It likely will be a bit pricier to pitch your tent in the front-country of Yellowstone National Park this summer, as park officials are proposing to boost nightly fees by 30 percent at campgrounds they operate as of May 1.
Under the proposal, the fee for staying in either the Mammoth Hot Springs or Norris campgrounds, both of which have flush toilets, will go from $14 a night to $20 a night. At the 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.
In their release announcing the proposed increases, Yellowstone officials noted they haven't increased campground fees in nine years, and that under the current rate structure their campground fees are lower than those charged by local commercial operators, neighboring National Forests, and Grand Teton National Park for campgrounds with similar facilities.
The park expects to realize roughly $150,000 a year from its campground fees if this proposal is implemented. That money would not necessarily go directly back into the campgrounds, but rather into the park's general fund for projects across Yellowstone, according to a park spokesman.
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. They would not be affected by this proposal.
You can comment on this proposed increased at this site. You also can provide comments via regular postal mail to Visitor Services Office, Attention: Campground Fee Rate Increase, National Park Service, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190.
All comments must be received or postmarked by midnight, February 28, 2013.
Comments
In my experience, it seems only to increase the cost of camping but does little or nothing to improve the quality of the place. That's why I'd like to see a breakdown of where the money goes.
I have stayed at Fishing Bridge RV park a couple of times. It is the only campground in Yellowstone with full RV hook ups (water, electric, and sewer). It is probably the worst campground I have ever picked when it comes to how close together they put the RVs. It is also expensive. But you are paying for the luxury of the central location and hook ups. We pretty much only slept there and made our own breakfast. I also remember that the charges were more than $45 per night because they charged for electric and sewer, and taxes, etc... or something.
The market should set the prices. Let people bid on campgrounds.