If you plan to hold a temporary camping event with three or more campsites, this camping will probably meet the regulatory definition of a campground (refer to the ‘Definitions’ section of the Rule and Regulations Governing Campgrounds). If it does, you will need a Campground Permit from the Virginia Department of Health. Examples of temporary camping events include camping at musical festivals and other events of limited duration. Temporary camping operators should contact the appropriate local health department as far in advance of the event as possible.
Recent amendments to the regulations include standards for temporary camping, and will eliminate a past need to obtain temporary camping waivers in most cases. VDH recommends that temporary campground operators review the entire text of the regulation, but some highlights include:
- A temporary camping permit allows up to 14 days of temporary camping (in a row or not) in a 60-day period.
- Temporary campgrounds must have at least 1 portable toilet per 75 campers.
- When there are RVs, sewage tank pumping must be available.
- Temporary campgrounds must provide water. Acceptable water sources include:
- 1) A waterworks
- 2) An approved, tested private well
- 3) Commercially-bottled water
- 4) Water hauled in from a public water supply or a VDH-approved, tested private well. Hauled water must maintain a 1 ppm chlorine residual, and all tanks and hoses must be food-grade.
