Clallam County flags shortfalls at Camp David Jr., moves to update fees and reservation practices

Clallam County staff told the Board of County Commissioners that the Parks, Fair and Facilities budgets show revenue declines for 2026 even as operating and maintenance needs rise, with Camp David Junior singled out as a site whose ongoing costs outstrip revenues.

Staff said the Parks, Fair and Economic Facilities general‑fund revenue budget for 2026 is projected at $973,212 while the department’s expenditure budget is about $3,119,192; department requests totaled $72,500 of which roughly $32,000 was recommended for approval and $40,500 deferred. FTEs in parks were unchanged from 2025 at 20.54, staff reported.

Why it matters: County staff said recent, sustained declines in camping and rental demand at specific facilities have reduced revenue. Camp David Junior, the county’s popular summer camp facility, was running about $15,000 short to date, with staff expecting roughly $10,000–$11,000 more by month‑end; personnel costs for the host are in the $50,000–$60,000 fully‑benefited range and utilities and maintenance add materially to the shortfall.

What staff recommended and next steps: Commissioners asked staff to finish a countywide fee schedule and to provide a facility‑by‑facility spreadsheet showing revenues, operating costs, labor and capital spending so the board can identify high‑cost, low‑use assets. Staff said advisory boards have submitted recommendations; a staff fee recommendation will be prepared for discussion with the administrator and presented to the board. The county also plans a dedicated work session on Camp David Junior and related reservation and marketing issues.

Options discussed: Staff outlined several ways to narrow the gap without immediately closing community access: increased fees phased to reduce “sticker shock,” targeted shoulder‑season or off‑season rentals (potentially to users of the Olympic Discovery Trail), automated access/lock systems to reduce on‑site staff time, and volunteer or co‑management partnerships with nonprofit groups. Staff cautioned that any off‑season rentals require additional logistics and weatherization work and may add staff time unless automated access is implemented.

Reservations and merchant fees: The county is renegotiating its online reservation contract and analyzing which campsites need monthly reservation service in order to lower merchant and platform charges. Staff said merchant fees have grown as card payments replaced cash; one staff estimate cited roughly $81,000 in merchant fees embedded in camping fee receipts and described monthly reservation platform charges that vary with reservation volume. The board partially approved an increased merchant‑fee budget request and deferred the remainder pending the fee‑schedule update.

Context and constraints: Staff repeatedly noted that parks in Clallam County are primarily passive recreation and that most facilities do not cover their full costs; several parks rely heavily on volunteers and MOUs with local nonprofits for maintenance. Commissioners pressed staff to use the master plan and the forthcoming facility‑level cost reports to inform any decisions about closures, fee changes or co‑management.

Evidence and follow up: Staff committed to provide the board with a historical revenue vs. expense report by facility (through 2024, with a 2025 update in spring) and to return for a work session once the data and fee recommendations are complete.