Merced County, CA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Park hours in unincorporated Merced County are governed by Merced County Code Chapter 10.28 (Conduct in Parks), adopted by Ordinance 1813 and enforced by the Merced County Sheriff's Department. Section 10.28.100 (Hours of Operation) provides that no person may remain on the grounds of a County park, use its facilities, or leave a vehicle there except during posted hours, unless authorized by the Director of Public Works. Lake Yosemite, Henderson, and Hagaman parks open at 7:30 a.m.; from October 1 through March 31, no person may remain more than one hour after sunset, except those at a rental facility or by special permit, who must vacate by 11:00 p.m., with the park closing at 11:30 p.m. From April 1 through September 30, those parks close at 11:30 p.m., but may close anytime after 9:30 p.m. when no reservations or special-permit events are scheduled. All other county parks open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 10:00 p.m., except for rented facilities or special-permitted events. Lake Yosemite boating must end at official local sunset for internal-combustion vessels, and all other vessels must be off the water or docked by 9:30 p.m. (Section 10.28 boating provisions). Violations of Chapter 10.28 are enforced by the Sheriff under Section 10.28.120.