San Diego County Parks to Raise Fees for Outdoor Activities

Fees for various outdoor activities within San Diego County will increase on January 2, 2024, marking the second adjustment in less than a year. The changes affect camping, parking, fishing permits, and recreational facility rentals, impacting both residents and visitors who take advantage of these amenities.

The increases range from modest adjustments, such as the nightly rate for full hookup campsites rising from $40 to $42, to more substantial hikes like a $25 increase for picnic area reservations. According to the county’s Parks and Recreation Department, these adjustments are necessary to keep pace with rising operational costs while maintaining high-quality services and facilities.

Details of the Fee Adjustments

This latest fee increase is part of a two-year adjustment plan initiated by the county. The first phase took effect in February 2023, which included notable changes such as day-use parking fees rising from $3 to $5 and partial RV hookup campsites increasing from $29 to $35. Prior to these adjustments, the last fee change occurred over a decade ago.

Despite these increases, the county maintains that its parks continue to provide exceptional value compared to similar systems. “Even with these adjustments, county parks remain a great value, offering thousands of free programs each year at more than 150 top-quality facilities across 59,000 acres,” a statement from the county noted.

Reservations made and paid for before January 2 will still be charged at the current rates, regardless of the reservation date. However, any new bookings made after that date will reflect the updated fees. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance, allowing users to plan their visits accordingly.

Additional Changes and Discounts

In addition to the general fee increases, several specific adjustments will take effect. Community center setup fees will rise from $35 to $40 per hour. Furthermore, cabin and caravan area rates will increase at multiple county parks, including Agua Caliente, Lake Morena, and Dos Picos.

For those planning weddings, costs for using the wedding gazebo at Dos Picos County Park will rise from $250 to $300 per day. Similarly, at Felicita Park, the Wedding Knoll will now cost $450 for ceremonies and $900 for receptions.

Other notable changes include an increase in the fee for private boat launches from $10 to $12 and adult fishing permits rising from $7 to $8.

Nonprofit organizations will continue to receive a 25% discount on facility rentals, and discount programs for veterans, seniors, and other groups will also remain in place, along with scholarships and a free First Time Camping Program.

For a complete list of the new fees, residents and visitors can access the full fee schedule on the San Diego County Parks and Recreation website.