Laws & Policies

Regulations

The Superintendent's Compendium is a compilation of designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions made by the superintendent, in addition to what is contained in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Parks, Forest, and Public Property, Chapter 1, National Park Service, Department of the Interior), and other applicable federal statutes and regulations.

Weapons and Firearms

Discharge of a firearm or weapon is prohibited within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. As of February 22, 2010, federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park.

As of January 1, 2013, California law prohibits the open carry of any firearm within the parks. Persons otherwise permitted to possess firearms (in general) may possess a concealed firearm with a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm (CCW) from California. A CCW from another state does not apply.

Weapons (including, but not limited to, BB, Pellet and Paint Guns, Bow/Arrow, Slingshots, Bear Spray and other compressed gas irritant devices) are illegal to possess. Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances. This also applies to concealed firearms with a valid CCW.

It is the responsibility of park visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please visit the State of California Penal Code web site (see Part 6 - Control of Deadly Weapons).

Unmanned Aircraft, Including Drones

Unmanned aircraft are not allowed in these parks. This includes drones and other remotely piloted vehicles. For more information, visit the National Park Service's Fire and Aviation Management web page about unmanned aircraft.

Telephone Scams

An illegal telephone scam is mentioning Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. This scam claims that payment is due for an infraction or that the caller can assist in handling legal issues with the Federal Magistrate. The goal of the scam is to defraud people of money. Do not send money or give any information.

Many such phone, email, and mail scams exist. If you receive such a call, go to the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Information site to learn about scams and file a complaint.