California just announced a major expansion of its State Parks system, and RV travelers should keep an eye on it.
Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled State Parks Forward this week. It would create three new state parks in the Central Valley and add thousands of acres to existing parks. State officials say the effort would bring the total number of California state parks to 283 and grow the system by 30,000 acres by the end of the decade.
For RVers, the biggest takeaway is simple: More public land usually means more places to explore, more scenic drives, and more options for day trips once the parks open. The new parks are still in the planning and acquisition stage, so they are not ready-made travel stops yet, but California says it will begin public engagement right away before submitting a visioning report later this fall. As of now, there is no mention of public campgrounds at these new parks.
New parks
One of the planned parks is Feather River Park in Yuba County. California says the site covers nearly 2,000 acres along the Feather River. It would be the first state park in the county. The proposal includes river access, a boat launch, and a riverside beach, which makes it especially interesting for travelers who like fishing, paddling, or a relaxed stop near the water.
Another proposed addition is the San Joaquin River Parkway in Fresno and Madera counties. Officials say this would join several public properties into an 874-acre state park and help create a bigger recreation hub near Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. For RVers crossing the Central Valley, that could eventually mean a stronger cluster of outdoor stops in one stretch of the state.
The third site, Dust Bowl Camp in Bakersfield, would bring a different kind of experience. California says the Sunset Migratory Labor Camp is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources. It was among the first federal camps set up for farm workers who came to California during the Dust Bowl. The state says the roughly 2-acre site could become a history-focused stop tied to “The Grapes of Wrath” and the migrant labor story of the Great Depression.
Existing parks to add land
California is also adding land to existing parks. The announcement says three recent property donations already total about 804 acres. This includes additions to Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve, South Yuba River State Park, and Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park. State officials describe the broader expansion as a mix of low-cost land transfers and conservation partnerships that should increase access without adding major operating costs. These areas are currently day-use only.
Future trip?
If the planning process moves forward as announced, these spots could become smart additions to future California RV routes.
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RVT1258b
But will these state parks also have campgrounds?
Good question.
I wonder if it will have monorail service. Sorry. I couldn’t resist that.
lol, don’t hold your breath
Thank you for the news, Gail! Very interesting, given the cost of housing in California in general. However, perhaps these are all (yes, am utterly naive of California geography) are low-cost housing, sparsely settled areas. So, maybe no discernible effect on housing availability or cost. Second thought was acquistion costs and were the current owners of the property to be added willing to cede their land to the state? Thankfully, sounds as though they are, mostly at least if not universally. Do wonder how any of this develops. Looking forward to some follow-ups. Have a great weekend and safe travels!