Park Rules & Regulations

CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS

State Park Rules and Regulations are intended to ensure that all visitors have a safe and enjoyable visit, while protecting precious park resources for current and future generations. When you are present in the State Park, all rules and regulations apply, and you are expected to know the rules whether there is a sign explaining the rule or not. This is a partial list of the rules and regulations. Please see links at the bottom of this list for a complete list of rules and regulations.

Dogs are required to be held on a leash not exceeding six feet in length and can be walked on paved areas only. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or on any unpaved trail, including all back-country hiking trails. Service animals are allowed with certain restrictions. Please see http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21944 for more details..
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, except that within designated camping and overnight lodging area, registered campers and/or lodging guests may consume alcoholic beverages within the limits of the space to which they are registered. There are two restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages in the Historic District, but no alcoholic beverages may be removed from the limits of the restaurants. Special event permits may grant written permission for alcoholic beverage consumption within limited circumstances. Please click on the Special Events tab for more information on obtaining a permit.
No Drones
No Electric Bikes
No glass containers on the beach, in the parking lots, paved multi-use trails, promenade or campgrounds..
No Littering.
No importing litter from other places to dump/deposit in the park.
No removing, collecting, disturbing or dislodging the contents of any trash container of any kind, including a recycle receptacle.
No disturbing, climbing on or into any trash container of any kind.
No climbing, scaling, mounting, ascending or descending any bluff or rock face not specifically identified or developed to permit such activity.
No nudity in the park.
No collecting or disturbing, in any way, plants, seeds, tidepool animals, rocks, shells, or pieces of shells. Fifty pounds of beach driftwood may be collected per day, or one piece if it is over 50 lbs.
Small propane BBQ’s are permitted. Charcoal and wood burning are strictly prohibited. Fire pits are allowed on the beach and in the Moro Campground as long as they are propane burning only. No fires allowed in the “back-country,” which is the wilderness area on the inland-side of PCH. Small, back-packing-style devices utilizing self-contained propane gas type cylinders are allowed in the primitive campsites.
Launching or landing of vessels is restricted to the following: Paddle-assisted vessels such as kayaks, surf-skis, wave-skis, and stand-up paddleboards are permitted from Abalone Point to Muddy Creek, and from the south end of the Historic District to the northernmost end of Treasure Cove. No other vessels may launch or beach in this area. The launch zone is subject to “blackball” closure as indicated by lifeguard tower flag.
No smoking in the Moro “back-country” or within 25 feet of any building.
All beaches, hiking and multi-use trails, including the back-country and parking lots close at sunset, except for the Historic District and the Los Trancos parking lot, which close at 10:00 pm. Exceptions may be granted by written permit.
All photo shoots and filming is subject to the permit process. Please see the Film and Media tab for more information.
All parking lots are considered State Highways and all California Vehicle Code sections will be enforced.
Motorhome, R.V., and Trailer Parking rules – CLICK HERE
Day-use fees are required for all parking areas. Failure to display proof of payment of fees at all times will result in a parking citation. Parking citations range from $51.50 to $96.50, and up to $321.50 for parking in a posted Disabled Person parking space without a valid placard/license plate.
The portion of the coastal terrace at Crystal Cove State Park that is not paved or improved is a prohibited area and access is closed for resource protection and public safety. The back-country area is closed except for the portion of the area specifically designated on park maps and brochures as a trail, primitive campsite, or fire/service road.
The back-country multi-use trails may be temporarily closed to public use to protect natural, archeological, and geological features and resources. In order to protect park facilities, resources, and the safety of the public, back-country trails may be temporarily closed to public use during and immediately following measurable rainfall. Generally, temporary rain closures will be in effect for a minimum of 12 hours following rainfall. Rain closure periods will be determined by State Park staff based on evaluation of conditions and forecasted weather patterns. If you enter from the Ridge Park area, you are still subject to the closure and will be issued a citation for being in a closed area. Staff makes every effort to place signs in the Ridge Park area and signs are posted at every gate as you enter Crystal Cove State Park stating that the trails are subject to closure after rainfall and to visit this website for up to the minute closure status. Public access may also be temporarily closed when the fire rating index reaches “Red Flad Alert” or “Stage III.”
The recreational take of fin-fish by spearfishing or hook and line as well as the take of lobster and urchin is allowed. All other take or all living marine resources is prohibited. All regulations regarding methods of take, limits of size and catch are enforced according to the Fish and Game Code.
Current Posted Orders are posted at the Moro Visitor Center to the left of the main entrance. The Moro Visitor Center is located at 8471 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California 92651.
Click here to view Posted Orders