Council expands camping permit rules at Johnson and Seabee parks, sets $22 nightly fee

The Abilene City Council amended the city’s camping and overnight-parking code to permit regulated camping at Johnson Park and Seabee Park, extend permitted stays from 48 to 72 hours, and allow residents to obtain permits online at any time.

Leslie Andrews, director of parks and recreation, said the change lets residents get a camping permit 24/7 rather than only during business hours and will help city marshals monitor who is at the lakes. “Our busiest weekends are typically three-day holidays,” Andrews said, explaining the recommendation to extend permits to 72 hours.

The council also approved a fee schedule change: staff proposed a $22 per-night camping permit (up to 72 hours); day use remains free. The fee passed as part of the agenda. The council discussed a separate proposed commercial breeder permit fee in the animal and fowl ordinance; staff recommended a $150 fee for two years and agreed to review whether that should be adjusted relative to existing fees such as the dangerous-dog annual registration.

Council members asked whether the change allows camping citywide; staff clarified that camping remains prohibited at other parks and city properties and is only permitted at the two named parks. No public comments were made during the public hearings on either item. Councilman Reagan moved to approve the camping ordinance amendment and the fee schedule change; Councilman Craver seconded. The mayor announced “all yeses, motion carries.”

Votes: Motion to approve camping code amendment and fee schedule (Councilman Reagan), second (Councilman Craver). Outcome: approved.