Kings County, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- all ages, all persons
- Trigger
- posted closing hours
- Governs
- county parks only
- Related ban
- unapproved overnight camping
Summary
Kings County makes it unlawful for anyone to enter, loiter or remain in a county park after posted closing hours, regardless of age: a separate, general-population rule from the countywide minors' curfew.
The director shall establish hours of operation for each park. It shall be unlawful to enter, loiter or remain in any park during the hours the park is closed as established by the director and posted at the main entrance of the park.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
Kings County Code § 16-21 lets the parks director set operating hours for each county park and bans anyone, not just minors, from entering, loitering or remaining in a park once it's closed, provided the closing hours are posted at the park's main entrance. This sits alongside other Chapter 16 park-conduct rules, including a director-designated no-alcohol zone (§ 16-18(6)) and a ban on overnight camping without approval (§ 16-20(b)(3)).
Violations & Fines
Entering or lingering in a closed county park is punishable under the general county penalty, § 1-8: a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults be cited for loitering in Kings County?
Is this the same as the county's curfew law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kings County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kings County to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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