Learn about current park closures and updates.
County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation
Last Update: December 1, 2025
In 2014, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a Resolution amending the ranges for park user fees for services provided by the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). The new ranges allowed DPR to adjust park fees over time to keep up with rising costs. Although no fee increases were proposed at the time, fee increases were included in future Operational Plans, as necessary.
Since then, the cost of maintaining parks and offering services has gone up, but most park fees have stayed the same. To continue providing high-quality parks, programs, and outdoor experiences, DPR is updating its fees to better reflect the actual cost of services.
This is the second part of a two-year fee adjustment that started in February 2025. The next update will take place January 2, 2026. These changes will help bring our fees in line with what other local agencies and private providers charge, while still keeping our parks affordable.
We’re committed to reviewing fees every year to make sure they stay fair and competitive. These updates help us maintain great parks and services for everyone to enjoy.
The increase will be effective January 2, 2026.
A variety of fees at all County of San Diego managed parks will be increasing, including camping and picnic area reservations, sports field and facility reservations, community center room rentals and boating and fishing fees. For a detailed list of fees, view our 2026 Park User Fee Schedule.
Park user fees are used to offset maintenance and operating costs which help us keep our gates open 365 days a year. This can include staffing, equipment, goods and services. User fees are used for building and maintaining park facilities, such as splash pads, bike parks, playgrounds, community gardens and picnic areas. They support our innovative interpretive programs and community events, such as Hawktober, Women in the Wild, First Time Camping, Intergenerational events and the Discovery Program. They support trail projects, historic facilities, and our nature centers. Fees also support major maintenance improvement projects and repairs of park facilities, including ADA upgrades, water system assessments and playground upgrades.
According to County policy (Board Policy B-29, Fees, Grants, Contracts – Department Responsibility for Cost Recovery), DPR is required to recover the cost of all services it provides to organizations or individuals outside of the County of San Diego organization. The upcoming fee changes will help DPR continue to make progress towards that obligation while still staying true to its goal to keep parks and programs accessible, affordable, and high-quality for everyone. These updates will support the continued delivery of excellent facilities, outdoor experiences, and community programs—without putting too much financial strain on park users.
DPR reviews all user fees, program costs, and market demand annually. DPR also compares its fees against other local jurisdictions and private providers to ensure we remain competitive. A review of comparable fees found that DPR fee ranges fall below or are at the median price of fees charged by other agencies while remaining an affordable option for customers. DPR has an established plan for managing costs, deciding how resources are used, and finding ways to increase revenue to help us balance the needs of the community with sustainable financial management.
User fees, fee ranges, and fee structures are approved by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. The DPR Director has the authority to approve fees within the Board approved ranges.
No. Reservations booked and paid for prior to January 2, 2026, will not be affected unless changes to that reservation are made on or after January 2, 2026. All new, updated fees will be applicable starting January 2, 2026. Any fees that are not paid for at the time the reservation is made (i.e., point of sale items like kitchen, chair, and table rentals) will be charged at the new rate.
The ranges for park user fees were last amended nearly 11 years ago in March 2014. The first phase of our two-year fee adjustment plan began in February 2025. The next update will take place January 2, 2026. These changes will help bring our fees in line with what other local agencies and private providers charge, while still keeping our parks affordable.
Various communication channels will be used to notify customers of the fee increases including DPR’s website and social media outlets, email, flyers and signage at park facilities throughout the county. Customers will also be notified in-person through discussions at local stakeholder meetings such as parks advisory committees and planning groups.
DPR will continue to provide a variety of low or no cost opportunities for customers to enjoy. This includes special community events like Breakfast with Santa, Spring Egg Hunts, and Summer Movies in the Park. In addition, programs like First Time Camping, Women in the Wild, Nature Explorers, Teen REC Club and others will continue to provide opportunities for individuals to participate in outdoor activities at little to no cost. There are also several ways to save through veteran, senior and group discounts.
