ALTERNATIVE CAMPING “Emerging Recreation and Tourism Opportunities in a Changing California” Nina Gordon Chief, Planning Division CA Department of Parks and Recreation Opportunities to Address Leisure Time Trends and Preferences
State Park Mission To provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high- quality outdoor recreation
Breakdown of CA State Park Campgrounds RV 7% Developed 55% Primitive 24% Dock/Moor 9% Environmental 3% Hike/Bike 2% Alternative Camping <1%
California State Parks has 3,600 miles of trails and over 15,000 campsites. Over 5 million visitors enjoyed hikes and tours Over 95,000 attended campfire programs Approximately 550,000 school children attended interpretive programs
The Demand is Growing… Park Attendance 1993/94 59 million 2004/ million Beach Attendance 1995/96 20 million 2004/ /05 35 million
No Tent? No Gear? No Problem. Try “Camping Lite” with Yurts and Cabins
Meeting needs Meeting needs RESPOND TO TRENDS IMPROVE CUSTOMER SERVICE INCREASE PARK USE IN SHOULDER SEASON
Trends POPULATION GROWTH POPULATION GROWTH DEMOGRAPHIC SHIFTS DEMOGRAPHIC SHIFTS STRESS IN DAILY LIFE STRESS IN DAILY LIFE DEMAND FOR CAMPING DEMAND FOR CAMPING
Customers AGING BABY BOOMERS PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN FORMER RV OWNERS CAMPERS WITH DISABILITIES CHILDLESS MIDDLE AGERS NEW OFF-SEASON CAMPERS YOUNG ADULTS (’TWIXTERS)
What other states said Revenue Happy Campers
Approximately 6,000 units in state parks across country Oregon 179 Yurts “Camping Light” Off-Season Camping up 4-5% Volunteer Yurt Hosts Washington Facilities rented 200 nights/year Cabins and Yurts Cabins in historical areas to reflect theme
Existing CA Parks facilities Rustic Cabins Floating Camps Tent Cabins
What can be added What can be added Slightly Bigger Cabins Modern Tent Cabins Yurts
Schedule BEGINEVALUATE EXPAND (if warranted) CONTACT INFORMATION: CA State Parks Planning Division Nina Gordon, Chief, Planning Division (916) year market test