MALIBU, Calif. — Leaving city life behind for a little fresh air in the great outdoors is something Barbara and Tony Ajemian genuinely enjoy.

What You Need To Know

  • AB 618, which takes effect Jan. 1, aims to provide better access to California's parks by managing the reservation system

  • The new law would give those who cancel their reservation at least seven days in advance a credit to be used for a booking. They could be charged for one night if they cancel later than that. No-shows could forfeit their entire reservation

  • Users who fail to show up for three consecutive reservations will be banned from making an online booking for a year

  • California has about 280 state parks, and roughly half use an online system that allows visitors to make reservations up to six months in advance

"We were just in Pismo Beach in June. We've been to Mammoth. We've been to Carpinteria," Barbara Ajemian said.

This time, the couple from the Long Beach area was setting up their home away from home at the popular Leo Carillo State Campgrounds in Malibu. They come out here at least once a year.

"It's a relaxation thing. It's being with other people and playing board games and cooking together," Ajemian said.

California has about 280 state parks, and roughly half use an online system that allows visitors to make reservations up to six months in advance. 

Ajemian said she regularly has to book on day one due to high demand. 

"You gotta be with your computer all ready and 'Everybody quiet quiet! I've got to make the reservations!'" she said.

AB 618, which takes effect Jan. 1, aims to provide better access. Richard Fink is the California State Parks Superintendent for the Angeles District. 

Fink said Leo Carillo sees about half a million visitors a year.

"People love this park because it has direct walking access to the coast, to the beach," he said. "Also, the beach here allows dogs."

He said the new law would give those who cancel their reservation at least seven days in advance a credit to be used for a booking. They could be charged for one night if they cancel later than that. No-shows could forfeit their entire reservation.

"It'll allow us to free up those spaces a lot quicker and in more real-time if we're not receiving the confirmation in advance from the users," Fink said.

He said holding spots when other people are waiting can be frustrating for his staff. The new system will also send multiple reminder emails to users.

"That will allow us to communicate with reservation holders 10 days in advance, seven days in advance, and then on the day of to confirm their arrival or to give them an opportunity to cancel," he said.

Users who fail to show up for three consecutive reservations will be banned from making an online booking for a year.

"If you cancel and don't tell anybody, somebody else is going to lose out so it definitely should be an incentive," Ajemian said.

But she's unsure about the lottery system that will launch in 2025 at five of the most popular campsites statewide.

"It would be nice if they did something like that, but still kept a percentage of the campsites open for people to make reservations," she said.

Fink said the overhauled reservation system is expected to launch in August.

"I'm looking forward to tide pools and walking along the beach," Ajemian said.

Helping more people experience California's natural beauty with less stress.