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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Monterey, CA
Persistent dog barking in the City of Monterey is enforced under the noise ordinance and animal provisions as a disturbance; chronic barking that disturbs ne...
Monterey, CA
Construction noise in the City of Monterey is limited to daytime hours under the noise ordinance — typically 7 a.m.–7 p.m. weekdays with reduced weekend hour...
Monterey, CA
The City of Monterey regulates noise through its municipal code, prohibiting loud and disturbing noise with stricter nighttime limits (generally 10 p.m.–7 a....
Monterey, CA
Driveway approaches in the City of Monterey require an encroachment permit and must meet city standards; vehicles generally must be parked on an approved pav...
Monterey, CA
RV, trailer and boat storage on residential lots in the City of Monterey is regulated by zoning, which restricts placement and prohibits living in a parked RV.
Monterey, CA
On-street parking in the City of Monterey is governed by the vehicle code, with extensive metered and time-limited zones downtown and near the wharf, plus 72...
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