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OC Parks Media Center Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions:
What kind of facilities does OC Parks operate?
| Through Orange County Parks, formerly known as Harbors, Beaches and Parks, the County of Orange owns or manages more than 39,000 acres of regional park facilities that include cultural, historical and natural resources. The extensive regional park system includes 32,000 acres in 25 urban and wilderness parks, 7 miles of beaches, seven regional historic sites and parks, 7,000 acres of open space lands and 230 miles of regional riding and hiking trails. For a full list of OC Parks facilities, go to www.OCParks.com.
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How are the parks funded?
| OC Parks was originally a Special District receiving a dedicated property tax allocation. After Proposition 13 and the Gann Initiative (1978-79), OC Parks became a County Service Area (CSA 26) in 1989, retaining its property tax allocation. OC Parks is required by State legislation to contribute to the Orange County bankruptcy recovery until the year 2016. Some of that amount has been reduced. A nominal parking fee also applies to the parks, though entry on foot, bike or horseback is free.
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How much does it cost to get in to the parks?
| The parks are free to those walking, biking or riding in. Vehicle entry fee at Regional Parks is $3 per vehicle Monday through Friday, $5 per vehicle on Saturday and Sunday. On major holidays (Mothers Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day), entry fee is $7 per vehicle, as posted. Special event days have a parking fee of $10 per vehicle. Commercial buses cost $30 per entry. Parking fees for Wilderness Parks and nature preserves is $3 per vehicle, seven days a week.
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Are annual passes available for OC Parks?
| Yes. A combination pass, good at all OC Parks facilities – parks and beaches – is available at all parks for $80, or $50 for seniors and the handicapped (per state vehicle code). An annual pass and decal restricted to Regional and Wilderness parks only is available for $55, or $35 for seniors and the handicapped. An annual beach-only parking meter decal is available for $55, or $35 for seniors and the handicapped. Parking passes are effective from January 1 to December 31 of the calendar year issued. For more information on parking decals and passes, visit www.OCParks.com.
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Do any OC Parks facilities offer camping?
| Caspers Wilderness Park and O’Neill Regional Park offer overnight camping for visitors. Caspers has limited RV hookup sites available. Camping reservations are available at www.OCParks.com or by calling 1-800-OC-PARKS. Mile Square Regional Park offers a one-night stay overnight camping facility available for organized youth groups. Camp Sycamore is designed as a first camping experience for children between the ages of 6 and 12 years old only. Please call the park office for information. RV camping is available at Featherly Regional Park, which is operated by a private concessionaire, Canyon RV Park. That park can be reached at (714) 637-0210.
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How can I make reservations for a picnic shelter, camping or for a special event, such as a wedding?
| Visitors may reserve picnic shelters, campsites and/ or wedding locations online for the following regional and recreational facilities: Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Caspers Wilderness Park, Clark Regional Park, Craig Regional Park, George Key Ranch Historical Site, Irvine Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park, O''Neill Regional Park and Yorba Park. Go to www.OCParks.com to make reservations online or call 1-866-OC-PARKS.
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I went to a park today and it was closed. How do I get information about park and trail closures?
| Parks and trails are occasionally closed for public safety reasons, utility failures, inclement weather or to preserve trail conditions. Some parks may remain closed for an undetermined period of time following significant rainfall or wildfire to prevent damage to trails and habitat. Closures are posted promptly on each park’s individual page at www.OCParks.com. Or call the park of your choice for updated closure information.
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Are dogs allowed at OC Parks facilities?
| Dogs are permitted at most parks, but must be kept on a 6-foot leash. No dogs are permitted at Wilderness Parks. Please call the park of your choice or refer to www.OCParks.com for parks that allow dogs.
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What activities other than hiking and biking are available at OC Parks?
| OC Parks facilities offer amenities including tot lots, sports fields, picnic shelters, fishing, interpretive centers and programs, fitness courses, surfing and boating. Private concessionaires at some parks offer bike rentals, water bike rentals, pony rides and, at Irvine Regional Park, train rides. OC Parks also operates historical facilities, like the Old Orange County Courthouse and Heritage Hill Historic Park. The Orange County Zoo at Irvine Regional Park features species native to the Southwest. Clark Park’s interpretive center gives visitors a peek in the distant past with its fossil collection. Some parks also offer guided hikes. Check the monthly events calendar at www.OCParks.com for more information.
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How do I volunteer at a park?
| Volunteers are the heartbeat of OC Parks. Through the Adopt-a-Park program, the types of work a volunteer can perform are many and varied; skills and talents are matched with volunteers’ work preference. Training will be provided if required. Volunteer activities include greeting visitors, administrative work, photography, planting and seeding, leading nature walks and programs, building and repairing structures and building and repairing trails. OC Parks also operates a Ranger Reserve Program, which for some, can lead to a career in the parks. For more information on volunteer opportunities and the reserve program, go to www.OCParks.com.
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