four Rivers Sector
George J. Hatfield SRA
This park is in the San Joaquin valley and is surrounded by the Merced River. The park has many trees and is home to various wildlife, especially birds. Swimming, fishing and picnicking are popular activities.
Day Use $10, Holiday Use $12
(209) 332-1852
4394 North Kelly Rd, Hilmar, CA 95324
Great Valley Grasslands SP
The park preserves one of few intact examples of native grasslands on the floor of the Central Valley. The park is part of the larger Grasslands Ecological Area (GEA) of federal, state and private lands all managed for wildlife values. The GEA represents the largest remaining contiguous block of wetlands in California.
Day and Holiday Use, Free
(209)826-1197
Highway 140 near Stevinson, CA
McConnell SRA
The Merced River, after coursing its way through the Yosemite Valley, becomes calm and inviting as it flows through McConnell State Recreation Area. Towering cottonwoods and sycamores offer relief from the dry heat of the central San Joaquin Valley.
Day Use $10, Holiday Use $12
(209) 394-7755
8800 McConnell Rd, Ballico, CA 95303
Pacheco SP
The park has beautiful displays of spring wildflowers, scenic vistas, and outstanding trails for horse-back riding, hiking, and mountain biking. The 28 miles of trails offer several loop options to give visitors the choice of a hike or ride of from one to twenty miles or more. During the spring the park's grassy slopes abound with blossoming wildflowers.
Day Use $10, Holiday Use $12
(209) 826-6283
38787 Dinosaur Point Rd, Hollister, CA 95023
San Luis Reservoir SRA
Nestled in the grassy hills of the western San Joaquin Valley near historic Pacheco Pass, San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is noted for boating, board sailing, camping, and picnicking. But it's anglers who find the unit's three lakes most inviting.
Day Use $10, Holiday Use $12
(209) 826-1197
31426 Gonzaga Rd, Gustine, CA 95322
SAN JOAQUIN SECTOR
CA State Mining & Mineral Museum
A visit to the California State Mining and Mineral Museum offers you the chance to explore the variety of California’s mineral wealth, view breathtaking gems and minerals from around the world, and to experience a bit of California’s exciting mining history. We have a number of rotating displays so there is something new to see each time you visit. This museum is a must see stop on any trip through the Mother Lode gold country or to nearby Yosemite National Park.
Day and Holiday Use, $4 adults, Free for childern 12 and under
(202)742-7625
5005 Farigrounds Rd, Mariposa, CA 95338
Millerton Lake SRA
With over 40 miles of shore land for water sports, this SRA offers visitors swimming, fishing, and boating. The hills surrounding the lake provide good hiking opportunities. Wildlife in the park includes ground squirrels, cottontails, mule deer, badgers and bald and golden eagles. During winter, the park has special boat tours to view the bald eagles.
Day Use $10, Holiday Use $12
South Shore: (559) 822-2332
5290 Millerton Road, Friant, CA 93626
North Shore: (559) 822-2225
47597 Road 145, Friant, CA 93626
Wassama Round House SHP
This park preserves a traditional meeting place of the Southern Sierra Miwok people. Ancient customs of local Native California Indians are hornored and passed down to younger generations at the park during the annual Gathering Days event, held during the third weekend in October.
Day Use and Holiday Use, Free
(209) 742-7625
43055 Rd 628, Ahwahnee, CA 93601
Central Valley District Office
22708 Broadway
Columbia, CA 95310-9400
(209) 536-5930
Start Your Parks Career with Us!
Visit www.parks.ca.gov/CVDJobs