Camping, Day-use and Reservation Fees

Commercial Recreational Activity Permits

Film and Photography Permits and Fees

Right of Entry Permits

Camping, Day-use, and Reservation Fees

Fees are charged for camping and day-use at all of our facilities. Pricing is posted on our Online Reservations System - but here's some additional information regarding payments, add-ons and reservation transfers. 

Day-Use Parking Fees: A $5/vehicle fee is charged for parking at most of our parks unless otherwise noted. Annual Parking Passes are available by contacting the County Parks Reservations Center at (858) 565-3600.

Camping Fees: All fees for Reserved Individual Sites and Reserved Group-Youth/Caravan Areas are collected in advance by the County Parks Reservation Desk. Any sites that have been deemed unreserved or available on a first-come, first-served basis may be booked with staff at the park. Fees must be paid prior to each night's stay. 

Reservation Fee: An $8 fee will be applied per site to all reservations. This fee is non-refundable. 

Additional Fees: Additional fees may be collected by the park ranger for pets, extra vehicles and boating or fishing (see Lake Morena).

Pet Fees: There is a $2/night charge for dogs (at all camping parks, please adhere to leash laws) and a $2/night charge for horses (at Sweetwater Summit, Tijuana River Valley, and Vallecito County Park, only). Fees are collected upon check-in. See Frequently Asked Questions for additional pet regulations.

Extra Vehicles: The Park Supervising Ranger will determine each campsite's capacity for extra vehicles and permit usage as space allows. Extra vehicles will be charged an extra vehicle fee of $6/vehicle. An extra vehicle is considered a second motorized vehicle that is not towing or being towed by the main camping unit.

Modifying Existing Reservations - Camping: An $8 transfer fee is charged per site to modify a camping reservation. Reservation modifications must be made at least one day prior to arrival. Reservations which have been modified are not eligible for a refund if later cancelled. All transfer fees are non-refundable.

Modifying Existing Reservations - Day-Use: Day-use reservations modifications must be made 30 days in advance. There is an $8 transfer fee to modify a day-use reservation. Reservations may be modified up-to two times only and new date(s) can be no more than 1 year from original reservation date. Transfer fees are non-refundable.

Cancellations - Camping: Cancel online by logging into your account or call (858) 565-3600 or (877) 565-3600, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Please note the following:

• If a reservation is cancelled more than 72 hours prior to the original arrival date, the camping fee will be refunded minus an $8 non-refundable reservation fee and an $8 cancellation fee (total $16). Reservation which have been previously modified are not eligible for a refund.
• Reservations that have been transferred may be cancelled as long as they are cancelled more than 72 hours prior to the original arrival date.  Cancellations less than 72 hours prior to the original arrival date and after will result in forfeiture of all fees paid.
• Reserved sites will be held until 1 p.m. on the day after the scheduled arrival date. The site will then be offered to other interested campers on a first-come, first-served basis until the next scheduled reservation for that site.

Cancellations - Day-Use: Cancel by calling (858) 565-3600 or (877) 565-3600, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. There is a $25 cancellation fee in addition to paid non-refundable reservation and transfer fees. Reservations cancelled within 30 days of the reservation date are not eligible for a refund. Reservation which have been previously modified are not eligible for a refund.

View a listing of current park user fees.

Commercial Recreational Activity Permits

A Commercial Recreational Activity Permit is required for all organizations/instructors offering programs or classes at a San Diego County Park when not reserving an area. Programs or classes that require a permit include any outdoor recreation, fitness or athletic program in which fees are charged for the services provided, professional instruction or coaching is being provided or using equipment for a program that has the potential to cause damage to the park (weights, medicine balls, tires, etc). Remember, this permit does not reserve space in the park, but gives authorization to conduct the activity.

In order to apply, please complete and sign the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Commercial Recreational Activity Permit Application and email it to askparks.lue@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Once your activity has been approved by DPR, you will be directed to complete the County of San Diego's criminal background check procedures and obtain clearance to proceed.  Once you receive this clearance, please submit the following final documents to  askparks.lue@sdcounty.ca.gov along with your contact information: 

Final Document Submittal Requirements:

• Insurance Certificate naming County of San Diego as Certificate Holder
• Indemnity and Save Harmless Agreement (Release of Liability)
• Certification (if applicable)

Upon review by DPR Staff, we will contact you to complete final payment and confirm your Commercial Recreational Activity Permit. All permit fees shall be paid through the DPR reservation system prior to conducting the program. The required proof of insurance, clearance of criminal background check and any other required documentation shall be submitted to DPR prior to processing payment for the permit fees.

For additional information, please call (858) 565-3600.

Film and Photography Permits and Fees

The San Diego County Parks and Recreation Department maintains and operates more than 50,000 acres of beautiful and unique locations and settings. Many of these are desirable for still photography and film backdrops. Most locations are available by reservation, and in many places, park staff can be on hand to assist with, and monitor, activities. 

Small photo shoots, like those for engagements, weddings and family photos, DO NOT need a permit. However, a photographer may be asked to move from an area that has been reserved, or if they interfere with recreational activities. For this reason, the Department recommends getting a permit for peace of mind, and to secure a preferred space.

Any large photo or film shoots that are commercial in nature, meaning, they are being produced specifically for post-shoot sales (big productions like commercials, TV shows and movies), MUST be permitted. 

Reservation procedures and fees for commercial photography in County parks are outlined below.

• Requests for photo/film permits may be made by  completing an application and e-mailing it to the County Parks Reservation Desk. Please allow a minimum of 72 hours processing time, prior to the scheduled film/photo shoot. If you have questions, please call (858) 495-5841.
• Any special requests/needs will be handled on an individual basis at the time of the application.
• The Department does not charge for still or video shoots that will not be published or used for marketing or commercial purposes.
• Most parks are open from 9:30 a.m. until sunset. Requests for early entry or late stay will result in additional charges. 
• Requests for drone use may be made by completing an application and e-mailing or faxing it to the County Parks Reservation Desk at (858) 495-5841.  Please allow four business days of processing time for commercial drone use.  For recreational/hobbyist, please allow one business day of processing time.  
• For commercial film, photo and drone applications, a $50 non-refundable application fee is due upon submittal.  If the commercial film application is approved, the $50.00 application fee will be applied to the total permit cost.
• If the film/photo shoot application is approved, a refundable security deposit for a film/photo crew of 10 or less persons is required to furnish $300.00 (cash, credit card, cashiers check) prior to filming to ensure cleanup and restoration of the site. The security deposit may be increased at the discretion of DPR if it requires a larger production crew of 10 or more persons. 

Total payment for the permit is due prior to the shoot. For additional information or questions please call (858) 565-3600.

ROE Permit Application

A Right of Entry (ROE) Permit is required for all individuals and organizations interested in conducting research, business and other non-recreational activities on DPR property.  ROE Permits temporarily allow non-impactful activities and ensure that DPR property is protected and remains undisturbed. They are subject to environmental review and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. Any possible impacts, temporary or permanent, need to be mitigated. 

DPR works to preserve regionally significant natural and cultural resources. As such, ROE Permit applications are reviewed by considering the requested access and activities in the context of existing and future preservation efforts. 

ROE Permits will not be issued for recreational activities, mitigation, temporary or permanent construction, overnight activities or other activities that are not consistent with the intent of the ROE Permit. Some requested activities may require a different permit, agreement, easement or other approval. For example, applications that include use of a drone are referred to the County’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Drone Application. 

How to Apply: 

1. Fill out the ROE Permit Application completely. 
2. Compile the application attachments. Required: map and proof of insurance. Other, when applicable: previous County ROE Permits in good standing, other required local, State, and/or Federal permits, etc.
3. Carefully review the “Standard Conditions for Right of Entry Permit” before signing.
4. Email your application and attachments to ParksROEPermit@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Application Review: 

• An email will be sent notifying you that your application has been received. 
• Applications that are incomplete will not be processed until all required information is provided.
• Please allow four to six weeks to process standard applications. 
• Please allow additional time to process applications that include multiple activities or multiple DPR properties. 

Additional Details: 

• Liability insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 is required. 
• DPR reserves the right to deny permit issuance based on any potential impacts to the park or preserve and its natural and cultural resources.
• ROE Permits may be issued for up to two years at the discretion of the DPR Director. 
• Extensions of up to two years and changes to the scope of work or location may be allowed at the discretion of the DPR Director. Extensions and changes must be requested in writing at least one month before the original permit expires and include the following: Permit number, permit expiration date, a detailed explanation of why an extension or change is requested and reporting on the activities completed during the original permit term. In some cases, a new ROE Permit application will be required. 
• ROE Permit fees will be required in 2026. The fee schedule will be posted on this website and all permittees will be notified in advance of the fee being collected. The fee must be paid prior to issuance of the ROE Permit. Extensions and changes to permits are subject to fees.
• An additional revenue offset fee is required for events, classes, trainings or programs with paid participant registration.