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San Luis Obispo County, CA Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Restricted hours: 1 hr after sunset to 1 hr before sunrise
Scope: All county parks/facilities except Nacimiento
Civil penalty: $210 per citation
Citation: County Code § 11.04.090(a)

Summary

San Luis Obispo County bans parking a vehicle or trailer in any county park or facility from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise if occupants use it to camp, live, or sleep.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It is unlawful at any time from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise to park a motor vehicle or trailer at any county park or facility (including any parking lot) for the purpose of allowing the occupants thereof to camp, live, or sleep within the motor vehicle or trailer.

View official code

Full Breakdown

County Code § 11.04.090(a) makes it unlawful to park a motor vehicle or trailer at any county park or facility, including any parking lot, between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise for the purpose of letting occupants camp, live, or sleep inside it. This sits in Chapter 11.04, which covers every county park and facility except Nacimiento Lake, covered separately. Rangers and deputies check lots at Montana de Oro, Lopez Lake, and other county parks after closing, and a vehicle parked there overnight for sleeping is cited whether or not it's locked.

Violations & Fines

Citations for unlawful overnight vehicle camping at a county park carry a $210 civil penalty under County Code Chapter 15's parking penalty schedule (Sec. 15.710.050), collected as an infraction-level civil fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sleep in my car at a San Luis Obispo County park?

No. Parking a vehicle or trailer overnight to camp, live, or sleep in it is unlawful at any county park or facility from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.

Does this rule cover ordinary public streets, not county parks?

No. Section 11.04.090 only reaches county park and facility grounds; general street parking is set by the county's separate, uncodified Traffic Regulations Code.

Sources & Official References

[1]San Luis Obispo County Code § 11.04.090 (Municode)

Other rules in San Luis Obispo County

RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions EV ChargingSome Restrictions Abandoned VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Animal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Native PlantsFew Restrictions Special Events & Permits: Parade PermitsLight Restrictions Gambling & Gaming: Card Room LicensingSignificant Restrictions Local Taxes & Fees: Business Tax ClassificationSome Restrictions Right to Farm: Farm Nuisance ProtectionSome Restrictions

All San Luis Obispo County rules

How San Luis Obispo County compares: Cities with the Strictest Overnight Parking Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare San Luis Obispo County to another location·View the California parking rules overview

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