Distinguished Veteran State Parks Pass (50%+ Disabled)
Free pass for California State Parks covering day use, camping, and boating. Valid 5 years; CA residency required.
State BenefitCaliforniaRecreation & Parks
Verified May 12, 2026 against parks.ca.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Recreation & Parks — California
- Who it's for
- Veterans
- VA rating needed
- 50% or higher
- Estimated value
- Free pass (5-year)
- Where it applies
- California
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
What is Distinguished Veteran State Parks Pass (50%+ Disabled)?
Distinguished Veteran State Parks Pass (50%+ Disabled) is a California recreation & parks benefit for veterans. Free pass for California State Parks covering day use, camping, and boating. Valid 5 years; CA residency required. Requires 50%+ VA disability rating. The listed value is Free pass (5-year).
Who qualifies
- Veterans
- Requires 50%+ VA disability rating
- Honorable discharge required
- California residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Honorably discharged veteran AND California resident AND ONE of the following: (a) 50%+ service-connected disability rating incurred during wartime or operations against a foreign power, (b) former POW held by forces hostile to the U.S., or (c) Medal of Honor recipient.
What Distinguished Veteran State Parks Pass (50%+ Disabled) covers
Covers
Free day use, camping, and boating at over 100 California State Parks. Standard day-use fees are $10-$15/visit; camping is $25-$65/night.
Duration
Valid for 5 years before renewal.
Important to know
A peacetime 50%+ rating does NOT qualify for the Distinguished Veteran Pass. Those veterans should use the standard Disabled Discount Pass instead.
How to apply for Distinguished Veteran State Parks Pass (50%+ Disabled)
How to apply
Online at ReserveCalifornia.com (fastest), by mail using form DPR619, or in person at select pass sales locations. Submit a VA Benefit Summary Letter.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
- Official source
- parks.ca.gov
Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
How VetUnlock verifies benefitsFrequently asked questions about Distinguished Veteran State Parks Pass (50%+ Disabled)
Who qualifies for Distinguished Veteran State Parks Pass (50%+ Disabled)?
Distinguished Veteran State Parks Pass (50%+ Disabled) is for Veterans; requires 50%+ VA disability rating; california residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
What VA disability rating do I need for Distinguished Veteran State Parks Pass (50%+ Disabled)?
Requires 50%+ VA disability rating.
How much is Distinguished Veteran State Parks Pass (50%+ Disabled) worth?
The listed value is Free pass (5-year). Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for Distinguished Veteran State Parks Pass (50%+ Disabled)?
Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Where can I verify Distinguished Veteran State Parks Pass (50%+ Disabled)?
Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.