Proposed changes to recreation fees on the Prescott National Forest

Prescott, AZ, Jun 27, 2025 --The Prescott National Forest (PNF) is proposing to change management of a camping area on Mingus Mountain. The PNF proposes to convert several existing campsites currently managed under a special use permit for a private club to public use. The new campground would require a fee of $18/night, which is commensurate with other PNF campgrounds.   

“As more people seek cooler, high-elevation recreation opportunities during the hot summer months, the forest is seeking to maximize access to such opportunities by making these campsites available to the public, said Prescott Forest Supervisor Sarah Clawson. “The fees collected will help us maintain these sites into the future.”

Not all recreation sites on the forest require a fee. Including the site in this proposal, over 57% of sites on the forest would still remain free. Powell Springs Campground, which is available year-round would also remain free. Additionally, some America the Beautiful passes allow a 50% reduction in camping fees. 

The proposed fee is listed in the below table:

*site would be available on recreation.gov with an additional reservation fee of $8

In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) which allows the Forest Service to retain at least 80% of the money collected at recreation sites and use these funds locally to operate, maintain, and improve these sites. Revenue collected through recreation fees helps the forest maintain sites in safe, usable condition. It also pays for recreation employee salaries and can be used for larger-scale rejuvenation projects, such as repaving access roads and parking areas. Recreation fees help provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectations of visitors and creates a more financially sustainable recreation program for future generations.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed recreation fee changes. The comment period is set to end by close of business on August 25, 2025. To ensure that your comments are considered, please send your comments no later than the above date to Prescott National Forest, Attention: Julie Rowe, Recreation Program Manager, 735 N Hwy 89, Chino Valley, AZ 86323 or julie.rowe@usda.gov.  Comments can also be provided online at https://arcg.is/1KzWzz.

Oral comments must be provided in person at the Prescott National Forest to Julie Rowe during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm) by appointment or by calling 928-856-2687 and indicating you would like to provide comments on the proposed recreation fee changes. For more information, visit our website https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/prescott .

Once public involvement is complete, these recreation fee changes will be reviewed by a citizen’s advisory committee. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable recreation fees. The committee will submit their recommendation to the Regional Forester for a final decision.