Richland County panel approves one-year trial campground after neighbor objections

The Richland County Natural Resources Committee on Monday approved a rezoning and conditional‑use permit that allows a private, limited campground to operate on a trial basis for one year.

The committee’s action followed a revisit of an item previously considered by the township. Zoning staff told the committee that the township approved a one‑year trial for the campground, and the applicant presented an engineer‑prepared site plan and described proposed safeguards.

The applicant said the camping operation will be kept small and largely low‑impact. “I’ve actually decided to take it down to 10 campsites because I really don’t want to add a lot of infrastructure,” the applicant said, and added the property will follow a “pack in, pack out” trash policy and post rules and signage for emergency services and visitors.

A nearby resident objected to the proposal, saying the property is within 200 feet of their home and expressing concern about disruption and public access. The resident said the area “is part of God’s country” and argued the public should not be encouraged to visit. Committee members asked about setbacks and whether the campsites would be visible from neighbors; the applicant said campsites are set well back from the road and largely out of sight.

Zoning staff said the applicant had completed required sanitary paperwork, including using a state‑approved composting toilet, and that the township had placed garbage control conditions on its trial approval. Committee members noted other recently approved campgrounds in the county and said they had not heard reports of problems at those sites.

After discussion, the committee approved the rezoning and CUP by voice vote; the chair called for those in favor to say “aye,” and members responded. The committee said it will revisit the permit after the one‑year trial period.