Camping fees and facility rental fees will increase at Santa Barbara County parks next year.

The Board of Supervisors approved the fees at Tuesday’s meeting and the higher fees will go into effect for reservations made on or after Jan. 4, 2023.

The county is not planning to increase the group area/day use reservation or site fees at county parks since they are mostly used by county residents for gatherings such as birthdays, graduations and retirement parties. 

Fees will increase for camping spots, cabins, sports field use, and special events and facility rentals. Read more about the fees here.

Reserving county park areas for events is “such an incredible bargain,” Supervisor Laura Capps said. “You’ve made a good case to me.”

Supervisor Das Williams said the county’s camping spots are in high demand because of the comparably low prices, and that increasing fees could help preserve access for local working people.

“Particularly at Jalama (Beach), we should be doing this so it’s an asset for local people and not just a gem for people from out of town to vacation at.”

Supervisor Bob Nelson voted against the increase, saying he was concerned the increase was in response to rising staffing costs.