Riverside County Regional Park & Open Space District parks close from sunset to sunrise under district Ordinance 658 unless specifically posted otherwise. Being in a closed park without authorization is an infraction and may result in ejection, citation, or trespass arrest under Penal Code 602.
The Riverside County Regional Park District operates over 50 parks and open-space reserves including Lake Skinner, Lake Cahuilla, Idyllwild County Park, Hidden Valley Wildlife Area, and the Santa Ana River Trail. Standard hours are sunrise to sunset, with posted variations: campgrounds allow overnight stays with a paid reservation, and a few urban neighborhood parks have later lighted hours (typically closing at 10 p.m.). Vehicles must be out of day-use lots by posted closing. Rangers patrol and may issue citations; common citation amounts are 100 to 250 dollars for first offenses, higher for repeat or after-hours gatherings with alcohol. Alcohol without a permit, off-leash dogs outside designated areas, firearms, and drone launches are also prohibited by district rules. State and federal parks within the county (California Citrus State Historic Park, Mount San Jacinto State Park, Joshua Tree National Park) have their own hours and rules. Certain trailheads and open-space reserves are day-use only; parking overnight at a trailhead is treated as an unlawful camp.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Riverside County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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