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Reservations

Making a Reservation

On Line
Facilities within San Mateo County Parks may be reserved using our on line reservations system. To reserve a site navigate to the park you wish to use and read under "Reservations" or go directly to the facility you wish to reserve via our Facilities Index. If you know which facility you wish to reserve go directly to our on line reservation system.

By Phone
Facilities can also be reserved by calling our reservation desk:

Reservations Desk: (650) 363-4021
Desk open Mon-Thurs 8AM-5PM, Closed Fridays.

In Person
You can also book a reservation by visiting the Parks Department Office (455 County Center, 4th Floor Redwood City) during the business hours listed above.

Before Making a Reservation

Payment Method - When making a reservation over the phone, please have your credit card information ready (VISA or MASTERCARD only). Cash and check payments are accepted when making a reservation in person at the reservation desk.

Regulations - Before making a reservation, please familiarize yourself with park regulations.

Availability - Please note that reservable facilities may be reserved a year in advance and tend to fill up early. Group camping areas and horse camps typically fill one year in advance. Group picnic areas typically fill 3-6 months in advance. Also note, some sites are open year round, while others (all of them camping sites) are open only from the 2nd Sunday in May to the 3rd Sunday in October. Please check the individual facilities' pages for availability information.

Jumpers - Jumpers are allowed at Coyote Point Park, Flood Park, Junipero Serra Park (except for Buckeye Picnic Area), and San Pedro Valley Park only. There is an additional fee and additional paperwork associated with using a jumper in a County Park. Please call the reservations desk for details.

Usage - Usage varies among county facilities. Some uses include group, family, or youth camping, or group or family picnicking. Familiarize yourself with the list of usage definitions in order to find the right facility for your event.

Vehicle Entry - Reservation fee does not include a $5.00 per vehicle entry fee or $20.00 per bus entry fee..

Cancellation - A fee will be incurred for a cancellation of a reservation. This fee is not refundable.

Refunds - For a reservation refund, requests must be made at least 15 days prior to the date of your event. Cancellation fees still apply. See fees and charges for specific refund information. 

Parks Fees and Charges

Listed are approximate fees associated with each facility site.  Fees may vary depending on facility usage.  For more information see specific usage fees and charges.

Park Regulations

  1. On weekends and holidays, at least one member of your group must be at your reserved picnic site no later than 9:00 A.M. on the day of your picnic.
  2. You are responsible for complying with park rules on the enclosed park map.
  3. Your cooperation is requested in insuring that you and others in surroundings picnic sites enjoy themselves. Park rangers will monitor noise from sound devices and musical instruments. No amplified music.
  4. No signs are to be put in the park indicating the location of your picnic. The rangers in the gatehouse have a list of all reservations in individual areas and they will direct all guests to your area.
  5. Staples, tacks or nails are not to be used to put up decorations or any kind. Masking tape may be used on the tables.
  6. Portable BBQ/hibachis are not to be used in the park without prior written permission by the supervising ranger. Permanent BBQ pits are supplied in all picnic areas.
  7. Please remember to inform your guests that no dogs or pets are allowed in the park.
  8. Leave the area(s) clean. A maintenance charge may be assessed if you leave the area dirty or damaged. Check with a ranger to assure your area is clean when leaving.
  9. Garbage containers are to be left where they have been placed by the park staff. Additional containers may be added to your area upon request/need.
  10. Recycling stations are provided in many park areas. Please help the environment by using them to recycle.
  11. No hard liquor; beer and wine are okay.
  12. Smoking is prohibited within any area of county owned, operated or maintained beaches, parks and trails. This includes public parking areas, and inside vehicles, boats and tents. For additional information see our Smoking Ordinance FAQs.
  13. In case of rain, contact the Park Ranger the day of your event to see if it is a rain out. If no contact is made, you will be considered a no show. 

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