Kershaw County in South Carolina is considering revising an existing regulation limiting stays at campground and RV sites to a mere 3 months.
The potential alteration would not only extend the duration of stays but also introduce mandatory record-keeping practices to track visitor duration more effectively.
Christopher Renfroe, owner of Renfroe Ranch Campground, has been at the forefront of the campaign to change this rule.
He stresses that the existing limit places his and similar businesses at a disadvantage, forcing a significant portion of their clientele – construction workers or newly-arrived residents – to seek accommodation options in neighboring counties that offer long-term camping facilities.
“It is huge,” said Renfroe. “I would say 80% to 90% of our traffic to 90% of our traffic in income would more than likely come from longer than 3-month stays.”
The change, if implemented, could have a substantial impact on the economics of the county’s camping sector. The extended stay duration would likely attract more transient workers and newcomers to the county, boosting the local economy by increasing spending in the area.
Councilmember Derek Shoemake noted that while some campgrounds have been exempt from the current 3-month limit due to grandfather clauses, the revised regulation would level the playing field for newcomers to the business like Renfroe. He stated, “We voted to send through Planning and Zoning a change to the ordinance that would take 3 months and expand it to 9 months.”
Shoemake also revealed that the new ordinance could possibly go a step further by abolishing stay duration limitations altogether, giving campers and RVers the freedom to stay as long as they wish. However, he emphasized the importance of retaining some form of regulatory control.
The proposed changes are poised to offer private campground owners and RV park operators a considerable boost in business and increased stability.
With the potential to attract long-term visitors, these businesses could benefit from consistent, longer-term revenue streams. Such a shift could even encourage further investment and growth in the sector, contributing to the overall economic development of Kershaw County.
The draft proposal is scheduled to be presented to the county council in August. This potentially transformative change is eagerly anticipated by campground owners, RV park operators, and long-term visitors alike, who all stand to benefit from the increased flexibility.