News Release:
National Park Service Announces New Fee Structure After Public Outcry
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through NPS's website.
The much debated changes expected to affect national park entrance fees have been announced, following a public comment period. Most fees will increase modestly to raise additional revenue to address the $11.6 billion in deferred maintenance across the system of 417 parks, historic and cultural sites, and monuments. All of the revenue from the fee increases will remain in the National Park Service system with at least 80 percent of the money staying in the park where it is collected.
Most seven-day vehicle passes will be increased by $5, with individual entrance fees going up $3-5. The price of the annual America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass and Lifetime Senior Pass will remain $80. More than two-thirds of national parks will remain free to enter. The funds will be used for projects and activities to improve the experience for visitors who continue to visit parks at unprecedented levels, and are estimated to raise about $60 million per year. Attendance at the parks has increased to 1.5 billion visits in the last five years, causing many park facilities to need renovation, repair and replacement. The new fees go into effect in many parks beginning June 1, 2018.
A complete list of park entrance fees can be found here.