Outdoor Hospitality News

For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.

Rocky Mountain National Park Plans to Increase Campground Fees Next Year

Rocky Mountain National Park plans to revise its campground fees starting next year. The adjustments will apply to four of its reservation campgrounds: Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, Aspenglen, and Timber Creek.

The initiative seeks to increase overnight fees from $35 to $45 per night. Additionally, the Moraine Park Campground is introducing new electrical sites, proposed at $55 per night for each of the 49 available spots, according to a press release

These adjustments will not affect the group sites at Longs Peak Campground or the winter rates, which remain unchanged. Longs Peak Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis during the summer without water facilities.

The planned increase is to align Rocky Mountain National Park’s fees with those of nearby facilities offering similar services. The fee adjustments aim to enhance and maintain high-quality visitor services. Although the base funding for park operations comes from federal appropriations to the National Park Service, the additional revenue from these fees is earmarked for park-specific projects and ongoing maintenance that benefit visitors.

Under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), the park keeps 80% of the fees collected to fund improvements within the park itself. The remaining 20% contributes to broader National Park System needs. 

Fee revenues have supported tree removal efforts in developed areas and popular facilities such as campgrounds and visitor centers. Campground enhancements are also a focus, with fee revenues funding the replacement of tent pad log linings, fire rings, and picnic tables, as well as the maintenance of walking paths. Trail maintenance is another area benefiting from these funds, with projects including trail repair, bridge installations, and new vault toilets at busy trailheads.

Additionally, bear management efforts have been supported by these fees. Over two decades, these funds have facilitated the transition to bear-resistant garbage and recycling containers, and the introduction of food storage lockers across the park. 

For outdoor enthusiasts planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, Public Affairs Officer Kyle Patterson told USA Today, “If somebody’s coming when Trail Ridge Road is open, we recommend people give themselves at least three hours to drop over the top of the park.”

Advertisement

Send this to a friend
Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: Rocky Mountain National Park Plans to Increase Campground Fees Next Year! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/usa/colorado/rocky-mountain-national-park-plans-to-increase-campground-fees-next-year/