Yellowstone Park proposes increase in campground fees

From Staff Reports

Camping in one of the Yellowstone National Park Service campgrounds operated by the National Park Service will get a bit more expensive this summer based on a proposed fee increase.

For the Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris campgrounds which have flush toilets, the daily fee would be increased from $14 to $20, according to a statement released by the park’s public affairs office.

At Tower Fall, Lewis Lake, Indian Creek, Pebble Creek and Slough Creek campgrounds which have vault toilets, the daily camping fee would go from $12 to $15.

Individuals who hold a Senior Pass or Access Pass would continue to receive a 50-percent discount on camping fees charged at these National Park Service operated campgrounds.

Park officials said that Yellowstone’s campground fees are currently lower than those charged by local commercial operators, neighboring national forests, and Grand Teton National Park for campgrounds with similar facilities.

Park officials say this would be the first camping fee increase in nine years. Last year saw a hike in fishing permits in the park. Yellowstone National Park is planning to implement these rate increases on May 1, 2013.

The Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant and Madison campgrounds and the Fishing Bridge RV Park in Yellowstone are operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Daily camping fees at these sites range from $20.50 to $45.00. They would not be affected by the proposed rate hike.

Public comments on the proposal may be submitted online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/ynpcampfee. Comments may be submitted through the website, in person or by mail to Visitor Services Office, Attention: Campground Fee Rate Increase, National Park Service, and P. O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190. All comments must be received or be postmarked by midnight, February 28, 2013.

Comments will not be accepted by phone, fax, or e-mail, and submitted responses may be made publicly available at any time.