The Future of Mission Bay’s Campsites and Marshland
The future of nearly 1,000 waterfront campsites in the northeast corner of Mission Bay remains uncertain as city officials navigate a complex balance between preserving affordable recreation and advancing climate resilience efforts. Recently, the San Diego City Council approved 10-year lease extensions for two major campgrounds—Campland on the Bay and the Mission Bay RV Resort. These leases, which cover a total of 970 campsites, are expected to remain in place unless the city secures funding to transform the area into marshland sooner than anticipated.
Supporters of the lease extensions argue that they provide continued access to affordable waterfront camping for people of all income levels. With nightly fees at these sites significantly lower than local hotels or other accommodations, the campsites serve as an essential resource for both tourists and residents. The decision to extend the leases came just over a year after the council approved plans to convert much of the northeastern section of Mission Bay into climate-friendly marshland, including the 50-acre Campland site.
However, the lease extensions include a critical clause that allows the city to terminate them with two years’ notice if it secures the necessary funding and approvals from the state Coastal Commission. While this provision offers flexibility, it also highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the marshland transformation. The Coastal Commission has not yet approved the conceptual plan for the project, and the process requires further development with more detailed specifications.
Environmental groups have expressed concerns about the potential impact of federal funding cuts under the Trump administration, which could jeopardize climate resilience projects like the Mission Bay marshland initiative. Despite these challenges, the San Diego Bird Alliance and other environmental organizations have supported the lease extensions, emphasizing the importance of completing the marshland transformation within the 10-year lease period.
Financial Implications and Community Impact
The lease extensions bring significant financial benefits to the city, generating approximately $2 million annually. Specifically, Campland on the Bay contributes $1.17 million per year, while the Mission Bay RV Resort adds $937,000. Although these are 10-year extensions, the city retains the option to extend them for an additional five years.
Council President Joe LaCava praised the leases for boosting city revenue but acknowledged the unusual timing of the decision. He also warned the company operating both campgrounds that it will face strict enforcement if it attempts to block public access to the water or misrepresent nearby beaches as private areas. This warning follows past violations by the company, which resulted in penalties exceeding $1 million in 2021, including fines, community service requirements, and the removal of misleading signage and fencing.
Jacob Gelfand, the owner of the company, expressed gratitude for the lease extensions, stating that the decision reflects the value placed on inclusive recreation and coastal access. He emphasized the company’s commitment to serving generations of families and visitors who rely on the campgrounds.
Community Support and Economic Significance
The lease extensions have garnered widespread support from the community, with over 1,300 letters of endorsement from users, business owners, and leaders. Terri Campbell, co-chair of Friends of Campland, highlighted the broader significance of the decision, calling it a matter of equity, access, and quality of life. She thanked the council for ensuring that public waterfront recreation remains accessible to all.
Matt Gardner, vice president of the Mission Beach Town Council, echoed these sentiments, noting the economic importance of the campgrounds. He pointed out that Mission Bay is one of the few places in California where working families can afford to camp right on the water, underscoring its role in the local economy and cultural identity.
Transitioning to a New Vision
The city’s vision for the northeast corner of Mission Bay includes a mix of marshland, recreation, camping, and golf. The plan aims to address the impacts of sea-level rise and reduce carbon emissions while maintaining some level of camping access. However, the proposed changes have raised concerns among campers, who fear that the number of campsites will decrease from 970 to around 500.
Despite these concerns, Councilmember Jennifer Campbell praised the lease extensions as a balanced approach that ensures continued access to affordable recreation while allowing the city to plan for the future. She described the decision as a “major win” for public access to the coastline.
As the city moves forward, the challenge will be to find a sustainable path that balances the needs of the community with the long-term goals of environmental protection and climate resilience.
