This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
California’s crackdown on state park no-shows took effect July 1. What that means for you
Ghosting reservations now has consequences.
(
Lux Blue
/
Getty Images via iStock
)
California state parks are so popular there's a reservation system to manage attendance. But some people book a spot and then don't turn up. That's being addressed by new rules that mandate how much notice you need to give for a cancellation to avoid charges. And if you ghost a reservation three times, you'll be banned from reserving for a year.
Here's how refunds now work:
- Full refund: Cancel 7+ days ahead of reservation start.
- Charged first night's fee: Cancel 6 to 3 days ahead of reservation start.
- No refund: Cancel 2 days or less ahead of reservation start.
A one-year ban: If you no-show three times in a calendar year, you’ll be banned from making a reservation for a year.
Why now: California state parks are very popular, including parks in Southern California like Crystal Cove State Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach and Huntington State Beach. The summer months lead to high demand and the state has a reservation system to manage attendance through reservecalifornia.com
The backstory: California legislators heard that there were significant no-shows at state parks before they passed Assembly Bill 618, the legislation that led to the current changes and took effect Wednesday, July 1.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
