3.1 Purpose

1. The purpose of this Regulation is to provide a schedule of fees for State Beaches, Campgrounds, Parks and other facilities at Recreational Areas under the control and management of the Department of Environmental Management.

3.2 Authority

1. These fees are adopted pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-17.1-9.1 and in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35.

3.3 Definitions

1. A. “Camping tiers” means as follows:

   1. 1. Tier 1 – campsites with waterfront views and/or electric, sewer, and water and/or drive through trailer access
   2. 2. Tier 2 – campsites with electric, water and/or drive through trailer access
   3. 3. Tier 3 – campsites without any hookups, including sites at the Charlestown Breachway Campground
2. B. “Customer” means the individual who has created an account and has made and paid for a reservation for a campsite in the Department of Environmental Management’s Vendor Camping Reservation System and is referenced in that system as the “Customer”.
3. C. “Non-resident vehicle” means any vehicle not registered in Rhode Island.

4. D. “Persons with disabilities” means any individual who has a physical or mental impairment and is receiving:

   1. 1. Social security disability insurance benefits (SSDI);
   2. 2. Supplemental security income benefits (SSI);
   3. 3. Veterans’ benefits and who shall be determined under applicable federal law by the Federal Department of Veterans’ Affairs to be one hundred percent (100%) disabled through a service-connected disability.
5. E. “Resident vehicle” means any vehicle registered in Rhode Island.
6. F. “Senior citizen” means any person who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older.
7. G. “Vehicle” means any street legal equipment, motorized or non-motorized, properly registered for over the road travel.

3.4 Definitions for Assessment of Fees

1. A. Beach Parking fees for resident and non-resident vehicles shall be based solely upon the State of vehicle registration.
2. B. Camping fees for Daily Site Reservations shall be solely based on the Customer’s state of residency as indicated in the Department of Environmental Management’s current Vendor Registration Camping System.
3. C. Septic Dump fees will be assessed to any individual using Fisherman’s Memorial Campground or Burlingame State Campground septic dump stations who is not a current registered camper at that particular campground. Registered campers at East Beach State Campground or Charlestown Breachway State Campground will be issued one free Septic Dump Pass to Burlingame State Campground for use during their stay. Any additional uses will require the camper to pay the Septic Dump Pass Fee.

3.5 Reduced or Waiver of User Fees

1. A. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 32-1-17, “Persons with Disabilities.”

   1. 1. No fee shall be charged to any person with a disability regardless of age, or to automobiles transporting a non-driver with a disability, at any recreational facility owned and operated by the State; provided, however, proper identification is presented as prescribed by the Department of Environmental Management.
   2. 2. For the purpose of this section, “fees” means all fees for parking, admittance, or other user fees for playing golf. The term “fees” shall not include licensing fees, camping fees, picnic table fees, or specialized facility use fees, including, but not limited to, fees for the use of equestrian areas, performing arts centers, game fields, and mule shed.

2. B. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 32-1-18, “Senior citizens.”

   1. No entrance fee shall be charged to any person who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older and who is eligible to participate in the Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to the elderly program, and an entrance fee not exceeding one half (1/2) of the established and posted rates shall be charged to any other person who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older at any recreational facility owned and operated exclusively by the State, excepting docking slips; provided, however, proper identification is presented as prescribed by the Department of Environmental Management.
3. C. The Director of the Department of Environmental Management, with the approval of the Governor, may, from time to time, waive user fees at State beaches and State parks on any legal holiday recognized by the State of Rhode Island.
4. D. The Department of Environmental Management may offer an incentive program to entice additional use of campgrounds for the periods of April 1^st through May 15^th and September 1^st through October 31^st. An example of such an incentive would be to stay one night and receive the second night at no cost.

3.6 Fees