Researcher: MK Page 1 4/29/25
OLR Bill Analysis
HB 6982
AN ACT CONCERNING LIABILITY FOR INJURIES INHERENT IN
CAMPING WHILE AT A PRIVATE CAMPGROUND.
SUMMARY
This bill limits the liability of certain private campground owners and
operators. It does so by requiring that each “camper” (i.e. anyone who
uses a private campground for camping or recreational vehicle
camping) assume the risk for any injury to their person from the hazards
inherent in camping.
However, the bill specifies that it does not prevent suit or limit the
liability of a private campground owner or operator who, while
operating the private campground, does any of the following:
1. commits an act or omission that is negligence;
2. intentionally causes the injury of another person;
3. acts with a disregard for the injured person’s safety;
4. fails to use a degree of care that an ordinarily careful, prudent
person would use in similar circumstances; or
5. fails to conspicuously post warning signs of a condition known
to be dangerous at the private campground.
The bill also requires any written contract between a camper and a
private campground owner (or a private campground owner’s
employee or officer) to contain, in clearly readable print, a warning
notice stating that each camper assumes the risk for any injury to their
person from the hazards inherent in camping.
Under the bill, “camping” means all aspects of visiting, staying at,
using, and leaving a private campground, including using any lodging 2025HB-06982-R000803-BA.DOCX
Researcher: MK Page 2 4/29/25
while at a private campground.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2025
PRIVATE CAMPGROUND
For purposes of this bill, a “private campground” is any parcel or
tract of land, including buildings and other structures on it, owned or
operated by a private property owner where five or more campsites are
made available for use as temporary living quarters for recreational
camping, travel, or seasonal use. Under the bill, “private campground”
includes recreational vehicle parks operated by a private property
owner.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Judiciary Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 39 Nay 0 (04/10/2025)