South Carolina lawmakers are moving forward with legislation that would give RV park operators clear legal authority to remove problem guests without navigating the lengthy landlord-tenant eviction process, a change the state’s campground industry has sought for years. The Senate Committee on Family and Veterans’ Services deliberated on Senate Bill 718, titled “Removal of People from Vehicle Park,” during a hearing on Jan. 28, 2026, examining challenges affecting operators struggling with guests effectively squatting on campsites.
Senator Garrett sponsored the measure, which was prefiled in December and formally introduced Jan. 13, 2026, at the start of the legislative session. The bill would amend South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 45-2-65, explicitly distinguishing RV park guests from residential tenants. This distinction allows park owners to bypass the magistrate court eviction process typically required for landlord-tenant disputes, treating guests instead as transient visitors similar to hotel patrons.
The legislative push reflects a concerted effort by the state’s campground industry to align their legal operational framework more closely with the hotel and lodging sector, addressing a gray area that has long complicated park management.
Under S. 718, operators could demand immediate removal of guests for several specified infractions. These include illegal possession or distribution of controlled substances, disturbing the peace and comfort of other guests, violating posted park rules, and failing to pay rent on time. The bill establishes a streamlined process that replaces what has traditionally been an uncertain legal landscape for park owners facing difficult situations.
The provision allowing removal for violating posted park rules carries significant implications for operators monitoring this legislation, making robust, documented policies essential to leveraging this legal authority effectively. Effective guest management begins before any conflict arises, with clear, consistently enforced policies forming the backbone of successful park operations. Many operators maintain comprehensive written rules provided at check-in, posted visibly throughout the property, and available on the park website. These rules typically address quiet hours, pet policies, vehicle parking, site maintenance standards, and payment deadlines. Industry standards include having guests sign acknowledgment of rules at registration, creating a clear record they were informed of expectations and strengthening an operator’s position if removal becomes necessary.
The removal process outlined in the legislation requires operators to provide written notice stating the park “no longer desires to entertain” the guest and requesting they leave immediately. The bill mandates specific language for this notice, warning that remaining on the premises constitutes a misdemeanor. Should a guest refuse to depart after receiving proper notice, they can be charged with trespassing, facing penalties of a fine up to $300 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days.
Documentation practices have become essential for park managers preparing to utilize this streamlined removal process. Maintaining incident logs that record dates, times, witnesses, and specific violation details creates a paper trail that becomes invaluable when situations escalate. Many operators have adopted digital property management systems that automatically timestamp communications and store guest history, providing organized records that can support any removal decision. Staff training on conflict de-escalation and proper documentation has become common practice across the industry, helping front desk personnel understand the difference between minor infractions warranting verbal warnings and serious violations requiring immediate written notice.
Automated payment systems that charge credit cards on file for extended stays eliminate ambiguity around rent collection, addressing one of the primary justifications for removal under the proposed law. Reservation platforms offering automatic payment processing at predetermined intervals remove uncomfortable manual collection dynamics that can strain guest relationships. Pre-arrival guest screening has become standard at professionally managed parks, with online systems collecting identification, vehicle details, and payment verification to help identify potential issues early. Digital check-in kiosks and mobile apps allow guests to electronically sign rules with timestamped records, while automated reminders about payments, quiet hours, and checkout reduce the misunderstandings that often lead to conflicts requiring formal action.
The legislation includes consumer protections that park owners must observe. Operators are required to refund any unused portion of advance payments at the time notice is given, preventing guests from losing money for stays they will not complete. The bill also prohibits removal based on race, color, national origin, sex, physical disability, or creed, underscoring the importance of consistent, documented enforcement that demonstrates violations are addressed uniformly regardless of guest demographics.
When a guest is removed under Section 45-2-65, they are considered to have abandoned their right to occupancy. However, the legislation permits guests to arrange a reasonable time, not exceeding 48 hours, to retrieve their belongings. This retrieval must be coordinated with law enforcement assistance, providing structure to what can otherwise become contentious situations over personal property.
Separately, a related measure has also entered the legislative pipeline. Senate Bill 69, titled “Lodging Accommodations Ejectment,” was introduced Jan. 14, 2026, by Senators Hembree and Bennett. That bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee rather than Family and Veterans’ Services. While similar in intent to S. 718, the RV park-specific measure remained the primary focus of committee work in late January as lawmakers examined the distinct challenges facing campground operators.
The legislation continues to move through the Senate as South Carolina campground operators review their current guest management policies, documentation practices, and technology systems in light of potential changes to their legal options for addressing problem guests.