Forest Service to Charge Campers $15-$75 for Cleanliness and Fun
Published Date: 9/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The Manti-La Sal National Forest plans to start charging fees at several campgrounds and rental sites to help keep them clean, safe, and fun. Fees range from $15 to $75 per night depending on the site and group size, and they won’t start for at least six months after this notice. Visitors who love camping and renting forest spots will see these changes soon, with most of the money going right back into improving their outdoor experience.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
New Nightly Campground and Cabin Fees
The Manti‑La Sal National Forest proposes new nightly recreation fees for specific campgrounds and rentals in Utah. Fees would be $15 per night for Porcupine Rim, Ferron Canyon, and Chicken Creek Campgrounds; group campsite fees of $30 per night for groups up to 30 (Ferron, Willow Lake, Chicken Creek Group Campgrounds) and $50 per night for groups up to 50 (Joes Valley Group Campground); $50 per night to rent Mammoth Bunkhouse; and $75 per night to rent Stuart Guard Station. These fees could start no earlier than March 8, 2027 if approved.
Reservation Platform $8 Transaction Fee
Reservations for these campgrounds and cabins would be available at recreation.gov or by phone, and each reservation would incur an $8.00 transaction fee. The $8.00 fee is charged by the recreation.gov service provider, retained by that provider, and is not a Forest Service recreation fee.
Local Use of Fee Revenue (80% Local Spend)
At least 80 percent of the proposed recreation fees would be spent where they are collected to improve and maintain the recreation sites and enhance visitor experience. Fee revenue would be used for operation, maintenance, improvements, and to improve customer service at the named sites in the Manti‑La Sal National Forest.
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Key Dates
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