San Mateo County campground shuts off showers due to drought

SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- If you like camping and really like roughing it you're in luck this Memorial Day weekend. Like all of us, Parks around the state are dealing with the drought. At one of the Bay Area's most popular parks, ABC7 News found out that means no showers.

At Memorial County Park in Loma Mar generations have come to enjoy a rustic and redwood experience.

"I have been camping at Memorial Park since I was 12 years old, my children were raised in this park, my kids know this place inside and out, and now I bring my grandchildren here," San Mateo resident Kathy Nahinu said.

But because of California's on-going drought, you might notice some changes the next time you stay at a San Mateo County campground. A sign that reads "showers closed due to drought conditions" may come as a surprise to some. The showers have been locked, to help conserve water.

Pescadero Creek is the sole source of water for Memorial County Park, as well as the surrounding community.

"We want to be good neighbors, we want to share that water, we draw a lot, but we realize the residents also need to use the water as well, so that's why we monitor our intake," Carla Schoof from San Mateo County Parks said.

If drought conditions get worse, flushable toilets could be the next thing to go.

Camper Mimi Gribbin of San Jose and her daughter, Jamie, aren't thrilled about the possibility.

"We're not fond of port-a-potties, she plays enough softball tournaments that we have to use port-a-potties unfortunately, so flushable toilets is good," Mimi said.

The parks department is also limiting the number of available reservations at its campsites, meaning space will be at a premium. In fact, all of the spots at Memorial are booked for the weekend.

"It's not going to be too surprising to have 2,000 plus people here this weekend, so I hope everybody has a safe and enjoyable time," Scott Lombardi of San Mateo County parks said.

With cooler camps, camp fires are permitted, for now.

As for not being able to take a shower, Nahinu said, "Take a sponge bath. It works."

It's camping the way mother nature probably intended for it to be.