Texas Law: Campgrounds Must Warn Guests About Flood Risk

HB 171 is a Texas law designed to keep campers and their families safe from flooding. The bill requires campground owners to tell guests about flood risks before they arrive, especially for campgrounds located near water.

Under this law, campground owners must provide written notice to every guest about the risk of flooding. If the camper is under 18 years old, the notice must go to their parent or legal guardian instead. The owner or operator must also get a signed form from the guest or guardian proving they received and understood the warning.

The law applies to any commercial campground that has cabins for guests or areas for recreational vehicles and tents. Texas defines a campground as a place designed to provide temporary housing for visitors.

If a campground fails to follow these rules, the owner or operator can be fined $1,000 for each violation. Each day the campground does not provide the required notice counts as a separate violation, so penalties can add up quickly. The Texas Attorney General can take legal action to collect these penalties and recover attorney's fees and court costs.

This law takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends, giving campground operators time to update their procedures and paperwork.

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