Kern County, CA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Kern County Code § 13.04.100
- Standard closure
- 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- 24-hour exceptions
- Greenhorn Mtn, Tehachapi Mtn, Buena Vista
- Later closure
- Stramler Picnic Area: midnight-5 a.m.
- Classification
- Infraction plus Ch. 8.54 penalty
Summary
Kern County closes its public parks to public use and occupancy between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., with named exceptions for mountain recreation areas, designated campgrounds, and multi-day event parking lots. Being in a closed park after hours is an infraction with an added administrative penalty.
A.Except as hereinafter provided in subsections 13.04.100(B), (C), and (D), and Sections 13.04.110 and 13.04.120, all public parks owned, or operated or maintained by the county shall be closed to public use and occupancy between the hours of ten (10:00) p.m. and five (5:00) a.m.B.Exceptions. The closing hours provided by subsection 13.04.100(A) shall not apply to the following park areas, to wit: Greenhorn Mountain; Tehachapi Mountain and Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area; and designated camping areas only of Kern River County Park Campground.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 59 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
" The section then carves out several named exceptions. Greenhorn Mountain, Tehachapi Mountain, Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area, and the designated camping areas of Kern River County Park Campground are exempt from the standard closing hours entirely. The Frank L. instead. Parking lot areas tied to multi-day park events are also exempted from the standard hours when the director authorizes the event. with the director's authorization. 100(E).
Violations & Fines
Being in or occupying a Kern County park during closed hours, generally 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., without qualifying for a named exception or director authorization, is an infraction under Section 13.04.100(E). A person who violates this section is also subject to an administrative penalty under Chapter 8.54 of the county code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Kern County parks close?
Can youth groups use county parks after the curfew?
What happens if I'm caught in a Kern County park after closing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.