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Parks committee to propose online reservations and camping fee; Viola and Rockbridge reopenings discussed
Summary
The parks committee discussed a proposed online reservation platform, a proposed $25-per-night campsite fee (clarification pending whether per site or per person), seven-day stay limit and enforcement steps for Viola and Rockbridge parks; staff will draft a resolution and clarify fee application and site counts.
Parks staff told the Richland County Highway and Parks Committee they will move the county’s camping permits to an online reservation system, raise the camping fee and set limits on length of stay to address unpaid camping and site occupancy concerns.
"The solution there is what we wanna do is do an online platform through the parks website that's gonna have all the campsites properly listed out, mapped out. And then from that website is where you make your payment for the reservation," Parks staff said. The committee discussed using QR codes or pay kiosks to accommodate visitors without cellular service.
Committee members said the committee voted at its parks meeting to raise the fee from $10 to $25 per night; a committee member asked staff to clarify whether that fee is per site or per person. "I'm clarify," Parks staff said when asked; staff later confirmed mapped site counts and said Viola will have 10 sites and Rockbridge will have 10 identified sites.
The committee said the new rules would allow a maximum seven consecutive nights at a campsite, after which campers must leave for seven days, and would establish quiet hours starting at 10 p.m. Staff acknowledged enforcement limits and said deputies could check online receipts in the field. "The sheriff's the deputy can actually say, okay. Where's your receipt that you paid to be here?" Parks staff said.
Regarding Viola Park water testing, staff said the well has been tested multiple times and that tests had returned positive for bacteria; staff said they are cleaning parts and will retest. "We feel like we just had a meeting called that today," Parks staff said, adding they will continue testing and may flush the system or use disinfection procedures until samples are clean.
Staff said park bathroom upgrades are complete at Rockbridge using remaining DNR trail grant funds: older buildings were removed, accessible concrete pads poured and accessible portable toilets deployed. The committee asked staff to return with a draft resolution that specifies the online reservation method, the clarified fee (per site or per person), mapped site counts, and enforcement recommendations for deputies.
