Merced County, CA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard hours (most parks)
- 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Lake Yosemite/Henderson/Hagaman, winter
- 7:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset
- Same parks, summer
- Open until 11:30 p.m.
- Rental facility curfew
- Vacate by 11 p.m., park closes 11:30 p.m.
- Penalty
- Infraction, up to $100-$500 escalating fine
Summary
Merced County Code Section 10.28.100 sets fixed hours for county parks: most parks open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 10 p.m., while Lake Yosemite, Henderson and Hagaman Parks close as late as 11:30 p.m. in summer, and remaining after hours without authorization is unlawful.
No person shall remain upon the grounds of a county park or occupy the grounds of such parks and recreation areas, or any part thereof, or use any of the facilities or equipment therein, or permit any vehicle to remain therein, except during the hours listed below, unless authorized by the director of public works or designated representative. A. Lake Yosemite, Henderson and Hagaman Parks open at seven-thirty a.m. October 1st through March 31st of each year. No person shall remain upon the above parks one hour after sunset... C. All Other Parks. With the exception of rented facilities or special permitted events, all other parks shall open at seven-thirty a.m. and close at ten p.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4930839; v8 updated 2026-06-02).
Full Breakdown
Section 10.28.100 bars anyone from remaining on park grounds, occupying the property, using its facilities or equipment, or leaving a vehicle there outside the posted hours, unless the director of public works or a designated representative authorizes it. From October 1 through March 31, Lake Yosemite, Henderson and Hagaman Parks open at 7:30 a.m. and the public must leave one hour after sunset, except rental-facility users or special-permit holders, who must vacate by 11:00 p.m. with the park itself closing at 11:30 p.m. From April 1 through September 30, those same three parks stay open until 11:30 p.m., though absent a reservation or special-permit event they may close any time after 9:30 p.m.
Every other county park, absent a rented facility or permitted event, runs a simpler 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. schedule. The rule is one of many conduct provisions in Chapter 10.28, which is administered by the director of public works under review of the Merced County Parks and Recreation Commission and the Board of Supervisors, and enforced on the ground by the Merced County Sheriff's Department under Section 10.28.120.
Violations & Fines
Being on park grounds outside these posted hours without director authorization is not one of the two provisions (illegal liquor possession and unauthorized camping) that Section 10.28.130(A) elevates to a misdemeanor, so it falls under subsection (B): an infraction under Chapter 1.28, Section 1.28.030, meaning a fine of up to $100 for a first offense, up to $200 for a second within a year, and up to $500 for each further violation in that period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do most Merced County parks close?
Can I stay at Lake Yosemite Park after dark?
What if I have a facility rented for an evening event?
What happens if I'm caught in a park after closing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Merced County
California rules heatmap·Compare Merced County to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
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