The state parks department released a collection of the winning photographs from the inaugural photo contest last fall. (photo courtesy of California State Parks)

California State Parks invites summer visitors to the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system to “share your space” by entering the 2026 Photo Contest.

Through Aug. 1, Californians can submit photographs from any of the 280 state parks for a chance to win special prizes. New this year, the photo contest will be hosted on the California State Parks app powered by OuterSpatial, allowing users to access detailed park information and maps while participating in the contest.

“The beauty, history and recreational opportunities of California’s state parks rival anywhere in the world, and I can’t wait to see the amazing photos visitors capture when they’re out making memories in these special places,” said Marty Greenstein, deputy director for communications and marketing at California State Parks. “Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the beach, hiking through the redwoods, boating on a lake or immersing yourself in California history, I invite you to share your space by entering our photo contest on OuterSpatial.”

After receiving many quality submissions in the inaugural contest last fall, the second annual contest is launching at the height of the summer visitation season – just in time for the fifth annual California State Parks Week.

Log into the OuterSpatial app and then submit one photo in the following categories: Heroes and Helpers, Landscape and Legacy, Living Wonders, A Space for All and A Wild Ride. The contest is sponsored by Tyler Technologies, management provider for ReserveCalifornia, California State Parks’ official reservation service. Prizes will be awarded to the top entry in each category as well as one People’s Choice selection in each category, for which OuterSpatial users can join in voting.

Winners will be notified in October. For more information, visit outerspatial.com/challenges/287.