Eldorado Forest Campers May Soon Pay More for Amenities
Published Date: 10/19/2026
Notice
Summary
The Eldorado National Forest wants to start charging fees at several campgrounds and for a special permit to help keep these spots nice and fun. If approved, fees like $26 per night for campsites and $100 for a cabin rental would kick in at least six months after this notice. Visitors who love camping and exploring in this forest will see these changes, with most of the money staying local to improve their experience.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 6 costs, 0 mixed.
New $26/night campsite fee
You would pay a proposed expanded amenity fee of $26 per night at Airport Flat Campground, Azalea Cove Campground, Camino Cove Campground, Cole Creek Camping Area, and Lone Rock Campground. These fees would take effect no earlier than six months after this Federal Register notice (publication date October 19, 2026).
Bunker Hill cabin rental: $100/night
A proposed expanded amenity recreation fee of $100 per night would be charged for rental of the Bunker Hill Lookout Cabin. The fee would apply starting no earlier than six months after this notice (publication October 19, 2026).
Mokelumne Carson Pass camping permit and fees
A special recreation permit would be required for overnight camping in the Mokelumne Carson Pass Management Area with a proposed fee of $10 per person, per night during years 1 through 4, and an increase to $15 per person, per night beginning in year 5. These changes would be effective no earlier than six months after the notice publication (October 19, 2026).
Double-site fee: $46 per night
You would pay a proposed expanded amenity fee of $46 per night for double sites at Camino Cove Campground. The fee would be effective no earlier than six months after publication of this notice (October 19, 2026).
$10/day vehicle fee at select sites
A proposed standard amenity recreation fee of $10 per day per vehicle would be charged at Echo Summit Nordic Ski Area, Fleming Meadow, Caples Creek, Lake Margaret, Shealor Lake, and Thunder Mountain trailheads and developed recreation sites. These fees would be effective no earlier than six months after publication of this notice (October 19, 2026).
America the Beautiful pass accepted
The America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass would be honored at the standard amenity recreation fee sites listed (Echo Summit Nordic Ski Area, Fleming Meadow, Caples Creek, Lake Margaret, Shealor Lake, and Thunder Mountain).
$8 reservation transaction fee charged
A Reservation fee of $8.00 per reservation will be added to the cost of campground and cabin reservations made through recreation.gov or by phone; this $8.00 fee is a transaction fee retained by the service provider and is not a Forest Service recreation fee. The $8.00 fee applies when you reserve through the stated platform.
At least 80% of fees stay local
At least 80 percent of the proposed recreation fees collected at Eldorado National Forest would remain available for expenditure at the Forest to enhance visitor experience, including operation, maintenance, and improvements at the fee sites and for the special recreation use.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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