USFS campground fees?
Touring several nearby forest service campgrounds lately, I noticed one had some newer signs with rather large print, stating that campers must pay the day-use fee in addition to their camping fee... ...
Forum Discussion
4runnerguy wrote:monkey44 wrote:SteveAE wrote:2gypsies wrote:
National forests do not charge campers a day use fee.
Actually they do. It started in 1996 as the Fee Demo program that has sense been renamed. Among other things, it covers parking at popular trail heads. $5 per day or a 12 month pass is available.
If you leave your car in your campsite though, this fee shouldn't apply. Only if you were to park at a trail head or other parking area that is clearly intended for day use parking will the fee, if applied to that recreation site, be applicable.
Steve is correct: Several years ago we found it the first time in an Idaho USFSCG above Sun Valley. We entered a USFSCG and read a new sign that gave camping fees, but also day-use fee (at the time, $3.00 unless you are camping) Camping fees covered day-use as well.
We were camping, so it didn't matter. But we're seen that fee a few times in other states ... most often, it's around a water area, like a reservoir or a river where boating is allowed, and a boat ramp available.
Can't name a specific one, just recall seeing the day-use fee notice. But we always camp ... so not relevant. i expect it will encompass more areas soon enough. Eventually, we'll pay it every forestry recreation area.
No, Steve is not correct. Please read 2gypsies statement: "National forests do not charge campers a day use fee." This is true. SteveAE and monkey44 are talking about day use fees in campgrounds. These fees do not apply to campers. As far as day use fees outside the CG, I've been places where everyone would have to pay, say at a trailhead. In other NFS CG's, we've received a hand tag that allowed us to park for free at other nearby NFS facilities operated by the same contractor.
This from the US Forest service page for the Grande Ronde Lake Campground in Oregon:
"2014 Camping and Day-use Fees Single family campsite = $10
Multiple family campsite = $18
Extra vehicle at campsite = $5
Day-use Parking = $4/vehicle
For visitors with an Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age or Golden Access pass the fees are: Single family campsite= $5
Day-use parking = $2/vehicle
A separate day-use fee may be required for users who park at the Grande Ronde Lake Day-use site near the lake."
Please note the last sentence!
