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

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

Key Facts

Governing section
Monterey County Code § 14.12.050(A)(12)
Closing times
Posted individually at each park
Early closure authority
Director or Sheriff's Office, § 14.12.020.G
Overnight exception
Valid camping or event permit only
Camping quiet hours
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Summary

Monterey County parks close at a posted time each day, and Monterey County Code § 14.12.050(A)(12) makes it unlawful to enter or remain in a County park after that closing time without a permit. The Parks Director or Sheriff's Office can also close a park early or restrict its hours under § 14.12.020.G for fire danger, dangerous weather or water conditions, or other safety concerns.

City-specific rules exist: Salinas has its own park curfew rules that differ from Monterey County's county-level regulations. If you live in Salinas, check the city-specific page instead.

12.Enter or remain in any County park area after the posted closing time unless authorized by a permit.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).

Full Breakdown

G. Item 12 makes it unlawful to enter or remain in any County park area after the posted closing time unless the visitor holds a permit authorizing after-hours access, such as a camping or special-event permit. G separately lets the Director or a sworn Sheriff's Office employee close any County park or portion of one, or restrict its open hours, whenever there is good cause: unreasonable fire hazard, dangerous weather or water conditions, watershed protection, construction, conservation of fish and game, excessive boat traffic, unsafe shoreline or road conditions, or any dangerous or unhealthy condition.

070 lets the Director issue camping permits for up to fifteen consecutive days, and campsites must be physically occupied at least once every twenty-four hours. I, separate from the park's general closing time. G, this closing-time rule applies at County-run parks like Toro Park, Jacks Peak, Laguna Seca Recreation Area and the Lake San Antonio and Lake Nacimiento areas; parks run by incorporated cities such as Monterey, Salinas or Carmel-by-the-Sea set their own hours under separate city ordinances. 130 and may issue administrative citations or expel violators.

Violations & Fines

Being in a County park after posted closing time without a permit violates Monterey County Code § 14.12.050(A)(12). Rangers or Sheriff's Office safety employees can issue an administrative citation under Chapters 1.20 and 1.22 (§ 14.12.130.H), and under § 14.12.130.F they can expel a violator from the park and bar re-entry for up to six months if the person refuses to leave or has been previously expelled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do Monterey County parks close?
Closing times are posted at each individual County park rather than set by a single countywide hour in the ordinance. Monterey County Code § 14.12.050(A)(12) simply bans entering or remaining in a County park after its posted closing time without a permit, so check the sign at the specific park you plan to visit.
Can county parks close early for fire danger?
Yes. Under Monterey County Code § 14.12.020.G, the Parks Director or a sworn Sheriff's Office employee can close all or part of a County park, or restrict its hours, for good cause including unreasonable fire hazard, dangerous weather, or unsafe road and shoreline conditions.
Can I stay in a county park overnight without breaking the closing-time rule?
Only with a valid camping permit. Section 14.12.070 lets the Director issue camping permits for up to fifteen consecutive days, and quiet hours inside camping areas run from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. under § 14.12.070.I, separate from the park's general after-hours entry ban.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Monterey County

All Monterey County rules

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