Proposed Rate Hikes Would Affect Beach Parking, Campsites

WESTERLY, R.I. -- The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management proposed moderate rate hikes for the state's beaches and campsites at a public listening session Wednesday evening.

The session was the first of several announced as part of the the DEM and Governor Gina Raimondo's plan to invest $1.5 million in Rhode Island's state parks and beaches, announced Monday.

RELATED: Gov. Raimondo Proposes $1.5 Million For RI Parks And Beaches

“Rhode Islanders are fortunate to have access to an outstanding array of state parks and beaches. However, these places are being loved to death, and we must do more to support and maintain them,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “The study that DEM commissioned makes clear that our fee structure is one of several aspects of our state parks system that is outdated, and the Governor’s parks initiative pairs fee increases with service improvements. The increase to beach parking fees that we’re proposing is small."

Under the new pricing structure, beach parking fees would increase by $2 for residents and $4 for non-residents for day passes. Season passes would increase by $10 for residents and $20 for non-residents.

Compared to other beaches in the area, DEM officials say the new fees would still be reasonable, with the cost of attending Rhode Island state beaches still comparable with or below Narragansett Town Beach, Sachuset Beach in Middletown or Horseneck State Beach in Wesport, Massachusetts.

In Rhode Island, camping fees follow a three-tiered system, with Tier One offering prime locations such as near the water and/or full hook ups, Tier Two offering water and electricity only, and Tier Three "rustic camps" with no utilities provided.

Under the new structure, campsite fees would increase by the following amounts:

Tier One

• Resident: $10-$16
• Non-Resident: $25-$40

Tier Two

• Resident: $7-$11
• Non-Resident:$25-$30

Tier Three

• Resident: $4
• Non-Resident: $16

Photo Credit: Rachel Nunes, Patch