California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest

The 2026 Photo Contest is Coming Soon! 

Russian Gulch State Park

California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest

The California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest returns in August. 

Whether you're an experienced photographer or simply love capturing moments in California's state parks, we invite you to share the landscapes, wildlife, recreation, history, and memories that make our parks so special. Winning photos may be featured in our annual calendar, on our website, and across our social media channels. 

Mark your calendar and start sorting through your favorite park photos. We can't wait to see California's state parks through your lens. 

 

What To Expect:

  • Contest Opens: August 24, 2026 
  • Submission Deadline: September 21, 2026 
  • Winners Announced: October 1, 2026 
     

Categories 

  • Scenic Landscapes 
  • Wildlife & Nature 
  • Recreation & Activities 
  • People in Parks 
  • California History 

Full contest rules, submission guidelines, prizes, and the submission form will be available when the contest opens. 

Photographer in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Rules and Submission Guidelines

Exploring California’s state parks this year? You could be our next California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest winner. See the categories, rules, and regulations, and plan to submit your photos in 2026!

Read Here

View the 2025 Winners

Meet last year's winners whose photographs best captured the diversity and spirit of California’s state parks. 

Learn More
Mother and daughter in Topanga State Park
Photographer in a California Redwood Park

Support the Parks Behind the Photos

California’s state parks inspire moments worth capturing, protecting, and sharing. Your donation helps support our year-round work to these incredible places. 

Donate Today

Support Our Parks Year-Round

Join our member community and receive the California State Parks Foundation calendar featuring photos from the contest.  

Join Today
Photographer at Angel Island State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Stay Up-To-Date

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @calparks and Bluesky at @californiaparks to see more of the winning photos, stories from our community, and updates on the next photo contest.