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Lancaster County, PA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Park hours
Sunrise to sunset
Central Park lit fields
Until 10:00 p.m.
Admin buildings
8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Overnight parking
Prohibited without permission
Max penalty
$600 / 10 days

Summary

Lancaster County parks (Central Park, Money Rocks, and the rest of the Park System) are open to the public only from sunrise to sunset each day, unless posted otherwise. Lighted athletic fields in Central Park may be used until 10:00 p.m. The Director may close any area at any time.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lancaster County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The Park System, with the exception of administrative buildings, shall be open to the public between the hours of sunrise to sunset each day, unless posted or designated otherwise. The lighted athletic fields in Central Park shall be available for use until 10:00 p.m. each day unless otherwise established by the Director.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under the Lancaster County Park System Rules (Ordinance 152 of 2022, as amended by Ord. 153 of 2022 and 158 of 2023), the whole Park System, except administrative buildings, is open sunrise to sunset. The one extended-hours exception is Central Park's lighted athletic fields, available until 10:00 p.m. unless the Director sets otherwise. No vehicle may be parked in the Park System between sunset and sunrise without permission. Administrative buildings are open 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The Park Ranger Division and Lancaster County Sheriff's Office enforce these hours; the Director can close any section at any time.

Violations & Fines

Summary offense: fine up to $600 and/or up to 10 days' imprisonment, plus possible expulsion from all park property for 6 months to 2 years. Overnight parking violations carry a presumptive $20 fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do Lancaster County parks close?
At sunset each day, unless posted otherwise. The only exception is Central Park's lighted athletic fields, which stay open until 10:00 p.m.
Can I be fined for being in a park after dark?
Yes. Being in the Park System outside posted hours is a summary offense carrying a fine up to $600 and possible expulsion; overnight parking is also prohibited.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lancaster County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Lancaster County rules

Compare Lancaster County to another location·View the Pennsylvania curfew laws overview

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