Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan will increase its camping fees next year. The park will also begin a phased-in approach to entrance fees in March, according to a report.
Public comments regarding the proposed changes collected via the park website earlier this year were overall positive, according to the park’s release on Monday. Many people were in favor of using collected fees for park improvements. These fees may be used for visitor enjoyment, access, and health, and safety.
“The new fee will provide much-needed funding for park improvements,” Superintendent David Horne said. “We were very thankful for the support we received during the public comment period.”
Basic park operations are financed by funding from congress, while ongoing maintenance of park facilities and projects are supported by fees for recreation collected by the park. This includes maintaining and improving trails, campground facilities, visitor centers, monitoring park resources, and developing the area for future public use, as well as funding seasonal work positions.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore holds 63 front-country campsites, 14 backcountry camping areas, more than a dozen historic structures, 100 miles of trails, as well as roads, parking lots, restrooms, water systems, bridges, and 86 park buildings.
The new entrance fee will be phased in over a three-year period.
Phase 1, which will be effective March 1, 2022, will charge $5 per person walk, bicycle, or boat in. The fee is good for seven continuous days. A seven-day motorcycle pass will cost $10 and a seven-day vehicle pass will cost the same. Pictured Rocks Annual Pass will be priced at $20.
Phase 2 will be effective on January 1, 2023, charging $10 per person walk, bicycle, or boat-in.
A seven-day motorcycle pass will be priced at $15 and a seven-day vehicle pass will be charged for $20. An annual pass to the park will cost $30.
Phase 3 will take effect on January 1, 2024. A per person walk, bicycle, or boat-in will cost each visitor $15. The seven-day motorcycle pass will be priced at $20, a seven-day vehicle pass can be bought for $25, and a Pictured Rocks Annual Pass for $45.
A vehicle pass covers entrance fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle. Children aged 15 or under are admitted free.
Meanwhile, commercial tour fees on January 1, 2023 will amount to $25 (plus per person rate) for a sedan (1-6 persons), $40 for a van (7-15 Persons) and mini-Bus (16-25 Persons), and $100 for those with a motor coach (26 Persons and up).
Starting January 1 next year, campground fees will increase from $20 to $25 per night per site at Little Beaver Lake, Twelvemile Beach, and Hurricane River campgrounds. Au Sable Lighthouse tours will be $5 per person.