Have a library card? You can visit a California state park for free

"You just arrive, open up your wallet and fork out some cash. This generally ranges from $10 to $20 per car, depending on the park. But what if you want to go without paying anything at all? Well, here's a tip that most people don't know: You can get a pass from your local public library that will get you into more than 200 participating state parks for free."

"Probably a good idea to call ahead and make sure they have one available. This program is called, amazingly enough, the California State Library Parks Pass. What a surprise. To use it, you'll need to apply for a library card, which is generally free. You'll ask at the desk, and then need to show some ID and also typically something that proves where you live, like a utility bill."

Public library patrons can borrow the California State Library Parks Pass to gain free vehicle entry to more than 200 participating California state parks. Libraries maintain limited numbers of these passes that circulate like books, so patrons often must reserve or call ahead. Obtaining a pass requires a library card, photo ID and proof of residence; some libraries may charge nonresident fees. The pass admits one passenger vehicle with up to nine people and excludes camping fees. The pass covers state-operated parks, beaches and historic sites but not federal, national, or some excluded state sites such as Santa Monica, Corona del Mar and Hearst Castle.

Read at The Mercury News