Picnicking rules and policies

Cancellation, transfer, and change policy

• There is a fee assessed for any cancellation, transfer, or change to a reservation or program registration. 
• A fee assessment occurs when the customer requests: 
  • Changes to the date of a reservation.
  • Changes to the arrival or departure date when the number of days is reduced.
  • Changes to the site and/or park of the reservation.
• Fees assessed may be deducted from the original amount paid and the refund amount will vary based on the number of days prior to the arrival date or program start date on which the request is received.
•  Cancellations, transfers and changes received more than 30 days prior to the arrival or start date will be refunded 90% of the original transaction fee.
  •  The first transfer fee will be waived as a courtesy if requested more than 30 days in advance. 
  • Any transfer or change after the first more than thirty (30) days prior to the arrival or start date will be refunded 90% of the original transaction fee.
• Cancellations, transfers, and changes received between 30 days and 4 days prior to the arrival or start date will be refunded 75% of the original transaction fee.
• There will be no refunds issued for cancellation, transfer, and change requests received less than 4 days prior to the arrival or start date.
• There will be no refunds exceptions due to sickness or COVID.
• To transfer, or change a reservation contact the County Parks Reservations Office at [email protected] or by calling (408) 355-2201 during normal business hours. 
  • Self-cancellations can also be done on gooutsideandplay.org. Smoking is prohibited in all County parks.

Reservation fees and hours

All fees are due and payable at the time of the transaction. Vehicle entrance fees are not included with a reservation and must be paid upon arrival. Please visit our fees page for current rates.

• Pre-paid vehicle entry is available for all picnic reservations with a processing fee. 
  • For fee rates visit our parks fee page. 
  • Customers may pre-purchase tickets up to a maximum of half the reserved sites capacity.

Parks are open from 8:00 am to sunset.

• Although parks open at 8:00 am daily, reservation site set up and usage is not recommended until 9:00am. Setting up before 9:00am could impact your site as site clean-up generally occurs between 8:00am and 9:00am and is not guaranteed before then.

Weddings and seasonal restrictions

• Additional procedures, paperwork, and fees apply to weddings and receptions, and these events may include special amenities that are not available with other events. Visit the wedding page for more information.

Additional rules and policies

• Picnic sites are for day use only.
• Picnic reservations do not include vehicle entrance fees or reserved parking spots.
  • Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. 
  • Parking spots cannot be saved. 
• Each customer may reserve a maximum of 1 picnic site for/on any date/s. 
  • There are picnic sites at limited locations that can be reserved together. Call the reservations office during normal business hours if you would like more information.
• Dogs/Pets must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long and under the owner’s control at all times.
• Minors are not eligible to stay at a reserved site unless accompanied by a responsible adult. Written proof of age may be required.
• Do not drive vehicles into picnic areas or onto lawns, paths, or landscaping.
• Twenty minutes is the maximum time allowed for parking in the yellow zone for unloading and loading of picnic supplies.
• If you have any special requests or activities planned you must contact the Reservation Office at [email protected] or call (408) 355-2201 during normal business hours. 
  Special requests or activities include but are not limited to the following uses:
  • Jump house/climbing wall or similar interactive amusement device (IAD)*
  • Obstacle courses*
  • Amplified sound (only at approved sites)
  • Generator use
  • Petting zoo
  • Gaming trucks
  • The event/activity is advertised to the general public
    • *There is an additional fee for permitting a jump house or other interactive amusement devices. This fee is in addition to your reservation fees. These devices are only permitted for day use reservable areas and are not allowed at first come first serve picnic areas or any other open spaces.
    • Only one jump house or interactive amusement device is allowed per reservable area.
  • All special request reservation addendums must be submitted to the reservations office no less than 7 days (more than 5 business days) prior to your event. We adhere to a strict no exceptions policy. If your paperwork is not received on time your request will be denied.
• General setup and cleanup of the premises is the responsibility of the reservation holder. 
  • Buildings and grounds shall be left free of debris and other refuse pertaining to the use/event.
  • Clean-up includes, but is not limited to:
    • Returning all chairs and tables back to their original configuration after event is completed.
    • Removing all decorations and equipment.
    • Cleaning left over debris and other refuse at the site.
    • Cleaning kitchen area, including stove and refrigerator.
  • Any clean-up necessary after an event will be charged to the customer at the special staffing fee rate per staff person, per hour.
• Future reservations at any Santa Clara County park may be denied until all fees pertaining to a past reservation are paid.
• Wood fires are not permitted in the BBQ grills at the picnic sites in all parks.
• Allow fires in BBQ grills to burn out. Water will damage the grill.
• Glitter, confetti, and water balloons are not allowed.
• Staples, tacks, or nails are not to be used on the picnic tables, park signs, wood structures, or trees.
• Post/place directional signs in designated areas only. Signs are to be removed after use.
• Swimming is not permitted in any Santa Clara County park.
• If you plan on having music playing at your event, it must be licensed by ASCAP. If you are interested in playing music beyond music listed on this link, please contact our reservations office at (408) 355-2201 and a reservations agent will give you detailed information about obtaining a permit from other music licensing agencies.