New California Law Facilitates Campsite Reservations for Outdoor Enthusiasts
In an effort to make campsite reservations more accessible and user-friendly, a new bill has been proposed in California that aims to streamline the process and deter late cancellations and no-shows. The bill, AB 618, introduced by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, has received unanimous support from the legislature and is now awaiting the governor’s signature.
California boasts an impressive array of state parks, with nearly 280 individual parks offering over 15,000 campsites and other lodging options. Each year, millions of campers visit these sites, making it imperative to implement a reservation system that ensures fair access for all outdoor enthusiasts.
Despite the extensive parkland and campsites available, many campers face difficulties in securing a reservation. A survey conducted by camping website The Dyrt revealed that more than half of campers across the country struggle to find available campsites. This is where AB 618 comes into play, addressing existing issues and proposing solutions.
One of the primary changes introduced by the bill is the implementation of penalties for late cancellations and no-shows. Currently, there are no repercussions for reserving a spot and then failing to use it. AB 618 seeks to incentivize responsible reservation practices by offering credits for cancellations made at least seven days in advance. These credits can be utilized for future reservations within a span of five years. Conversely, campers who fail to show up after the first day of their reservation will forfeit the remainder of their booking.
AB 618 also includes measures to enhance communication and provide reminders for reservation holders. Individuals who book lodging in a state park will receive at least two reminder emails prior to their scheduled stay, ensuring they are aware of their reservation and offering options for cancellation, refunds, or credits.
Moreover, the bill aims to increase the availability of campsites by implementing a 30-day cap on the number of days individuals can stay at the same campsite per year. Additionally, during peak seasons, reservations will be limited to a maximum of seven consecutive nights. These provisions will apply to all state parks, including the 150 parks that do not operate under the Reserve California booking system.
Recognizing the popularity of certain campsites, AB 618 proposes the introduction of a lottery system for a select few highly sought-after sites. The California State Parks department will identify these campsites based on booking interest six months ahead of the reservation date.
In addition to these reservation-related changes, AB 618 incorporates a 25% discount on campsite bookings for low-income individuals who possess an annual pass called the Golden Bear pass. This discount will be applicable to CalWORKs and supplemental security income recipients, as well as households with incomes falling below a specified threshold.
If signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, AB 618 will go into effect on January 1, 2024. This legislation aims to strike a balance between meeting the growing demand for campsites in California’s state parks and ensuring equitable access for all outdoor enthusiasts. By promoting responsible reservation practices, the bill seeks to enhance the overall camping experience and increase access to the state’s natural treasures.
