Just in time for Earth Day, Governor Newsom announced a massive new initiative called State Parks Forward, and it is incredible news for California nature lovers. Not only is the state actively expanding some of our favorite existing parks, but they are officially adding three brand-new state parks to the map — bringing California’s total to a whopping 283 state parks!
The ambitious plan aims to add 30,000 acres of protected land to the state park system by the end of the decade. But the real stars of the show are the three new parks heading to the Central Valley, offering everything from riverside beaches to deep dives into American history.
Here is what you need to know about California’s newest state parks:
The 3 new state parks:
Starting today, State Parks will begin the planning and acquisition process for this three new parks:
1. Dust Bowl Camp (Bakersfield)
Located just a couple of hours north of LA, this roughly 2-acre park is a literal time capsule. The historic Sunset Migratory Labor Camp was established by the federal government during the Great Depression to house displaced farm workers.
If you are a literature fan, this is a must-visit: it’s the actual camp that inspired John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Grapes of Wrath. Featuring the only original buildings left from the 1930s Dust Bowl era in any California camp, it will be the first state park dedicated directly to this pivotal era of history.
2. San Joaquin River Parkway (Fresno & Madera Counties)
This 874-acre park is joining forces with various public properties to create an expansive, multi-use park right on the San Joaquin River. Sitting just upriver from Fresno, it’s going to offer tons of expanded access for trails, swimming, and riverside relaxing.
3. Feather River Park (Olivehurst)
Making history as the very first state park in Yuba County, Feather River Park sits on nearly 2,000 acres of gorgeous riverfront. You can look forward to a brand-new riverside beach and a boat launch for weekend adventures.
Expanding the parks we already love
California has also added hundreds of acres to already existing state parks:
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park: Tripled in size with 133 new acres, extending the stunning California Coastal Trail and offering majestic views of the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast.
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve: Added 453 acres of serene redwood forests, oak woodlands, and high-quality streams for imperiled fish.
South Yuba River State Park: Gained 218 acres, permanently protecting the famous Independence Trail.
🌐You can follow the progress of the new parks at parks.ca.gov/Forward.
