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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park photo (left) by Karen PearlmanEast County News Service
July 15, 2025 (San Diego County) -- California State Parks Foundationhas extended its invitation to park visitors and photography enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels to capture the natural beauty, recreational activities and unique landscapes of California’s state parks.
The California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest, originally open for submissions through Sept. 30, is now extended through Oct. 23.
"Due to the popularity of the contest and to give Californians more time to capture the magic of fall, State Parks is extending the contest by two weeks," an email from the CSPF said. "Be sure to submit your photos from one of 280 state parks in up to five categories for a chance to win special prizes."
The contest, inspired by The Golden State's 175th anniversary, is a great way to celebrate Californias natural beauty and history.
San Diego County has more than a dozen state parks, including Anza Borrego Desert, Cuyamaca Rancho, Palomar Mountain and several state beaches — including Carlsbad State Beach, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in La Jolla, Border Field State Park Beach in Imperial Beach and Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado.
The California state park system includes 280 state park units, over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, 15,000 campsites, 5,200 miles of trails, 3,195 historic buildings, and more than 11,000 known prehistoric and historic archaeological sites. Earlier this year, California State Parks Foundation highlighted some of these beloved places with their first-ever “Best of California’s State Parks” - a poll that asked their members and followers to vote on their favorite places for camping, hiking, picnicking, and more.
Carlsbad State Beach photo by Karen PearlmanParticipants can enter up to three photos in the photo contest in the following categories:
- Scenic Landscapes — Natural beauty across all seasons;
- Wildlife & Nature — Flora, fauna and ecosystems;
- Recreation & Activities — Hiking, surfing, camping and more;
- People in Parks — Enjoying parks responsibly and sustainably;
- California History — Cultural and historic sites in parks
There is no entry fee to participate in the contest. Category winners will win a California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass ($195 value, vehicle entrance to 134 state parks) and be featured in California State Parks Foundation’s 2026 calendar.
Honorable mentions will be showcased in an online gallery and on social media. All winners will also receive a 2026 calendar.
Torrey Pines State Beach photo (right) by Karen Pearlman
Submissions will be judged on creativity and originality, technical quality, relevance to the category, emotional impact and storytellingand aesthetic appeal.
For more information and the official contest rules and photo guidelines, visit calparks.org/photocontest.
California State Parks Foundation, an independent, member-supported nonprofit with more than 50 years of history, is dedicated to protecting and preserving the California state park system for the benefit of all.
The foundation works in parks and in Sacramento with partners, park staff and policymakers to address the challenges parks face.
To make real and lasting change, the group is working to build a movement of people who enjoy and advocate for their parks now and for future generations.
Learn more at www.calparks.org, or find California State Parks Foundation @calparks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter/X as well as @californiaparks on Bluesky.
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