The Cost of Camping in San Diego County Is About to Take a Hike

Beginning next month, it will cost more to camp in county parks, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors decided Tuesday.

The board, responding to a plea from the county Department of Parks and Recreation, unanimously approved a proposal to increase a variety of park user fees, from campsites to catamaran permits. The increases, which are expected to raise annual park revenues by 10%--or about $120,000--take effect Nov. 3.

Not all park visitors will notice the change. The fee increases are intentionally limited to those facilities that require the greatest amount of upkeep, such as picnic areas and boat launches. The costs of making camping reservations, staying overnight at campgrounds and using county lakes are going up--some by as much as 100%. But a day in the park will continue to be free, and most parking will still cost $1 a day.

Robert R. Copper, director of county parks, said the new rates are also intended to encourage San Diego County residents to purchase camping discount cards. The cards, now $15 each, will cost $20 next month (or $10 for senior citizens and disabled people). But, under the new rate structure, the cards will also save campers more. Cardholders will receive a $3 discount on each camping reservation, contrasted with the current $2 discount.

County park user fees have not gone up since June, 1986. But, in the past three years, Copper said, the cost of providing park services has increased steadily.

Park officials bolstered their proposal to the board with two surveys that seemed to indicate that a fee increase was overdue. One survey of 42 California counties found that San Diego County charged lower than average fees for day use, as well as for tent and recreational vehicle camping.

Another survey, conducted during one week in June, asked 441 park-goers in San Diego if they would be willing to pay more to use public parks. According to the proposal, 60% said they would.

On Tuesday, the board received further evidence of the lack of public outcry when no one attended a public hearing on the issue.

Among the new fee increases:

* Campsite fees will increase from the current range of $5 to $12 a night to $6 to $16. Reservation fees will go from $2 to $3.

* Caravan areas for group camping and motor homes will cost up to $35 more each night, depending on the days of the week.

* Lake use permits for catamarans, canoes, kayaks and other boats will increase from $25 to $55 annually and from $3 to $4 a day.

* Firewood, now $2 a bundle, will cost $3.