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Board adopts hybrid camping model for Breezy Point with higher seasonal rates and stricter rules
Summary
The Calvert County commissioners approved a hybrid camping plan for Breezy Point that restores seasonal spots while expanding daily sites, raises seasonal fees, and tightens rules on temporary structures and pump-out charges to reduce county subsidy and storm risk.
The Board of County Commissioners voted Dec. 17 to adopt a hybrid camping model for Breezy Point Beach and Campground that restores seasonal sites while expanding short-term daily camping, with staff-directed contract and enforcement changes ahead of the 2025 season.
Bob Random, director of Parks and Recreation, told commissioners the department recommends 48 seasonal sites and 35 short-term sites for the May–October camping season. "So what we're proposing this year is is back to the hybrid model with some changes," Random said, explaining the split is intended to preserve income from long-term renters while increasing turnover revenue from daily rentals.
Staff presented historical comparisons showing that the prior hybrid model (70 seasonal, 17 daily) produced about $301,614 in total camping revenue, while the all-short-term 2024 season yielded $279,439 in gross revenue but lower expenses and a positive net. Based on full-occupancy projections, the department estimated up to roughly $400,000 from short-term sites and $223,000 from seasonal sites, for a combined potential of about $623,500 — a theoretical maximum staff emphasized could not be guaranteed.
The board also approved recommended rate increases for seasonal sites: general sites would rise from $2,375 to $4,300 for six months, waterfront and canal tiers to higher amounts (up to $4,800–$5,000 for beachfront). Staff recommended increasing the camper pump-out fee from $50 to $55 to avoid subsidizing vendor costs and covering staff time associated with pump-outs.
To address safety and storm-resilience concerns, Parks and Recreation proposed limiting temporary pallet platforms and similar structures to approximately 4 by 8 feet and keeping them permitted and removable. Staff recommended a mandatory pre-season meeting for seasonal campers (with a virtual option) and said law enforcement and the county attorney's office would be involved to provide enforcement "teeth" including citations for contract violations.
Commissioners said they favored the model that balances family-friendly camping with enforceable rules; a motion to approve the spaces and rates depicted on staff slide 8 passed unanimously. The board directed staff to update contracts, schedule the mandatory meeting, and return needed contract language for implementation.
