General Rules & Ordinances
Take Only Photographs... Leave Only Footprints
Millions of people visit Santa Clara County's regional parks each year. Please help preserve the natural beauty of our parklands and ensure the safety of our visitors by complying with these rules and any posted regulations.
We have posted regulations at our park entrances but are unable to post them all. Please take a few moments to become educated on the rules and regulations by visiting the MuniCode website. If you have any questions please call ahead to avoid a citation.
Park Hours
Park hours are between 8am and sunset. If you have a smart phone, open the weather app and it was show the sunset for your current location. Please visit individual park pages for more information.
Alcohol
Permitted in County Parks except where posted. (Most common restricted areas are playgrounds and parking lots.)
Boating
All vessels, including float tubes, paddleboards, and kayaks, must be inspected for invasive mussels prior to launching. Motorized vessels require current registration. Reservations for launch may be required during certain times of year. All vessels must carry required equipment.
Bikes
All visitors under 18 are required to wear a helmet while operating a bike. All visitors, regardless of age, are required to wear a helmet while using unpaved dirt trails. No fully electric bicycles or scooters are allowed within County Parks. Trail users must follow speed limits and ride safely for the conditions.
Dogs/Pets
Allowed on most trails, see each park map for restrictions. (Most common are historical areas) Must be controlled on a 6-foot (or less) leash at all times. Animal waste must be picked up and removed.
Drones
A valid permit is required by the Director authorizing such use. No person shall launch or land a drone, aircraft, or personal air vehicle within any park area or on any structure, facility, or equipment located within any park area.
Fires
Permitted in designated barbecue pits or campfire rings only. No fires on open ground. No wood gathering. During Red Flag fire conditions, wood and charcoal fires will be prohibited.
Fishing
License required for all persons age 16 or older. All state fish and game laws apply.
Garbage
Place in receptacles provided. Recycling is encouraged.
Geocaching
Geocaching is permitted in county parks when practiced under established conditions and procedures.
Picnic Sites
First-come, first-serve sites are open to groups of up to 30 people. A single site may be used per group. Groups over 30 people require the use of a reservable group site.
Plants & Wildlife
Collection of plant specimens and feeding of birds or animals is not permitted.
Photography
All for profit photography/videography requires a permit.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all county parks and on all trails, including vaping.
Swimming
Prohibited in all lakes, streams and reservoirs.
Vehicles
Observe posted speed limits. Stay on designated roadways and in designated areas.
Weapons
Firearms, air guns, and paint ball guns are prohibited. Archery equipment allowed within specifically designated archery areas in Mt. Madonna, Santa Teresa, and Stevens Creek parks.