State Parks Law and Legal Definition
State parks are separate from the national park system and are under the jurisdiction of their respective states. State laws regulate park visitors to protect those visitors, as well as protection and conservation of the wildlife, scenery, facilities and resources within the park. Regulations are issued for park hours, pets, swimming, camping, fishing, hunting, liquor, and more. As a public attraction, certain accommodations must be made for those with disabilities.
Many states have a State Parks Department, which may coordinate its activities with other agencies, such as the state's Office of Tourism. The parks department may be a branch of a larger governmental body, such as the state's Department of Natural Resources or an environmental agency, which coordinates such issues as funding and distribution of federal grants.
