New camping rules are now being enforced on lands within the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (SWFMD) jurisdiction.
The rules became effective on June 23, but were not enforced until Oct. 1.
The updated rules provide more fair opportunities for all users and create greater consistency with the other water management districts, according to a new release from SWFMD.
Changes include:
- Reservations must be made at least 24 hours before the start of the camping permit. No same-day reservations will be accepted.
- Campers may arrive no earlier than 3 p.m., on the first day of their reservation.
- Campers must depart by 11 a.m., on the final day of their permit.
- Camping is limited to no more than seven consecutive days and 30 total days per calendar year. Attempts to circumvent the seven-day maximum or 30-day total annual length of stay are prohibited.
- Permittees can hold no more than two active camping reservations simultaneously.
- The quiet period is 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., at all campsites.
The district may revoke a camping permit if the permittee fails to comply with the rules.
An updated mobile emergency contact phone number is required on each reservation.
More information about camping on district lands is available at WaterMatters.org/Recreation.
Published October 13, 2021
