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Biscayne National Park Latest To Propose Increase In Camping Fees

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By Compiled From N... - September 14th, 2021

An increase in camping fees at Biscayne National Park has been proposed/NPS file

Biscayne National Park in Florida is just the latest unit in the National Park System to propose an increase in camping fees to help pay for maintenance and other needs not being met by Congress.

In recent weeks similar proposals have been floated at Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments, Point Reyes National Seashore, Shenandoah National Park, and Indiana Dunes National Park.

At Biscayne, officials say the higher fees will help pay for enhanced visitor services and to address various campground issues, such as noise complaints, trash disposal, resource damage, and facilities maintenance.

The change in fees would take effect on Jan. 1, 2022 at the park’s Boca Chita and Elliott Keys Campgrounds.

“The proposed fee plan would enable Biscayne National Park to enhance safety, security and overall campground management,” said Biscayne National Park Superintendent Penelope Del Bene. “The public’s feedback on this proposal is important to us and will help inform plans to provide the kind of park experience our visitors deserve.”

Under the park’s proposal, visitors would see a $10 across-the-board fee increase at both campgrounds. The increase would also cover administration fees associated with shifting campsite payments from a cash-based honor system to Scan and Pay, an on-site payment tool on the Recreation.gov mobile app.

Under the plan, the new fees would run $35 a night for boat docking and camping at Boca Chita or Elliott Key, and $25 a night just for camping at those locations.

Eighty percent of campground fee revenue stays at the park to fund projects related to visitor experience, including the repair, maintenance, and enhancement of campground facilities, among other uses, a park release said.

The remaining percentage is allocated for visitor experience improvements at non-fee parks in the National Park System. Recent examples of how Biscayne National Park has invested camping fee revenue to carry out park projects include: improving campsite signage, replacing picnic tables and grills, and updating the campground comfort stations.

Boca Chita and Elliott Key offer unique national park camping experiences in that the campgrounds are only accessible by boat. Both locations feature beautiful waterfront views, a grassy camping area, docks, restrooms, picnic tables and grills.

Comments regarding the park’s proposed fee-increase may be submitted electronically on the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website through Oct. 7 at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/BiscayneNPCamping

Written comments may be sent to:

National Park Service
Biscayne Natonal Park
Attn: Superintendent
9700 SW 328 Street Homestead, FL 33033

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