Wednesday, March 6, 2024 | CalOHA.org

Advocacy Update: SB 620

Low-Impact Camping Areas

Senator McGuire (D) District 02 (North Coast)

This bill would specify that, for purposes of that act, a special occupancy park does not include a low-impact camping area. The bill would define a “low-impact camping area” to mean any area of private property that provides for the transient occupancy rental of a temporary sleeping accommodation, as defined, for recreational purposes that is not a commercial lodging facility and meets specified requirements. 

The bill was proposed to Senator McGuire by Hipcamp as a way to make it easier for any property owners in California to open a campground. 

Specifically, the bill states that “low impact” would be 9 sites or less and that these “campgrounds” would no longer be under the jurisdiction of Housing and Community Development (HCD). These properties would essentially be under county regulations. The problem with this is that counties do not have regulations for campgrounds because they haven’t needed them.  

In working with Senator McGuire and his staff we have requested the following: 

1. Business must comply with county code for water, waste water, and electric. Including but not limited to oversight by the California Water Boards and/or Coastal Commission. 
2. RVs of all kinds must be excluded. RV, travel trailer, Van conversions. Must be truly “low impact”. 
3. Expansion beyond 9 units would move business to HCD jurisdiction. Enforcement and inspection policy must be written and adhered to by the county. 
4. Determine the civil code that would apply to removals of guests and enforcement procedures. 

We are also working with our legal team on recommended language for the civil code that does not currently exist. Enforcement is going to be difficult and may prevent many counties from adopting this legislation. 

If you would like to share your opinions with Senator McGuire you can drop them a line directly to Christopher.nielsen@sen.ca.gov.  

RVIA Campground Coalition

This week, our president and CEO, Dyana Kelley, is in Florida for the RV Industry Association (RVIA) Leadership Conference. While there, Dyana will be networking with people from across all segments of the RV industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, and campgrounds, as well as attending training, discussions, and panel presentations. 

RVIA is also developing an RV Campground Coalition (RVCC) which Dyana will be participating in. The RVCC’s main purpose is to unify and strength the RV camping industry to ensure the current and future health of RV camping. To do this, the coalition will:

• to holistically improve the RV consumer experience
• advocate for campground modernization/expansion to ensure long-term sustainable growth
• develop data-driven initiatives and industry-wide research
• garner positive visibility for the campground, RV park, and outdoor hospitality industry, and 
• drive internal and external communication amongst stakeholders to foster industry unity.

Due to being out of the office and the nature of the conference, if you need to get in touch with Dyana this week, be sure to reach out to her at her email, dyana@caloha.org so she can get back to you as soon as possible. 

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