California Forest, Public Lands, National Parks, Preserve, National Forest, State Park Reserve, BLM

parks.forest

State Park / National Park / National Forest / BLM
... What's the Difference?

Headed up to the Sequoia's! Sequoia National Park ?... NOPE, Sequoia National Forest.... 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.

Wilderness Lands	Back country lands very protected from roads. Most off limits to vehicles & mountain bikes. Only accessible by backpacking, hiking or horseback. Endangered species; Hard to reach terrains; High Sierra!	a great place to start
NPS: National Park Service	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. 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. Entrance fees from $10-$20. Annual Passes $50. official website
NM: National Monument	Underneath the National Park System & more specific to a region.
NSA: National Scenice Area	Underneath the National Park System & more specific to a region.
NFS: National Forest USDA Forest Service	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 categorie. offical website
SP: California State Parks	California Department of Parks & Recreation manages more than 260 parks. These smaller parks are located in cities with historical parks, as well as remote wild state land & coastal beaches. Entrance fees from $2-$12. Annual Passes $35. official website
SF: California State Forest	California Demonstration Forests, areas to be protected Redwoods & Sequoia Groves; fragile eco-systems
SRA: State Recreation Areas	California Department of Parks & Recreation Lakes, Reservoirs, Rivers
OHV & SVRA: Off Hwy Vehicle Area & State Vehicle Recr. Area	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.
County Parks	Back roads & land protected from freeways & development.
City Parks	Urban Parks & Recreation, inside the city limits
BLM: public lands Bureau of Land Management	All Public lands that do not fall into the above categories. Little to no fees for use. Plenty of Desert & Off Roading area. Camp almost anywhere with a free fire permit.