Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions here.
Q: How do I make a camping reservation?
A: Reservations can be made online at gooutsideandplay.org or by calling (408) 355-2201 during our call center hours of Monday-Friday from 8:30am-12:00pm and from 1:00pm-4:00pm, the reservations office is closed on all county holidays.
Q: How do I cancel my camping reservation?
A: Camping Cancellations can be made online at gooutsideandplay.org or by calling (408) 355-2201 during our call center hours of Monday-Friday from 8:30am-12:00pm and from 1:00pm-4:00pm, the reservation office is closed on all county holidays. Further information on our cancellation policy can be found on our reservations page.
Q: What is check-in/check-out time for camping?
A: Check-in time is 3:00pm or later on the arrival date of your reservation. Check-out time is 1:00pm or earlier on the departure date of your reservation. Yurt reservations at Mt. Madonna County Park have a check-in time at 3:00pm or later and check-out of 12:00pm or earlier.
Q: How many campsites can my group reserve?
A: A maximum of 2 individual campsites may be reserved for any one given date. Groups of 20 people or more are required to reserve a group camping area, subject to availability. A maximum of 1 group campsites may be reserved for any one given date.
Q: How far in advance can a reservation be made?
A: Camping reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance and no less than 1 calendar day to the date of departure.
Group Camping sites for qualified youth organizations may be made up to 1 year in advance and no less than one calendar day to the date(s) of use. To request a group site for a youth organization please call 408-355-2201 during our call center hours of Monday-Friday 8:30am-12pm, 1pm-4:30pm or email [email protected] the reservations office is closed on all county holidays.
Q: Can same-day camping reservations be made?
A: Same day camping reservations cannot be made online or over the phone. To check for site availability please contact the reservations office or contact the desired Park directly. Sites will not be held and may only be purchased at the park in person.
Q: Is there a limit to how many nights I can camp in a Santa Clara County Park?
A: During peak season (March 1st - September 30th) No person shall camp in any single park for more than a cumulative total of fourteen (14) days. Outside of peak season the cumulative 14-day maximum is within any 45-day period. A 45-day period begins the first day a person or group camps and ends 45 days later. (Ord. No. NS-702.93, 1-9-18 ) Sec. B14-44.2. (a) & (b)
Q: Can I arrive at the campsite after the park closes at sunset?
A: Please login to your gooutsideandplay.org account and check your confirmation for the most up to date check-in instructions including instructions for afterhours entry into the campgrounds.
Q: Does each campsite have its own water source?
A: All RV sites have a water source on site for RV via hose hookup. Tent campgrounds have a shared water spigot every 3 to 5 sites.
Q: Are tents allowed at Yurt campsites?
A: No tents are allowed at yurt campsites.
Q: Can I reserve an RV site if I have an electric vehicle?
A: No. RV sites are for recreational vehicles capable of using both water and electric hookups at the RV site.
Q: Are tents allowed at RV Camping sites?
A: At least one tent can be placed at an RV campsite at all RV camping parks except Sanborn County Park.
Q: How many amps do the RV electrical hook ups have?
A: RV sites have a 110-volt outlet just like a house, and a 30-amp RV outlet, which also is 110-volts capable of 30-amp draw.
Q: Are campfires allowed?
A: Campfires are allowed on a regular basis in the provided fire pits at each campsite. Wood burning campfires are not permitted when a “Spare the Air” alert is issued. No wood or charcoal fires are allowed when a “Red Flag Warning” is issued. These fire restrictions are issued on short notice and are listed on the closures and updates page.
Q: Can I buy firewood at the park?
A: Firewood is available for purchase at the entrance kiosk when staffed. No wood gathering from within the park is allowed.
Q: Are Generators allowed at campsites?
A: Generators are allowed at campsites with the following requirements: Generator must be Fire Marshal approved, have spark arrestor, be properly muffled, and have a working UL approved fire extinguisher within the area of the generator. Generator must be placed in an area that does not pose a fire hazard and does not cause vehicular or foot traffic obstruction. This includes any extension cords used. No placements of generators are allowed in the ground.
Q: Are pets allowed in the campgrounds?
A: Maximum of two (2) pets are allowed to occupy each campsite. Dogs/Pets must always remain on a 6ft leash. Pets are not allowed at Yurt sites 130, 132, and 134. For further information about pets see Ordinance Sec. B14-34.1. - Pets in parks.
Q: Can minors camp alone?
A: Minors are not allowed to reserve a facility or camp overnight unless accompanied by a responsible adult. Written proof of age may be required. Groups comprised predominantly of participants under the age of 18 must be chaperoned at a ratio of 1 adult to 10 minors.
Q: What is a first-come first-served picnic site?
A: First-come first-served picnic sites are available for groups of 29 people or less. These sites include 2-3 picnic tables and a small BBQ grill. Locations of first-come first-served picnic areas are shown on parks guide maps as picnic table icons with black backgrounds.
Q: When is a group picnic site reservation required?
A: Groups of 30 people or more require the use of a reservable group site.
Q: How do I make a group picnic site reservation?
A: Reservations can be made online through gooutsideandplay.org or by calling (408) 355-2201 during our call center hours of Monday-Friday from 8:30am-12:00pm and from 1:00pm-4:00pm, the reservation office is closed on all county holidays.
Q: What time does a Group Picnic Site Reservation Start and End?
A: Reservations must abide by park hours (8:00am-Sunset). All sites must be cleaned and vacated by Sunset.
Although parks open at 8:00 am daily, day use reservation area usage is not recommended until after 9:00am to ensure the site is cleaned. If you decide to set up at the reservation site before 9:00 am, your site may not be cleaned.
Q: How far in advance can a group picnic site be reserved?
A: Picnic reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance and no less than 1 calendar day prior to the date of use.
Q: Can a same day picnic reservation be made?
A: Same day picnic reservations cannot be made online or over the phone. To check for site availability please contact the reservations office or contact the desired Park directly. Sites will not be held and may only be purchased at the park in person.
Q: How do I cancel a group picnic site reservation?
A: Picnic cancellations can be made online at gooutsideandplay.org or by calling (408) 355-2201 during our call center hours of Monday-Friday from 8:30am-12:00pm and from 1:00pm-4:00pm, the reservation office is closed on all county holidays. Further information on our cancellation policy can be found on our reservation information page.
Q: How many group picnic sites can be booked at a time?
A: A maximum of 1 group picnic site may be reserved for any one given date. There are limited picnic sites that can be reserved together. Please contact the reservations office if you would like to inquire about reserving these limited sites.
Q: Are interactive amusement devices (jump houses, soft play pens, inflatable bubble sports, game trucks etc.) allowed?
A: You will need to contact the Reservations Office at (408) 355-2201 or email [email protected] to request vendor information. Additional fees apply. Only 1 device is allowed per reservable area. All applications must be submitted to administration office no less than 3 business days prior to your reservation date. Your request will be denied if documentation is received late.
Q: Are DJs, bands, amplified sound allowed at the group picnic sites?
A: Contact the Reservation Office at (408) 355-2201 or email [email protected] for sound restrictions for your reserved site and a sound application. All applications must be submitted to administration office no less than 3 business days prior to your reservation date. Your request will be denied if documentation is received late.
Q: Are there restrictions on decorating a group picnic site?
A: Glitter, confetti, water balloons, color powders, foreign flora are not permitted to be used within Santa Clara County Parks. Decorations cannot be stapled to picnic tables, wood structures or trees. Decorations should be self-standing or taped to a surface as long as there is not damage to the surface they are adhered to. All decorations, debris and trash are to be removed and placed in the nearest garbage dumpster to the reserved group site. Any further clean-up needed by park staff after a reservation will be charged to the customer at a rate of $80.00 per staff person, per hour.
Q: Are pop-up canopies allowed in the Parks and are there any restrictions?
A: Canopies are allowed for additional shade in Santa Clara County Parks, canopies 20’ x 20’ or larger, require Fire Marshal approval. Canopies cannot be staked into the ground, they must be weighed down with sandbags, water gallons, etc.
Q: At Hellyer Park, are the overflow bench and tables near the playground first-come first-served?
A: Hellyer park has 3 larger first-come first-served picnic areas that can accommodate up to 60 people. They are located near the playground area on the Cottonwood side for same day reservation only. The site will not be held and may only be purchased for the fee of $127.00 at the park in person at the payable by cash or check only.
Q: What type of fuel can be used for cooking in the BBQ grills at picnic sites?
A: Charcoal is the only fuel allowed in the BBQ grills in Santa Clara County Parks. No wood fires are allowed.
Q: Are Parking fees included with a Group Picnic Site reservation?
A: Parking fees are not included with a Group Picnic Site reservation. Prepaid vehicle entrance parking tickets may be purchased at a rate of $6 per ticket with an additional $12.00 processing fee. The maximum number of prepaid parking tickets allowed is up to half of the reserved site’s capacity.
Pre-paid parking passes can be purchased up to five business days before your reservation date by contacting the reservations office at 408-355-2201 or requesting through email at [email protected]. The tickets must be picked up at the Administration Office. Passes will need to be distributed to your guests prior to their arrival at the park. Please note, the passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, only valid for the date and park they have been purchased for.
Q: Are Weddings allowed in Santa Clara County Parks?
A: Weddings are allowed within Santa Clara County Parks for an additional fee of $120.00 to the reservation site fee. The wedding fee includes a 1-day photography permit, a 1-day rehearsal (included rehearsal reservation only Monday through Thursday before the wedding/ceremony date and subject to availability), a one-on-one meeting with a ranger, and the ability to reserve up to 1 year in advance to the date.
Parking fees are not included with a Wedding Site reservation. Prepaid vehicle entrance parking tickets may be purchased at a rate of $6 per ticket with an additional $12.00 processing fee. The maximum number of prepaid parking tickets allowed is up to half of the reserved site’s capacity.
Pre-paid parking passes can be purchased up to five business days before your reservation date by contacting the reservations office at 408-355-2201 or requesting through email at [email protected]. The tickets must be picked up at the Administration Office. Passes will need to be distributed to your guests prior to their arrival at the park. Please note, the passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, only valid for the date and park they have been purchased for.
Q: How far in advance can a wedding ceremony/reception site be reserved?
A: Wedding reservations may be made up to 1 year in advance and no less than 1 calendar day prior to the date(s) of ceremony/reception. The site must be utilized for the wedding ceremony/reception only. To make a wedding reservation please contact the reservation office at 408-355-2201 Monday-Friday 8:30am-12pm, 1pm-4:30pm or email us [email protected].
Q: Can a campsite be reserved for a wedding ceremony/reception?
A: Campsites can be reserved for a wedding up to one year in advanced to the wedding date. The site must be utilized for the wedding ceremony/reception only. Campsites are only available starting at 3pm to 1pm the next day. Reservations can only be made up to six months in advance of the requested date(s) for nights before or after the ceremony/reception date.
Q: What sites are commonly used for Wedding Venues?
A: Sequoia Peterson Grove at Sanborn County Park; Amphitheatre, Redwood Grove, and Hilltop at Mt. Madonna County Park, and the Rose Garden and Cook House at Joseph D. Grant County Park are the commonly used wedding venues.
Q: What if the Wedding will not be held in a reservable space?
A: A permit will be required to hold a wedding in a non-reservable space. For more information on permits visit our permits information page.
Q: What type of annual passes does Santa Clara County Parks Offer?
A: Santa Clara County Parks offer annual passes for Vehicle Entrance, Vessel Inspection and Vessel Launch. Fees for annual passes can be found on our fees page.
Q: Where can I buy an annual pass?
A: You may obtain an Annual Pass in several ways:
- Online: You may visit our reservation website gooutsideandplay.org and click on the Annual Passes tab.
- By phone: Please call our Parks Administrative Office at (408) 355-2200, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Have your Visa, MasterCard or Discover card ready.
- In person: You may obtain an Annual Pass at the Parks Administration Office:
Santa Clara County Parks & Recreation Department
5965 Silver Creek Valley Road
San Jose, CA 95138
- At a staffed park’s entrance kiosk or pay machine: You may purchase a pass at any staffed entrance kiosk, or you may use the automated ticket vending machine found at various parks entrances or parking lots. The pay machines take credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Discover). The machine dispenses a receipt that you bring into the Parks Administration Office (Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm), and the administration staff will exchange the receipt for an Annual Pass. If you choose to mail the ticket, fold and tear/cut the receipt in half and the upper half of the receipt acts as a 30-day temporary pass and can be displayed in your vehicle until your permanent pass arrives within one to two weeks.
Q: What happens if my annual pass is lost, misplaced, or stolen?
A: Any lost, misplaced, or stolen passes will not be replaced. Customers must purchase a new annual pass at the full fee rate.
Q: What discounts are available for Annual Passes?
A: We offer reduced cost Vehicle Entrance Passes for persons 60 years or older, qualified active military, and qualified Santa Clara County Residents who utilize Social Services programs and resources. All information about reduced cost vehicle entry is available on our Reduced Cost Vehicle Entry Page.
Q: What happened to the Senior Lifetime Pass?
A: Effective May 1, 2016, the Senior Lifetime Pass is no longer available for purchase. All Senior Lifetime Passes sold before 5/1/16 will be honored as promised. If you lose your Senior Lifetime Pass and we can confirm the lifetime pass sale prior to 5/1/16 within our system, we are happy to issue you a new pass at the replacement fee rate of $35. If we are unable to verify your original purchase of a lifetime pass, no replacement will be provided.
Q: What is the Alviso Marina Gate Key Program?
A: Santa Clara County Alviso Marina is the primary access in Santa Clara County for vessel owners to launch into San Francisco Bay. Santa Clara County Parks are closed from sunset to 8:00 am daily. Fishermen and hunters who want access to the launch ramp after hours will need to purchase an annual Gate Key.
To purchase a Gate Key, you must complete the Alviso Marina Gate Key Application, read, sign, and submit with current payment to the Santa Clara County Parks Administration Office, attention ALVISO, at 5965 Silver Creek Valley Road San Jose, Ca 95138. The annual Gate Key pass is $75. The replacement of the Gate Key is $25.
Q: Do I need a Uvas Canyon Day Pass ticket reservation if I have an annual vehicle pass?
A: Yes, a day pass reservation is required for all vehicle entrance at Uvas Canyon including annual vehicle entrance pass customers. Annual pass holders may login to their account and reserve one (1) Uvas Canyon Day Pass and have the fee waived per selected date. Additional passes for the same date will be subject to pay the $6.00 fee.
Passes can be reserved up to 30 days in advance of the requested date of visit.
Q: Is Boating allowed within Santa Clara County Parks?
A: Boating is permitted from 8:00am to ½ hour before sunset on designated Santa Clara County Parks Reservoirs: Calero Reservoir, Lexington Reservoir, Coyote Lake (Seasonally Closed), Stevens Creek Reservoir (Seasonally Closed) and Anderson Lake (Closed Indefinitely).
Q: How do I prepare to launch my vessel in Santa Clara County Reservoirs?
A: All vessels and floats placed upon a Santa Clara County Reservoir must pass a vessel inspection prior to launching. To pass inspection, your vessel must be clean, drained, and dry. This means that no dirt, vegetation, or water can be found anywhere on the vessel. This includes internal compartments of the vessel and the engine. When your outboard is lowered, not a drop of water can flow out. If any water is observed anywhere, however slight, your vessel will fail inspection and be placed on a quarantine. Vessels are inspected at the reservoir where they are to launch.
Please complete the Vessel Registration Declaration form prior to your outing and present the form to Park Staff upon arrival.
Q: Are reservations required to launch a vessel at Santa Clara County Parks?
A: A reservation is recommended for each unlimited power vessel and/or craft on weekends and holidays starting Memorial Day weekend through the end of September for high use launch areas. A reservation entitles the holder to a placement on the water for the reservation time slot. Reservations are available 3 weeks prior to the request date.
Q: Is fishing allowed within Santa Clara County Parks?
A: Fishing is allowed within Santa Clara County Parks. For a list of Parks fishing is available on our fishing page.
Q: Is a fishing license required to fish within Santa Clara County Parks?
A: All State fishing laws apply within Santa Clara County Parks. For more information regarding fishing laws, regulations and fish planting schedules, visit the State Department of Fish and Wildlife's website, "fish planting page" "Central Coast” or the Region's up-to-date recording at (707) 944-5581.
Q: When is a Park Permit required?
A: A permit is required for any activities outside of established Santa Clara County Parks standards. More detailed information on permits can be found on our permit’s information page. For questions, please contact the Permits & Reservations Division at (408) 355-2201 or email [email protected].
Q: Where can the Park Permit application be found?
A: Park Permit applications can be requested by emailing [email protected]. All sections of the permit applications must be completed, signed, and dated to be considered completed for processing. Only DocuSign or "Wet" Signatures are accepted. Wet signed documents may be scanned and emailed to [email protected]
Q: Is insurance required to obtain a permit?
A: Proof of insurance is required for all Permits. Please email [email protected] for insurance requirements.
Q: How Far in advance can a permit application be submitted?
A: Permit applications must be received by the permits division no less than 30 calendar days and no more than 365 calendar days in advance of the date of the requested activity listed on the application. Permit approvals are be made on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to site availability.
Current Park and Trail closures can be found on the Closures & Updates Page or by calling the Trail hotline at (408) 355-2200 by pressing option 3 then listening for the desired park.