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State Park, State Forest, National Park, National Monument, National Forest
... What is the Difference?
Headed up to the Sequoias! Sequoia National Park ?... NOPE,
Sequoia National Forest, near Giant Sequoia National Monument.... huh?
Forest, Park, Reserve, Monument, Recreation Area, BLM,
Preserve ...arghh! Don't let all the names confuse you. It's
all California & it's your public land! No dogs here; No
camping there; Now what? We have a great overview, the basic
concepts & the rules broken down for you here.
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California Outdoor Recreation: All parks, forests, preserves, monuments, public lands, lakes, rivers, wilderness, historical sites and museums can be found listed separately on our super local A-Z town pages
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Back country lands very protected from roads and human impact. Off limits to vehicles & mountain bikes. Only accessible by backpacking, hiking or horseback. Endangered species; Hard to reach terrains in the High Sierra. Overnight visits may require a wilderness permit. |
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Federal lands of national parks, preserves & monuments; highly regarded as some of the most scenic in world & protected. Limited use areas for camping & recreation. No mountain biking on trails. No dogs on trails. Most National Parks are crowded in the summer months you can't even really enjoy the experience. Try the off-season times for your best stay. Drive thru entrance fees. |
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NM:
California National Monument
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Located within
the National Park System & more specific to a region. Historic buildings, geological features and deserts ruins qualify. Some National Monuments become National Parks. Many locations have entrance fees. |
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NRA:
National Recreation Area
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Located within
the National Park System & somewhat specific to a waterways, coastlines, lakes and reservoirs. Most locations have entrance fees. |
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NSA:
National Scenic Area
National Seashore
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Located within
the National Park System & is basically scenic area worth preserving. Usually no entrance fees. |
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Areas of forestlands throughout state; some surround the National Parks. 18 national forests make up 20 million acres of federal land. Multiple use areas: snow skiing, mining, grazing, off-roading. OHV & SVRA Tons of small
campgrounds, recreation & primitive spots for real seclusion. Best bet for finding a spot away from the crowds. Get a free fire permit & camp along the back roads. State Forest can fall within this category. No entrance fees, some parking fees; SoCal requires an Adventure Pass for parking on the roadside or at a trailhead.
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California
Department of Parks & Recreation manages more than 260 parks.
These smaller parks are located near cities with historical parks,
as well as remote wild state land & coastal beaches. Entrance
fees, day use, picnic and some have campgrounds. State Parks charge fees for day use, parking and overnight camping. |
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California SF:
California State Forest
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California
Demonstration Forests, areas to be protected. Redwoods & Sequoia Groves; fragile eco-systems. Some may charge entrance fees. |
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California SRA:
State Recreation Areas
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California
Department of Parks & Recreation
Lakes, Reservoirs, Rivers. Many have boat rentals and active marina. Recreation lakes charge entrance, parking or boat launch fees. |
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California
OHV & SVRA:
Off Hwy Vehicle Area and State
Vehicle Recreation Areas |
Off
Roading freaks can have their fun. Lands set aside for dune buggies,
quads & 4x4 enthusiasts. Mostly in the desert regions; Some
forest land & some coast, but some NFS areas allow
this vehicle activity as well. Buy your NFS
Maps & find your trails. Usually always an entrance fee. |
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California County Parks
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Back
roads & rural land protected from freeways & development. Some may require parking or entrance fees. Find these on A-Z town pages |
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California City Parks
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Urban Parks & Recreation, inside the city limits. Usually no entrance fees. Find these on A-Z town pages |
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BLM: public
lands
Bureau of Land Management
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All
Public lands that do not fall into the above categories. Little
to no fees for day use, recreation or overnight camping. Plenty of desert & off roading areas.
Camp almost anywhere out here for free, with a free fire
permit. |
