Lompoc council adopts rules, fees for River Park Campground and asks for 12‑month update

The Lompoc City Council on a unanimous vote adopted a resolution setting rules, reservation procedures and fees for the renovated River Park Campground and asked staff for a performance update in about 12 months.

Staff described an upgraded campground with 26 new RV sites (adding to earlier work), an online reservation system with an interactive site map, and a mix of short‑term and long‑term stays. "The fees will be $50 a day or $325, per continuous 7 days," staff said, and noted short‑term stays will be limited to 21 days in a 28‑day window while long‑term stays may be approved in writing and are capped so that no more than 50% of sites are long‑term. Check‑in is 1 p.m., checkout 11 a.m.; quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.; tent camping is prohibited; fires only in provided rings; pets must be leashed or kennelled.

Why it matters: staff said the updated rules and fees will create a stable revenue stream to support park maintenance and reduce the general‑fund subsidy for River Park. The staff report estimated that modest fee increases on renovated sites could generate roughly $40,000 in additional annual revenue for every $5 raised over the baseline, and forecast occupancy gains once online reservations and advertising begin.

Council discussion focused on operational questions and monitoring: members asked how the reservation system and marketing would affect summer vacancy rates and whether long‑term site rules would displace recreational use. Staff said the city aims for higher summer occupancy and will use the reservation system and advertising to attract visitors. "Our goal is at least the 65% of the occupancy in summertime," staff said.

The council moved and seconded the staff recommendation and directed staff to return with a report in about 12 months to show summer performance and revenue compared with projections. The resolution was adopted and the motion recorded as passed unanimously.