Chiricahua National Monument is seeking public feedback on proposed increases to camping fees at Bonita Canyon Campground, aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and maintaining high standards. The park has not adjusted fees for individual campsites since 2017 and for group campsites since 2007.
Under the new proposal, individual campsite fees would increase from $20 to $25 per night. Group campsite fees would change from $3 per person per night (with a minimum of eight people) to a flat rate of $50 per night.
These adjustments align with fees at comparable nearby campgrounds. Discounts for Interagency Senior and Interagency Lifetime Access pass holders will continue under the new structure.
These fee increases are permitted by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), which allows national parks to retain nearly all collected fees for projects that enhance visitor experiences.
According to a news release by the National Park Service, fees collected at Chiricahua are crucial for the upkeep and improvement of the campground.
Several significant projects are planned for 2024, funded by these fees. Planned improvements include the rehabilitation and upgrade of restroom facilities to improve accessibility, the installation of free Wi-Fi for visitors, and infrastructure improvements such as road and drainage rehabilitation and enhanced tent pad surfacing.
The proposed fee increases aim to ensure that Chiricahua can continue to offer a high-quality camping experience. While the park’s basic operations are funded by direct appropriations from Congress, the expanded amenity fees support new projects and ongoing maintenance efforts, directly benefiting visitors.
Bonita Canyon Campground offers 25 individual sites and one group site, all available for reservation year-round through Recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, providing convenience and flexibility for visitors planning their trips.
The proposed new fees are set to take effect on October 1, 2024. In the meantime, Chiricahua National Monument is encouraging the public to share their comments and feedback on the proposed changes.
The public comment period is open from June 1 to June 30, 2024, and comments can be submitted via the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website.
Public engagement is a crucial part of the planning process for Chiricahua National Monument. The park aims to balance the necessity of fee increases with the goal of enhancing the overall visitor experience by seeking and incorporating public input.
The proposed fee increases and planned improvements illustrate Chiricahua National Monument’s commitment to providing a high-quality camping experience while ensuring the sustainability and maintenance of its facilities. The park invites the public to participate in the comment process to help shape the future of Bonita Canyon Campground.
