Hipcamp applauded the passage of California Assembly Bill 518 (AB 518), a landmark new law that expands access to camping while supporting farmers, ranchers and rural economies across the state.
AB 518 updates California’s camping laws by granting counties the authority to permit small-scale, low-impact camping on private land, tackling a major challenge for California families: the lack of accessible and affordable places to camp. In addition to making it easier for Californians to enjoy safe, responsible camping experiences, the bill will also create new opportunities for landowners and ensure strong protections for local communities.
“This is a major step forward for California,” said Alyssa Ravasio, Founder & CEO of Hipcamp. “For too long, decades-old regulations have made it unnecessarily hard for people to camp. AB 518 provides a commonsense framework that expands outdoor access, helps rural communities thrive and ensures nature is enjoyed responsibly. Hipcamp is proud to have worked alongside Assembly member Chris Ward and such an extraordinary coalition of farmers, conservationists, recreation advocates, and outdoor organizations to make this vision a reality.”
The bill’s passage reflects the unified support of a remarkably diverse alliance — from agricultural advocates like the California Farm Bureau Federation, to conservation leaders such as Audubon California and the Trust for Public Land, to equity organizations like Latino Outdoors and Outdoor Afro, and the outdoor recreation industry represented by the California Outdoor Recreation Partnership and Outdoor Industry Association. This unprecedented coalition of voices demonstrated broad public support for modernizing California’s camping laws and expanding outdoor access.
“Farmers and ranchers have always been the best stewards of the land, and AB 518 gives them a new opportunity to share that land with Californians and visitors alike who want to experience the outdoors,” said Steven Fenaroli, policy advocacy director for the California Farm Bureau. “This law will strengthen rural economies, support working lands and create new ways for communities to connect with agriculture.”
“This is a historic step toward increased equity and access to California’s outdoors,” shared Jazzari T. Taylor, policy advocate at Latino Outdoors. “AB 518 will help break down barriers to camping and open the door for more Californians to build lasting connections with nature.”
Lexie Gritlefeld, executive director of California Outdoor Recreation Partnership, added, “AB 518 reflects the values of California’s outdoor recreation community: sustainability, access, conservation, and economic innovation. By signing this bill, Governor Newsom has helped ensure that outdoor recreation continues to grow as a driver of both economic vitality and public health in alignment with the Outdoors for All Initiative.”
