State Parks Offer Free Admission for Service Members on Veterans Day

CALIFORNIA — California State Parks are offering free admission at 142 state parks on November 11, Veterans Day, to veterans, active-duty, and reserve military members. The offer stems from a 2013 bill allowing state parks to offer reduced fees or free day-use on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. California State Parks confirms its parks have not been affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Regional participating parks include Plumas-Eureka State Park, Donner Memorial State Park, Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, Empire Mine State Historic Park, South Yuba River State Park, Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, Clay Pit State Vehicular Recreation Area, and more. The Department of Parks and Recreation clarifies that eligible individuals must provide valid military identification or proof of discharge other than dishonorable or bad conduct.

“California State Parks is proud to provide free access to veterans who have stood watch and protected our country,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero in a press release. “We invite you to find rest, healing, and connection within California’s most beautiful and cherished natural treasures.” A full list of participating parks is available at https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31769.