Subject:
Title
Approval, Re: Changes to Campground Reservation Policy - Districts 1 and 3
End
Fiscal Impact:
It is anticipated that these changes will increase the revenue generated at Manatee Hammock (Fund 0022), Wickham Park (Fund 0017), and Long Point (Fund 0023) Campgrounds. Revenues from these three campgrounds remain in their respective funds for operations, maintenance, and improvements.
Dept/Office:
Parks and Recreation
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC):
1. Approve and authorize the Chair to sign the attached resolution regarding a change to the Parks and Recreation Campground Reservation Policy,
2. Authorize the Length of Stay at Manatee Hammock Campground to be for a maximum of 168 days per reservation and Long Point Campground for a maximum of 120 days per reservation and maintain 14 day reservation maximums for tent campers,
3. Authorize Advanced Reservations at all three campgrounds to be a maximum of 12 months for non-residents and 13 months for residents, and
4. Authorize the County Manager to execute all necessary budget amendments (BCRs) or other administrative actions necessary to support these actions.
End
Summary Explanation and Background:
The Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department (P&R) operates three campgrounds: Manatee Hammock (7275 South US Highway 1, Titusville, FL 32780), Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne, FL 32935), and Long Point (700 Long Point Road, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951).
Prior to November 2022, the Length of Stay at all three locations was a maximum of 168 days, Advanced Reservations were allowed for up to 12 months, and there were no Premium Fees (for example, sites with water access). In November 2022, the length of stay was decreased from 168 days to 90 days and Advance Reservations were changed to 12 months for non-residents and 13 months for residents. Then in October 2024, Advance Reservations for non-residents was reduced to 6 months for all three locations and the Length of Stay at Long Point Campground was reduced to 14 days. These changes were implemented to increase booking opportunities for residents.
The current campground policy allows a maximum length of stay for recreational vehicles and camping units of 14 days at Long Point and 90 days per reservation at Wickham and Manatee Hammock, 14 days per reservation for tent campers, and Advance Reservations are 6 months for non-residents / 13 months for residents.
Since these changes were implemented, the Consumer Price Index - All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) has increased 11.8% and the Producer Price Index by Commodity: Special Indexes: Construction Material (WPUSI012011) has increased 13.8%. During this same period, Manatee Hammock’s occupancy rate decreased 29.1%, Wickham Park has remained steady, and Long Point has decreased 33.3%. Additionally, revenue at all three campgrounds has not kept pace with the combined CPI and PPI increase of 25.6% (these indices are separate economic indicators tracking different stages of the supply chain). The closest are Manatee Hammock which has increased 20% and Wickham Park which has increased 14.5% (most likely tied to increased camping fees). However, revenue at Long Point has decreased 6%.
Section 78-84 - Reservations (Brevard County Code of Ordinances) states “Reservation policies for parks, recreational facilities and department managed lands shall be established by resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners”. If approved, the Reservation Policy shall be:
• Manatee Hammock: Maximum 168 days per reservation and 14 days per reservation for tent campers. Advance Reservations allowed 13 months prior for residents and 12 month prior for non-residents.
• Wickham Park Campground: Maximum 90 days per reservation and 14 days per reservation for tent campers (unchanged). Advance Reservations allowed 13 months prior for residents and 12 month prior for non-residents.
• Long Point Park: Maximum 120 days per reservation. Advance Reservations allowed 13 months prior for residents and 12 month prior for non-residents.
If the Board approves these changes they will be implemented January 1, 2027.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
None