JONESBORO, Ark. — The Jonesboro City Council voted 10-0 Thursday, Nov. 5, to restrict overnight camping in city parks and city-owned parking lots to designated areas.
A first violation can carry a fine of at least $100. Police and code enforcement officers may remove people who violate the rule and their belongings from the restricted area.
Under the ordinance, setting up a tent or other shelter or laying out a sleeping bag or other bedding counts as camping when it appears to be for an overnight stay. The city may grant permission to camp in restricted areas during special events.
City Attorney Carol Duncan told the Public Services Council Committee in September that the ordinance would also apply to RV camping, according to Jonesboro Right Now.
Craighead Forest Park Campground offers year-round camping, including five lakeside tent sites, a primitive camping area and 36 RV sites, according to the city’s campground page.
The ordinance adds Section 50-27 to the city code. It cites the city’s interest in keeping parks and parking lots clean and safe and says camping outside designated areas can interfere with others’ use of the parks. Read the ordinance.
Chris Gibson made the motion to pass the ordinance, and Chris Moore seconded it. Also voting in favor were Janice Porter, Brian Emison, Charles Coleman, Ann Williams, Kevin Miller, L.J. Bryant, Joe Hafner and David McClain.
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