San Diego Supervisors Order Draft Rules for Camping on Private Rural Land

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to direct its staff to write draft rules for low-impact camping on private rural land. Supervisor Joel Anderson sponsored the measure. The draft would consider allowing paid stays on farms, ranches and vineyards in the county's unincorporated areas.

The board's action rests on Assembly Bill 518, the Low-Impact Camping Areas Act, which Assemblymember Chris Ward, D-San Diego, authored and which took effect this year. Anderson's board letter states the law does not require counties to join. It lets them set their own permitting, registration and enforcement rules as long as statewide health and safety minimums are met.

Anderson said farms, ranches, vineyards and other agricultural businesses support the regional economy and the county's rural character. He said financial pressures "make it more difficult for them to maintain their operations and preserve their working lands." He reported that more than 13,500 campers stayed at participating properties in the county over the past year, and he called for broad public input while the ordinance is written.

During public comment, Ward said the law streamlines permitting and is meant to ease pressure on California's state, regional and national parks. He pointed to rising taxes, agricultural costs, drought and the expense of maintaining rural landscapes as sources of financial strain. He called the law "a win-win for land owners and recreational users alike."

Skip Lanfried of Quixote Farm in Pauma Valley, whose farm offers stays and agricultural picking events, said the policy is "really important for us." He said, "Farming is very difficult," and added that without agritourism options he is "probably about two or three years out" from going out of business. Andy Lyall, a fourth-generation citrus and avocado grower in Pauma Valley, said hosting visitors lets farmers and rural property owners "bring people on to their land and reconnect with nature."

Not everyone backed the idea. A caller from Rainbow opposed expanding camping and raised code enforcement questions. Another resident said her planning group worried about camper injuries, water hookups, sewage disposal and effects on wildlife. Shantel Seoane, co-founder of Alter Experiences in Mount Laguna, said she has worked through the permitting process herself and agreed regulations are needed. She called for site limits, enforcement and fire protection, and said, "There should never be a free pass for unmanaged camping."

Supervisor Paloma Aguirre asked staff to address public safety concerns. Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer supported the proposal and said more unusual places to stay would be welcome, adding, "I might be out there myself."

Anderson's measure directs staff to evaluate AB 518 and return to the board within 180 days with options on fire safety, supplemental income for rural landowners and potential revenue from permit fees and transient occupancy taxes. Staff will also look at ways to cut unauthorized or unmanaged camping on public and private lands and support rural economic development and agritourism goals. Other California counties have adopted similar policies, Anderson said.

The 180-day clock started Wednesday, putting the board's next step on the ordinance in spring 2027.