Lava Beds National Monument announced a proposal for increased camping fees at the Indian Well Campground and the Indian Well Campground Group Campsite. This marks the first revision in camping fees since 1985 for individual campsites and since 2005 for the group site.
Currently, the fee structure is set at $10 per night for individual campsites, with group campsite fees ranging from $3.00 per person, subject to a minimum of $45.00 and a maximum of $60.00 per night. The proposed adjustments will see individual campsites rise to $20 per night and establish a flat rate of $60.00 per night for group campsites.
According to a press release, the necessity for these changes stems from the need to maintain and enhance the quality of the camping experience at Lava Beds. The park administration outlines that the fee increases are vital for supporting new projects and the ongoing upkeep of campground facilities, which directly contribute to visitor satisfaction.
Moreover, the proposal includes making the Indian Well Campground Group Campsite available for advance reservations through Recreation.gov. This update aims to streamline the booking process, allowing reservations to be made up to three months in advance and will be applicable from April through October each year. The move towards an online reservation system is expected to offer benefits, including convenience for group planning and enhanced operational efficiency for the park staff.
The introduction of a partial reservation system is designed to ease the administrative load on park personnel, enabling them to allocate more time to improving visitor services, safety, and resource protection. By facilitating advanced bookings, the park anticipates providing groups with the assurance of guaranteed site availability upon arrival, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Lava Beds National Monument has scheduled the new camping fees to take effect from October 1. The launch of the online reservation system for the group campsite is slated for the spring of 2025.
Public participation is encouraged in the decision-making process, with a comment period open from April 5 to May 5.
For more information about the proposed campground increase, visit.