It will now cost 27 percent less to get a camping spot near the Pearl River at the Columbia Water Park.
The Marion County Board of Supervisors lowered the daily rates from $30 to $22 recently, and District 2 Supervisor Terry Broome said he hopes that the new rates will attract more tenants.
“We want to encourage people to enjoy the fall season out here,” he said Wednesday.
Currently the camping area includes six spots. A seventh, which will overlook the Pearl River, is in the works. Broome said utilities have been run to it and it will be done soon.
Earlier this year, the camping spots were built using money from the Pearl River Development District, which owned the park for years. With the District dissolving, Marion County took over ownership of the park. The initial cost of the project was about $20,000.
“About $15,000 of that came from the Pearl River District and the other $5,000 came from fees from rentals of the Water Park and ballfields,” Broome said. “The idea is to give people a place to camp right on the Pearl River. We’ve got a boat ramp that gives access to everybody. We’ve also got playground equipment. It’s a nice spot.”
Currently, the six spots are 20’ by 50’ and can fit most any camper or trailer. Each has water, power and sewer hookup.
“We also have a new gate, which is electronic,” Broome said. “During operating hours, the gates stay open. After 8 p.m. the gate is closed and campers are given a code to the keypad. After 8 p.m., it’s essentially a gated area. They can get in and out.”
The camping spots have 50-amp breakers and 110 electric outlets and are located near restroom facilities.
To inquire about the spots, call (601) 736-7382.
Pictured Above: The camping area at the Columbia Water Park will have seven spots when the final one is completed soon. | Photo by Mark Rogers
