The Dolores Board of Trustees on Monday discussed increasing the price of special permit camping, just days before the town breaks ground on green space in Joe Rowell Park for a new skate and bike park.
Trustees said the fee for tent camping should be increased to $25, up from $5 currently listed on the town website. RV camping would no longer be allowed.
Camping is allowed in town parks only by special permit for events.
“Nobody else in the county allows special permit camping,” said Town Manager Leigh Reeves. “Nobody allows camping, period. That doesn’t mean we can’t be unique and continue our tradition.”
Trustees agreed that they’d charge $25 for camping per event. However, further details, like per tent or per person costs have not been fully decided, Turner said in an email.
No final decision has yet been reached, Turner said.
Popular gatherings for the town, such the Dolores River Festival and the softball tournament held for Escalante Days have brought campers to the park, manager Reeves said.
The town plans to break ground on Lost Canyon Bike and Skate Park on Aug. 4 in an area once occupied by campers.
“Most people camp where the bike and skate park are about to start, said Reeves. “So that’s basically gone.”
While weighing the decision, trustees stated a desire for increased revenue and pointed out that compared with common prices for camping nearby, Dolores’ options were cheap.
“If we did it we could really turn up the revenue stream,” said Trustee Chris Curry. “Let’s keep it special, let’s keep our traditions, but let’s make more money on it.”
