The Public Lands Commission (PLC) has released guidelines and answers to questions related to camping, bonfires and barbequing ahead of the 2023 Easter Public Holidays which officially begins on Good Friday, 7 April 2023. Members of the public who are interested or planning to engage in camping activities are strongly encouraged to review the guidance provided by the PLC which can be found at www.gov.ky/camping. The PLC is legally mandated to protect the right of access and regulate the use of public land, including public beaches and parks.

PLC QUICK CAMPING GUIDE

Public Land

• Non-residents require a PLC permit to camp on public lands and parks
• Residents do not require a permit to camp for the following periods:
  • Five consecutive days
  • Seven days prior to a public general holiday
  • Seven days following a public general holiday
  • Ten days prior to Good Friday
  • Ten days following Easter Monday
• Not all public lands, parks or beaches are open to the public for camping
• To access a full list of the approved public land camping sites visit: www.gov.ky/camping

Private Land

• The PLC does not issue permits for camping, or for any use of private land
• Camping on private land without the consent of the owner is trespassing
• Trespassing on private land is a criminal offence 
• Campers found trespassing on private land may be prosecuted

Campfires – Bonfires/Open Fires/Barbequing

• Lighting, starting and maintaining a bonfire without a PLC permit is illegal
• Barbequing does not require a PLC permit
• Use existing fire pits, barbeque pits or portable fire receptacles to barbeque
• Never leave a campfire/bonfire/barbeque fire unattended
• Extinguish all fires until the ashes are cooled to physically touch without injury
• To extinguish a camp fire, soak the fire site with water, stir it with dirt, and soak again with water

The Chief Inspector for the Public Lands Commission, Winsome Prendergast advises, “We want to ensure that we keep our public safe and our lands clean, tidy and protected, while still enjoying and preserving our wonderful traditions. The PLC have developed a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions along with answers in anticipation of any questions or concerns that the public may have in regards to camping. To avoid any prosecution, I strongly advise the public to review, be aware and adhere to our Camping guidelines. It is also very important for prospective campers to adhere to adhere instructions, advisories and bulletins from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, Cayman Islands Fire Service and Department of Environmental Health.”

Visit www.gov.ky/camping to access the PLC Permit application, and to get answers about Camping on public lands in the Cayman Islands. 

Visit www.gov.ky/plc to learn more about the Public Lands Commission (PLC)