Home - Parks and Recreation - County of Santa Clara

The mission of the Santa Clara County Parks & Recreation Department is to provide, protect, and preserve regional parklands for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

Santa Clara County Parks strives to provide all visitors a place where diversity and inclusivity is valued and makes every effort to provide access to outstanding recreational opportunities, a rich cultural historical legacy, and an expansive regional trail system for all to enjoy.

Featured Items & Upcoming Events

Want to be a Park Ranger? Santa Clara County Parks is hiring!

Be part of a dedicated team that stewards over 52,000 acres of Santa Clara County’s finest natural resources and historic areas, along with a wide variety of recreational facilities like campgrounds, boating lakes, an OHV park, shooting range, and more. Learn more.

Children participating in owl dissection activity at Habitat Day

Coyote Creek Habitat Day, Apr 1, 10am-2pm

Join us for a family day of activities and to view wildlife connected with Coyote Creek. Discover the people and animals who have made their homes along Coyote Creek and how we can protect it in today’s changing environment. Details.

#PixInParks Challenge has Begun!

Lace up your boots! It's time to get outside and connect with nature in the 7th and Final #PixInParks Challenge. Challenge ends December 15, 2023.

Provide Feedback on the Countywide Trails Map Update!

County Parks is working to update the Countywide Trails Master Plan Map to better reflect current planning and changes to the countywide trails network. Explore the Draft Map or attend an upcoming public meeting.

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Camp Hosts Wanted

Love to camp out in your RV or trailer? In exchange for 20 hours of volunteering a week, Camp Hosts can park their rig free of charge for terms up to 3 years. We are currently looking for dedicated ambassadors in our parks at Alviso Marina, Martial Cottle, Chitactac Adams, and Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Parks. Apply Here!

Scout volunteers with fishing poles at south bay fishing in the city

Volunteers Needed for South Bay Fishing in the City!

Love to fish? Help parks staff teach children ages 5-15 the joys of fishing and provide them the tools they need to fish on their own at lakes, ponds, and streams close to home. We are looking for one-time event volunteers as young as 14 years old, and Core Volunteers (18+) who would like to take a leadership role and attend multiple events throughout the season. Click here to sign up!

motorcycle rider in air at metcalf motorcycle park with background of golden hills

Let your voice be heard

County Parks submitted an application to the CA State Parks OHV Division for a grant to help fund Metcalf Motorcycle Park improvements and operations. We welcome your input March 7 - May 1. Details

hudson painted a deer with a butterfly perched on its back. trees and grasses in the background

Attn: Young Artists, Grades Pre-K - 12

Create and share the art that inspires you to explore your County Parks. This year’s theme is Earth Day 2023. Submit your original artwork by Sat, Apr 1 to receive a participation prize and a chance to win a grand prize.
Details

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SCC Parks Milestones

Since the first County parkland was acquired in 1924, the Santa Clara County Parks system has grown to include 28 regional parks encompassing over 52,000 acres of land. We at Santa Clara County Parks are committed to balancing the need for public use of parks and recreational lands with preserving the natural beauty of our area, including wildlife refuges and historic sites.