New Fees at Kaibab Concession-run Recreation Sites

As of May 2, 2025 a new fee schedule is in place for camping and day use at several concession-run recreation sites across the Kaibab. This includes fee increases for camping and, new this year, a fee for day use. Day-use fees for sites on Williams Ranger District will begin May 27, 2025. Fees are determined by the concessionaire, Recreation Resource Management of America (RRMofA), and meant to keep pace with the costs of operations as well as fund improvements at these sites.

The concessionaire applies revenues from recreation fees directly toward the upkeep and upgrades at the sites they manage. Among the first of RRMA’s projects are new fire rings and picnic tables at Cataract Lake and upgrading the Dogtown Lake boat launch.

Sites operated by Recreation Resource Management of America

Williams Ranger District

• Kaibab Lake Campground
• White Horse Lake Campground
• Dogtown Lake Campground
• Cataract Lake Day-Use Area

North Kaibab Ranger District

• DeMotte Campground
• Jacob Lake Campground
• Jacob Lake Group & Picnic Areas

Make Camping Reservations on Recreation.gov

Day-Use Passes

Day-use fees for the Williams Ranger District Sites (Kaibab Lake Campground, White Horse Lake Campground, Downtown Lake Campground, and Cataract Lake Day Use Area go into effect May 27, 2025, the day after Memorial Day.

Day-use passes are sold only on site by the concessionaire. The pass will be issued noting the license plate of the car that is being driven by the pass holder.

Single-Day Pass: $8 per vehicle, valid for the same calendar day it’s issued.

Season Pass: $100, valid for one vehicle’s unlimited visits during the concessionaire season of the current year (which varies; typically April through October). *Locals with Williams, Ashfork, and Parks addresses receive a 50% discount on the 2025 season pass.

For further information about the pass, contact Recreation Resource Management of America at 928-537-8888.
 

Q&A's

What are the Day-use Fees? 

Fees are used to generate revenue that directly supports operations, maintenance, and improvements at those sites, ultimately enhancing the visitor experience and preserving natural resources.

Why are residents being charged a day fee? 

All users of the facilities will be charged a fee; local residents will receive a discount on the season pass.

Who is considered a “local resident”? 

Someone whose government ID shows their address in Williams, Ash Fork, and Parks. If you live in these areas but your ID does not have a Williams, Ash Fork, or Parks address, you can present a current utility statement with your ID to confirm residency.

Can Flagstaff be added as a local area? 

This is at the discretion of the concessionaire. They have indicated the local area does not extend to Flagstaff. You can contact them directly at 928-537-8888.

Do I get a “locals discount” for a single day pass? 

No, the 50% off is only for the season pass.

Is there a senior or veteran discount? 

The concessionaire has not informed the Forest Service of any discount other than the local resident discount for a season pass. You can ask the concessionaire directly at 928-537-8888.

Which lakes have a day-use fee? 

All of the Forest Service managed lakes with a concessionaire in the Williams Ranger District - Cataract, Dogtown, Kaibab, and White Horse. The Sante Fe and City reservoirs are managed by the City of Williams, not the Forest Service.

Is the fee per person or per vehicle? 

In general, the day use pass is “per vehicle” and carpooling is encouraged. However, this is at the discretion of the concessionaire and may not apply to overpacked or oversized vehicles.

How long are the Day and Season Passes valid? 

Day use passes are good for the day they are purchased (they expire at midnight). Season passes are good through the concession operating season of the current year. Operating season varies. It is typically April through October/November. 

What happens after the concessionaire season ends? 

The fee will be collected during the operational season of the concessionaire, typically between April and October/November.  In the off-season, the Forest Service does not plan to collect this fee, as there will be limited services over the fall and winter.   

Will gates be left open during the off season for people to fish? Will the roads be plowed during the snow?  

Gates to the campgrounds will be closed as usual for the off-season, which sometimes limits access for Day Use Areas such as at White Horse Campground; other gates to Day Use Areas have typically been left open.  There are no plans at this time to change that approach in the off-season, or to start plowing to these sites. 

Can I fish during the day and come back at night? 

Yes, you may fish during the day and come back at night. However, Cataract Lake opens at 6:00 am and closes at 9:00 pm. If you return to Cataract after closing, the gate will be closed and you’ll need to walk in.  

Is it free if I walk in?  

Yes. A day pass is not required for walk ins, as long as you don’t use the site’s amenities such as trash cans, picnic tables, water, restrooms, etc.  

Is the pass good for all the Lakes in Williams? 

The season pass is good for all Forest Service lakes managed by the concessionaire in the Williams area. Sante Fe and City reservoirs are managed by the City of Williams and not the Forest Service. 

Can I use a single-day pass at more than one lake in the same day? For instance, if I buy a single-day pass at Cataract but go to Kaibab later that day, will I need to buy another pass at Kaibab?  

Yes, your day-use pass is good for all the lakes. If you buy a day pass and move to another lake that same day, you do not need to buy another pass. 

Is the pass good for camping too? 

No. Day-use passes (single-day and season) are not valid for camping. 

Can I purchase a day-use pass at the Kaibab National Forest offices? 

No. The day-use passes are sold by the concessionaire, not the Forest Service. The concessionaire is issuing passes only at the recreation sites. 

Was there a Public Comment period?

Unlike with fee sites run by the Forest Service, fee schedules for concessionaire-run sites are not subject to public review and comment.  The solicitation for new vendors for the management of the campgrounds was initiated in December of 2023, and was publicly available. The solicitation was on our website and was posted nationwide for many months.    

Will I be charged a fee to drop someone off? 

A fee will be charged once a vehicle passes the “Fee Area” sign at the campground.  A fee will not be assessed to individuals that walk into the fee area unless they use the facilities such as restrooms, picnic tables, grills, water, trash cans, etc. 

Will schools or other organizations have free access for functions?  

Schools and other educational organizations can request an exemption from the fees from the concessionaire.  Their ability to accommodate a request will be dependent on date and time (like whether it occurs on a holiday or holiday weekend), and the number of participants. The Forest Service does not issue exemptions. Those seeking a fee exemption should request one from RRMofA as far in advance as possible by calling 928-537-8888 

Will the City of Williams hold a public meeting?  

To clarify, the sites are managed by the Forest Service, and not the City of Williams. The Forest Service is working closely with the City to provide information about the fees. Representatives from the Kaibab and the new concessionaire are planning to participate in an upcoming City Council meeting.  

What is the difference between the fees for my fishing license and the fees for a day use pass? 

Purchasing a fishing license through the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) directly contributes to the management of AZ fisheries, such as fish stocking and habitat improvement projects. The fees charged by RRMofA are used by the concessionaire and the Forest Service to maintain and improve infrastructure at the sites, such as boat ramps, picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. The concessionaire can be contacted at 928-537-8888. To learn more about fishing in AZ, visit www.azgfd.gov/fishing.  

What are the fees used for?  

Revenues are applied directly toward operating costs and funding improvements at the sites. Among the first of the improvement projects are new fire rings and picnic tables at Cataract Lake and upgrading the Dogtown Lake boat launch.   

When did you decide to start charging for day use?  

The campgrounds in the Williams area have been concessioned for over 20 years and the ability to charge day use fees has been a part of all concession permits. The previous concessionaire chose not to implement day-use fees during their tenure.    

Why can’t they take our National Park Passes? 

This is at the discretion of the concessionaire. Questions can be referred directly to the concessionaire at 928-537-8888. 

Why is the Black Bear Snack Shack not allowed at White Horse anymore?

 The Snack Shack’s presence was an arrangement involving the previous concessionaire. The snack shack could come to a new arrangement with the new concessionaire to operate there. The Forest Service cannot independently permit the snack shack within the concession-run campground.