LAKE CASITAS : District May Reduce Some Camping Fees

Some camping fees at Lake Casitas may be lowered Jan. 1 for families and groups.

The Casitas Municipal Water District board gave initial approval to the new fees this week and set a public hearing for 1 p.m. Dec. 1 to consider their adoption.

The basic $10 fee would remain the same for the first vehicle, but new fees for a second vehicle, a boat or family pet would be less for those staying overnight.

For example, instead of paying $10 per day for a second vehicle, campers would pay $6 per night.

Reservation fees of $10 and $1.50 per person for youth organizations to camp at the lake would be eliminated. The camping reservation fee for adult groups would increase from $20 to$25.

New recreational vehicle campsites with utility hookups will be available next year.

They will have seasonal rates of $14 per space until May 1 and $16 from then until Labor Day.

The water district received a $238,000 grant this year from the state Parks and Recreation Department to develop the 52 hook-up sites, a picnic area and a 200-foot fishing dock at Coyote Creek. The grant was awarded through bids under the 1988 California Wildlife, Coastal and Park Land Conservation Act.