Monterey County parks are day-use oriented with set operating hours and no unauthorized overnight stays. County-operated parks such as Lake San Antonio post specific gate hours (e.g., 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.), and county code (Chapter 14.18) prohibits camping in the State Highway One right-of-way, with civil penalties up to $1,000 per day.
Park hours in unincorporated Monterey County are set both by the County Parks Division and by county code. County-operated parks publish gate and day-use hours; for example, as of May 1, 2026, the Lake San Antonio South Shore entrance/boat launch is open Thursday to Monday 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (closed Tuesday/Wednesday) and the North Shore is open daily 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Overnight stays are limited to designated campsites and reservation areas; general park areas are day-use only. Independently, Monterey County Code Chapter 14.18 (Camping Prohibited) makes it unlawful to camp in the right-of-way of State Highway One between the Carmel River and the Monterey-San Luis Obispo County line, and Ordinance 22-032, adopted as an urgency measure July 26, 2022, set a civil penalty of up to $1,000 (amending section 14.18.040) for that illegal camping. The county's regional-park system run by the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District limits access to daylight hours (sunrise to sunset), with no overnight use or camping permitted in any District park. Large gatherings (over 5,000 persons per day) and all outdoor concerts in county regional parks require a Special Event Permit under section 20.64.150.
Being in a county park after posted closing hours, camping outside designated areas, or camping in the Highway One right-of-way can result in citation. Illegal camping in the Highway One right-of-way carries a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day under section 14.18.040.
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