The National Park Service is seeking public comment on proposed fee changes for camping and other associated fees on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Proposed rate changes include front country and backcountry camping site fees, as well as non-camper user fees for shower and dump-station services. The Parkway is a popular camping destination for park visitors and neighbors, and recreation fees provide a vital source of revenue for needed facility maintenance, future campground improvement projects, and increased costs associated with campground operations. The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act requires that recreational fees are appropriate to the benefits and services provided. Fees charged must be comparable to fees charged by others in the local area for similar benefits and services. The last major fee rate change on the Parkway occurred in 2016.
Front country campground sites for both single and group sites are proposed to increase by $10, Back country sites where currently there is no charge is proposed to be $15. Dump station and shower fees would double from 3 to $6.
Public comments on the proposed fee increases are being accepted now through March 15th. New fees could be implemented as soon as May.
Submit comments electronically via https://parkplanning.nps.gov/BLRI2024fees. Comments may also be submitted via mail to:
Blue Ridge Parkway HQ,199 Hemphill Knob Road, Asheville, NC 28803
RE: Campground fee comment
