Calif. law imposes stiffer penalties for late cancellations, no-shows at state campsites – By Alec Regimbal (SFGATE) / Oct 11, 2023
A new California law will impose stiffer penalties on those who fail to show up to a reserved campground at one of the state’s hundreds of public parks and beaches. The bill’s author says the change will create a more equitable system for campground reservations as more residents plan trips outdoors.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 618 over the weekend during a historic bill-signing blitz. Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, a Democrat from Orinda and the bill’s author, said last-minute cancellations and no-shows have left many camping sites empty, including at some of the state’s most sought-after destinations.
“California’s public parks and beaches are treasures that should be enjoyed by all Californians and demand for them has increased greatly,” she said in a news release. “Unfortunately, our current outdated reservation system has led to a situation where many campsites are left empty. By promoting responsible reservation practices, we can increase access to these vital resources.”
