Learn about current park closures and updates.
County Park Fees: Effective Feb. 18, some fees for services at San Diego County parks increased, slightly, to offset other costs and provide resources for ongoing maintenance projects, educational programs and nature experiences.
View the detailed list of fees and FAQs document.
Hours: County Parks are open year-round, however, per policy C-7, parking lot gates, park offices and restrooms will be closed on Dec. 25. All sites remain open to foot, horse and bike traffic. In addition, campgrounds remain open and will be in full operation with available parking, restrooms and staffed park offices on Dec. 25.
County Parks Cool Zones: During
major heat events, several of our facilities serve as Cool Zones. All
facilities are closed Dec. 25 unless otherwise noted.
Electric Bikes (e-bikes): The Department allows the use of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on various bicycle paths and trails at County parks/preserves, some locations have restrictions. Learn more information.
Pesticides: Parks routinely receive pesticide applications to prevent and control infestations of, and tree mortality as a result of, invasive insects. Signs will be posted in spray areas. Those areas will remain closed while spraying is taking place, and until it is safe to reenter the area. Thank you for your understanding as we work to protect our tree canopy.
Rodenticides: Rodenticides are a
mitigation measure. Certain rodents, namely gophers and ground
squirrels, present a risk to park infrastructure and users in
developed areas , such as active recreational sites, picnic areas and
campgrounds. Tunnels and holes created by rodents can undermine
improvements such as sidewalks, trails and pathways, and holes and
mounds of dirt created as a result of tunneling activity present a
tripping hazard for park users, rendering areas unsafe. The use of
rodenticides by County Parks is conducted following all County, State
and Federal policies, rules, regulations, laws, labels and
administrative procedures. The work is performed by private trained
pest control businesses/licensed applicators. Applicators seek to
minimize potential exposure to other species. The treatment for
gophers is applied underground in their tunnels and the treatment for
squirrels uses enclosed bait stations. Both methods minimize the
potential for access from other animals. County Parks does not use
rodenticides in non-public use areas of parks or in open space
areas.
Public Restroom Facilities: As a convenience for our customers, the County of San Diego Department of Parks and recreation operates multiple restrooms at parks and park facilities. This spreadsheet below relays that information, including park name, location and hours of operation: Public Restroom Facilities.
Showers: In conjunction with the County’s water-conservation measures, coin-operated shower fixtures have been installed at the following campgrounds: Agua Caliente, Vallecito, Dos Picos, William Heise, Guajome Regional, Potrero and Lake Morena. Fixtures take quarters and cost 50 cents for 4 minutes of shower time. Quarters are available at the Ranger stations. The showers at Sweewtater Summit are different in that they take tokens - not quarters - but the rate is the same, with four tokens per dollar. Tokens are available at the Ranger Station.
Lakeside River Trail: The Lakeside River Park organization is making improvements to the Lakeside River Trail. While equipment is on site, and crews are working, the trail may be limited to pedestrian traffic. Safety is a priority at County Parks - please obey all posted signs.
Oakoasis County Preserve: Routine testing for the presence of drinking water contaminants in the wells at Oakoasis County Preserve has confirmed low levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). As a result, potable drinking water is not available on site, and drinking fountains, campsite water spigots, and showers are not in operation. Please bring enough water for both drinking and washing purposes. Toilets and restroom handwashing sinks, however, remain operational as non-potable water sources and should not be used for drinking or cooking.
PFAS are human-made substances that have been used in everyday products for decades and are considered “forever chemicals.” The presence of these substances is not a result of any County activities or sources at the Preserve. While County sources have been ruled out, a potential outside source(s) of these substances cannot be confirmed.
These wells are regulated by the State of California as part of a transient non-community small water system, and therefore no notification of detection of these substances to residents is required. However, local residents are encouraged to test their own wells for these substances and educate themselves on current regulations and possible health concerns. For more information on PFAS sources, testing and treatment, please visit California State Water Resources Control Board PFAS.
Sweetwater Summit Regional Park: Work has been completed on the Sweetwater Loop and River Trail, thanks to a collaborative effort between the County of San Diego, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Sweetwater Authority. This portion of the trail (approximately 1.3 miles) was rerouted to protect sensitive habitats while maintaining access and recreation opportunities. Please obey all posted signs so we can continue to keep this trail open for your enjoyment. For more information, please call the park at (619) 472-7572.
Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch: Improving the County’s 350+ mile trail system is a priority for the San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation, and efforts to expand trail access are balanced by efforts to preserve sensitive habitats and culturally significant areas. Over the years, a number of unauthorized trails have appeared in Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch County Preserve. These trails negatively affect these areas and can cause harm to plants, animals and other resources. You may notice signs and other barricades blocking access to these unauthorized trails. Please stay on trail and only in authorized areas as we work to protect this urban oasis.
