Parking lots at 27 California state parks partially reopen

A trail is marked with social distancing signs in Joshua Tree National Park one day after the park reopened after being closed for two months due to the coronavirus pandemic on May 18, 2020, in Joshua Tree National Park, California. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

by: Associated Press

Posted: May 19, 2020 / 02:15 PM PDT

Updated: May 19, 2020 / 02:15 PM PDT

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The parking lots of 27 California state parks have partially reopened weeks after the 280 state parks and beaches closed their parking lots to discourage non-local visitors, officials said Tuesday.

Parking lots were partially reopened at Jack London State Historic Park in Sonoma County, Lake Oroville State Recreation Area in Butte County and several state beaches in Orange County, including Huntington, Bolsa Chica and Crystal Cove, among others.

Gloria Sandoval, deputy director of California’s state parks department, said even though there is increased access at some parks and beaches, officials still encourage people to stay close to home.

“State Parks will continue to monitor visitation and physical distancing across the system and if unsafe conditions develop, park units may close again,” she said.

Visitors are also advised to check online to see if the park or beach they want to be visit is open before leaving home, what new visitor guidelines are in effect and if parking is available, she said.

As of Tuesday, 36 parks were closed and 244 were open though campgrounds, restrooms, visitor centers and other facilities remain closed at all state parks.

Here is list of parks that now have limited parking:

Butte County

Lake Oroville State Recreation Area

El Dorado County

Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park

Emerald Bay State Park

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (also in Sacramento and Placer counties)

Lake Valley State Recreation Area

Washoe Meadows State Park

Kern County

Onyx Ranch

Nevada County