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Joshua Tree National Park Proposing Campground Fee Increases

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By Compiled From N... - June 2nd, 2024

The cost of camping in Joshua Tree National Park could be increasing/NPS file

The National Park Service at Joshua Tree National Park in California is proposing to increase the cost of camping in the high desert park.

The proposed increases, which would take effect in January 2025 if approved, are based on the prices of comparable public and private service providers within the vicinity of the park, a park release said.

The 30-day public comment period on the proposed fee increases run through June 30. Public comments can be made online through the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website or written submission through the mail to: 

Attn: Nathan Rhyne   
Revenue and Fee Manager  
Joshua Tree National Park  
74485 National Park Drive  
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277  

Nightly Camping FeesCurrentProposed
Belle Campground$15$25
White Tank Campground$15$25
Jumbo Rocks Campground$20$30
Ryan Campground$20$30
Hidden Valley Campground$15$25
Black Rock Campground$25$35
Black Rock Equestrian Campground$20$35
Indian Cove Campground$25$35
Indian Cove Group Campground$25$35
Cottonwood Campground$25$35
Cottonwood Group Campground$35-$45$55
Sheep Pass Group Camp$40-$50$55
Wilderness Backpacking Permit$6 rec.gov fee$6 rec.gov fee

The Park Service also is proposing an increase in the cost to tour Key's Ranch.

Current Key's Ranch Tour FeesProposed Key's Ranch Tour Fees
6 years old and youngerFree"Child" 3 years old and younger$1
6-11 years old$5"Youth" 4-11$10
12 years old and above$10"General Admission" 12 years and older$20
Senior & Access Pass Holders$5Senior and Access Pass Holders$10

Comments

Submitted by Chris… on June 2, 2024 - 7:22am.

Public lands are not supposed to be validated at the rate of what is privately available. 
we the people... own this land. 
its not some corporate owned land to profit off of. 
how quickly our lands have been sold from us. 


Submitted by Gary Byler on June 5, 2024 - 11:58am.

If visitors expect infrastructure, facilities, security be adequate to enable them to enjoy NPS parks and monuments then it is reasonable that periodically fees need to be charged/increased to maintain them.  Funds for Access Roads, campgrounds, visitor centers centers and the pay for staff that are responsible for operation and maintenance do not magically appear.  Expenses increases in every aspect of an individuals life it's ridiculous to not recognize that.K

 


Submitted by chris... on June 5, 2024 - 12:09pm.

I dont recall recreation.gov or booze allen doing any work in the National parks to improve infastructure or any other thing. 

What they do is take money from the NPS that used to fund employee positions in what is increasingly an automated entry/reservation system for several purposes.  None of which are to the benefit of the NPS or its workers. 

While I agree increases are needed- the NPS is giving out grants for social/political reasons and doing little to fund actual infastructure.  As always. 
These increases are cash grabs for outside entities and I fail to see the good in any of it. 


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