Park rules

Park hours

Park hours are between 8 am and sunset. If you have a smart phone, open the weather app and it shows the sunset for your current location. Please visit individual park pages for more information.

Alcohol

Permitted in County Parks except where posted. (Most common restricted areas are playgrounds, ranges, and parking lots.)

Boating

All vessels, including float tubes, paddleboards, and kayaks, must be inspected for invasive mussels prior to launching. Motorized vessels require current registration. Reservations for launch may be required during certain times of year. All vessels must carry required equipment. Visit the boating rules page for a complete listing of boating rules.

Bikes

All visitors under 18 are required to wear a helmet while operating a bike. All visitors, regardless of age, are required to wear a helmet while using unpaved dirt trails. No fully electric bicycles or scooters are allowed within County Parks. Trail users must follow speed limits and ride safely for the conditions

Camping

Visit the camping rules page for a complete list of camping rules.

Dogs and pets

Allowed on most trails, see each park map for restrictions (historical areas are the most common restriction). Must be controlled on a 6-foot (or less) leash at all times. Animal waste must be picked up and removed. Pet's may not be allowed at certain park events, please see the specific event page for restrictions.

Drones

Authorized only with a valid permit approved by the department director. No person shall launch or land a drone, aircraft, or personal air vehicle within any park area or on any structure, facility, or equipment located within any park area. Visit the permits page for more information.

Fires

Permitted in designated barbecue pits or campfire rings only. No fires on open ground. No wood gathering. During Red Flag fire conditions, wood and charcoal fires will be prohibited.

Fishing

License required for all persons aged 16 or older. All state fish and game laws apply. Visit the fishing page for more information.

Garbage

Place in receptacles provided. Recycling is encouraged.

Geocaching

Geocaching is permitted in County parks when practiced under established conditions and procedures. Review geocaching rules.

Picnicking

First-come, first-serve sites are open to groups of up to 30 people. A single site may be used per group. Groups over 30 people require the use of a reservable group site. For a complete list of picnicking rules visit the picnicking rules page.

Plants and wildlife

Collection of plant specimens and feeding of birds or animals is not permitted.

Photography

All commercial photography/videography requires a permit.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all county parks and on all trails, including vaping.

Swimming

Prohibited in all lakes, streams, and reservoirs.

Vehicles

Observe posted speed limits. Stay on designated roadways and in designated areas.

Weapons

Firearms, air guns, and paint ball guns are prohibited. Archery equipment allowed within specifically designated archery areas in Mt. Madonna, Santa Teresa, and Stevens Creek parks.