Mark your calendars and start making plans to join California State Parks and partners in celebrating the fourth annual California State Parks Week from June 11 to 15.

Presented by California State Parks, California State Parks Foundation, Parks California and Save the Redwoods League, this exciting weeklong celebration with the tagline “This is Where You Live” offers more than 170 events, including both in-person and virtual experiences, highlighting the people, places and programs that make California’s 280 state parks truly unique.

Why California State Parks Week?

California’s state parks preserve and protect the state’s natural and cultural history. In recent years, it has become abundantly clear that public lands play a critical role in making communities stronger, happier and healthier. Our shared parks are places where everyone can connect with nature and find inspiration and joy. California State Parks Week is a fun way to celebrate the wonder and sense of community that the outdoors provides to Californians and visitors from all over the world.

Lake County is home to Clear Lake State Park in Kelseyville and Anderson Marsh State Historic Park in Lower Lake, as well as a portion of Robert Louis Stevenson State Park near Middletown.

During California State Parks Week, Anderson Marsh will host its final guided park walk of the spring season on Saturday, June 14.

Whether you are exploring new outdoor activities, learning ways to protect the environment or connecting with your community, California State Parks Week offers something for everyone — all at no additional cost. It’s an opportunity to take direct climate action, enjoy the beauty of your parks and be part of a movement to preserve them for future generations.

The festivities take added significance this year as California celebrates its 175th year of statehood.

“As California commemorates its 175th anniversary, California State Parks Week offers an opportunity to celebrate the incredible natural and cultural wealth that our 280 state parks offer,” said Armando Quintero, director of California State Parks. “This is where you live, and these spaces connect us to the land, our history and one another. Whether you’re hiking, volunteering or simply soaking in the views, this week is a beautiful reminder to embrace the unmatched nature of California and the positive impact it has on our well-being and the health of the environment.”

Launched in 2022, California State Parks Week advances the “Outdoor Access for All” initiative championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Natural Resources Agency’s “Outdoors for All” initiative.

The initiative expands outdoor access to all Californians through focused investments in open space infrastructure, outdoor programming and improvements to permit applications, with a priority to support underserved communities.

California State Parks protects the best of the state’s natural and cultural history; more than 340 miles of coastline; the tallest, largest and among the oldest trees in the world; and deserts, lakes, rivers and beaches. There are more than 5,200 miles of trails, and 15,000 campsites, prehistoric and historic archeological sites, ghost towns, historic homes and monuments — all waiting to be explored.

“California State Parks Week is more than a celebration — it’s a reflection of the deep, personal connections people have with these incredible places,” said Rachel Norton, executive director of California State Parks Foundation. “At California State Parks Foundation, we believe that when people explore parks and have meaningful experiences in nature, they’re more likely to become lifelong stewards. From volunteering to advocating for funding, Californians are stepping up to protect these shared lands for future generations. This week is a reminder of the joy our parks bring — and the power we have, together, to ensure they thrive.”

The following are some ways to enjoy the state’s park.

Celebrate community and culture: California’s state parks are for all people. The event affirms that truth by elevating the perspectives and experiences of communities that have been historically underrepresented in public lands with celebrations and cultural events.

Explore new experiences: Everyone is encouraged to visit a state park and try something new. From first-time camping and an interpretive hike to adventures like surfing, boating or off-roading, California State Parks Week is your invitation to explore an activity that you just might fall in love with.

Nourish your health and well-being: Studies have shown that time in nature can boost people’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Everyone should have access to these benefits. California’s state parks give us all places where we can find refuge, inspiration and joy.

Support climate resilience: Learn about and support state parks and their partners’ efforts to ensure climate resilience across California’s State Park System — from expanding protected lands in state parks and restoring forests to engaging in educational dialogue about climate threats and solutions.

“Parks are more than places — they are part of the fabric of our communities and where people from all backgrounds can feel welcomed, inspired and connected,” Said Kindley Walsh Lawlor, president and CEO of Parks California. “California State Parks Week celebrates the unique power of these public spaces to bring people together, foster belonging and spark a lifelong love for the outdoors. At Parks California, we are proud to help make parks more welcoming and resilient so everyone can enjoy their beauty and benefits — now and into the future.”

Reservations are now open. For a full list of events and participation details, visit https://castateparksweek.org/.