LAKE TAHOE

California State Parks Foundation released the results of the second annual “Best of California’s State Parks.” This poll highlights state parks beloved for hiking, camping, spectacular views, wildflowers, family-friendly adventures, and more. This year’s poll also features two new categories: “Best State Park for Water Activities” and “Best State Park for Hidden Gem Experiences.”

This year, California State Parks Foundation invited its members, supporters, and the public to nominate and vote on their favorite parks across 12 categories. Over 2,000 people participated in the process

The California state park system includes 280 state parks and growing, over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, 15,000 campsites, 5,200 miles of trails, more than 3,000 historic buildings, and more than 11,000 known prehistoric and historic archaeological sites. 

The winners of the 2026 “Best of California’s State Parks” poll include Emerald Bay State Park as the Best State Park for Water Activities.

Learn more at calparks.org/bestof2026.

~ California State Parks press release