Temporary Campgrounds

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 (12VAC5-450-10 ). 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 short-term events.

Temporary camping operators should contact the appropriate local health department as far in advance of the event as possible. VDH recommends that temporary campground operators review the entire text of the campground regulations (12VAC5-450 ) to see which regulations apply.

Temporary campgrounds may have the following requirements:

• 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:
  • A waterworks,
  • An approved, tested private well, or
  • Commercially-bottled water.
  • Water hauled in from a public water supply or a VDH-approved, tested private well. Hauled water must maintain a 1 ppm chlorine residual.