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recreationstate
Distinguished Veteran Pass — Free State Park Day Use, Camping and Boating
A free pass covering day use, camping and boating at every California state park for a veteran rated 50% or higher. It covers camping, which almost no other state pass does.
Verified August 18, 2026
What this benefit is
A free pass covering day use, camping and boating at every California state park for a veteran rated 50% or higher. It covers camping, which almost no other state pass does.
What it's worth: Day use, camping and boating at every California state park
- Estimated for a household that camps several times a year. California state park camping runs $35 to $65 a night, so a handful of weekends exceeds this.
- This is a much broader pass than most states offer — Texas and Florida waive day-use entry only, while this covers camping and boating too.
- Supplemental fees at individual parks are still payable.
Who is entitled to it
- You served in the U.S. armed forces.
- Your rating is 50% or higher.
- You are a California resident.
- Your home is in California.
Not sure whether that describes you?
Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.
How to claim it
- 1Apply to California State Parks with a VA letter showing a 50% or greater rating and proof of California residency.
- 2Carry the pass with photo ID — parks check both.
- File with
- California State Parks
- Documents you will need
- va rating letter ca · proof of residence
- Periodic re-certification
- The pass is valid for five years, then renewed.
Sources
- authority · published policyCalifornia State Parks — Distinguished Veteran Pass
- operating · published policyCalVet — Recreation benefits
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