You know the economy is bad when you need to pay upfront even to have a picnic in a public park. But that is the state of things, and San Diego is not going to drop fees any time soon. In fact, if you want to book any picnic areas for a social gathering, you are going to see a slightly raise of prices.
Yes, you read that right; the San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation is going to raise its prices. Starting January 2, 2026, reserving a picnic area in the county will be $25 more expensive. It seems we are going to start holding our picnics in the middle of our living room, huh?
San Diego’s New Picnic Tariffs
On average, reserving spaces of all sizes will cost $25 more:
- For a Family/Small Area for daytime use, the price will rise from $125 (current rate) to $150 (new rate).
- Reservations for a Medium Area, which can accommodate between 50 and 100 people, will go from $200 to $225.
- A larger event, using a Large Area for 101 to 250 people, will see the price rise from $300 to $325.
- Finally, the largest area, designed for 251 to 400 people, will go from approximately $450 to $475.
In addition, the Full Hookup camping rate will increase slightly from $40 to $42 per night. (Which sounds like a steal, compared to the $25 dollar hike for picnic areas.)
Why is San Diego raising its prices?
The county has not raised prices to antagonize residents, but rather as part of a multi-year rate adjustment plan that was launched in February 2025. Prices have been raised to prioritize and guarantee the maintenance and standards of the facilities.
Over the past decade, operating costs for maintaining parks, caring for lawns, repairing equipment, and keeping facilities clean have increased significantly. The new revenue will help fund these improvements and ensure that spaces continue to maintain high standards.
Rates are being adjusted to comply with Board of Supervisors Policy B-29. This policy requires the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to recover the costs of the services it provides to groups and individuals. Some fees will remain the same. This is the case for the daytime parking fee, which will remain at $5. In addition, non-profit organizations will continue to receive a 25% discount when renting public facilities.
If you are already planning your next family gathering or community event, you can reserve and pay the full amount before January 2, 2026. This will ensure that you reserve the area at the current (slightly lower) price, even if the event takes place several months from now. So if you are planning a birthday party—or some other event— we advise you to book your space lot now.
FAQs for San Diego residents
When exactly does the increase take effect?
This price hike will be applied to all reservations paid for after January 2, 2026.
If I book a picnic area for June 2026 now, will I have to pay the difference?
No; as long as you pay the full fee before January 2, you will be charged the original price without the $25 hike.
Does this increase affect all parks in San Diego?
This price increase only affects parks operated and managed by San Diego County (County Parks and Recreation). You won’t get Ron Swanson strolling through your picnic area looking for bacon and moonshine—unfortunately.
Why not just raise the $5 parking fee?
The County decided to keep the $5 fee and the 25% discount for non-profit organizations so as not to hinder daily access to the spaces.
Is this money used only for picnic areas?
No, it’s not for park maintenance only. The revenue goes into the County Parks general fund. This fund covers a wide range of maintenance, from campgrounds and trails to recreation centers and educational programs.