Proposed Recreation Fees Information and Comment Page
In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA), which allows the Forest Service to retain funds collected at certain recreation sites and use these funds locally to operate, maintain, and improve these sites. These additional funds along with 95 percent of the revenue from recreation fees remains on the forest to operate, maintain, and improve facilities. The resources derived through collection of fees helps provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectation of visitors and creates a more financial sustainable developed recreation program for the benefit of future generations.
Current Status
The 2024 public comment period has ended. The new fees can be seen in the Recent Fee Changes table below.
Fee Proposals
Implementation of new and changed fees is ongoing, see Recent Fee Changes for more details.
Ways to Comment
During a public comment period you can use the mapping tool to look up and comment on specific sites, or make a general comment on a fee proposal. You can also comment by email, mail, at an office, or by phone.
Story Map
Submit comments on this interactive map here: https://arcg.is/0LSzWv2
Recent Fee Changes
| Site Name | Site Type | Anticipated Effective Date | Previous Fees | New Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juneau Ranger District | ||||
Eagle Shelter - Auke Village Recreation Area | Group Picnic Site | 1-Jun-24 | $0 Per Hour | May 1 to Sep. 30: $25 per hour |
| Oct. 1 to Apr 30: $15 per hour | ||||
Lena Beach Picnic Area - Coho Salmon Shelter | Group Picnic Site | 1-Jun-24 | $0 Per Hour | May 1 to Sep. 30: $20 per hour |
| Oct. 1 to Apr. 30: $10 per hour | ||||
Lena Beach Picnic Area - King Salmon Shelter | Group Picnic Site | 1-Jun-24 | $0 Per Hour | May 1 to Sep. 30: $30 per hour |
| Oct. 1 to Apr. 30: $20 per hour | ||||
Raven Shelter - Auk Village Recreation Area | Group Picnic Site | 1-Jun-24 | $10 Per Hour | May 1 to Sep. 30: $20 per hour |
| Oct. 1 to Apr. 30: $20 per hour | ||||
Skaters Cabin | Group Picnic Site | 1-Jun-24 | $10 Per Hour | May 1 to Sep. 30: $20 per hour |
| Oct. 1 to Apr. 30: $10 per hour | ||||
Mendenhall Lake Campground | Campground | 15-May-24 | $10 Per Single Site | $20 Per Single Site |
| $26 Per Site w/ Water & Electric Hookups | $34 Per Site w/ Water & Electric Hookups | |||
| $28 Fee Per Site w/ Water, Electric & Sewer Hookups | $36 Fee Per Site w/ Water, Electric & Sewer Hookups | |||
| Auke Village Campground | Campground | 15-May-24 | $10 Per Single Site | $20 Per Single Site |
| Admiralty National Monument | ||||
Pack Creek | Wildlife Viewing Site | 1-Apr-25 | $10 Per Day Senior & Junior Non-Peak | Apr. 1 to Sep. 30: $60 Per Day |
| $20 Per Day Adult Non-Peak | ||||
| $25 Per Day Senior & Junior Peak | ||||
| $50 Per Day Adult Peak | ||||
| Wrangell Ranger District | ||||
| Anan Wildlife Observatory Site | Wildlife Viewing Site | 5-Jul-25 | $10 Per Day | Jul. 5 to Aug. 25: $50 phased over 4 years ($20 in 2025, $30 in 2026, etc.) |
| Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District | ||||
| Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site | Wildlife Viewing Site | 15-Jul-25 | $5 Per Day | $10 Per Day |
| $10 Per 3-Day | $20 Per 3-Day | |||
| $20 Per Week | $40 Per Week | |||
| $0 Per Season/Year (not a current option) | $80 Per Season/Year | |||
| Signal Creek Cabin | Cabin | 1-Nov-24 | $0 Per Night | $75 Per Night |
| Deer Mountain Shelter | Cabin | TBD | $0 Per Night | $35 Per Night (not implemented until all amenities are in place) |
| Hoonah Ranger District | ||||
| Kennel Creek Cabin | Cabin | 1-Nov-24 | Oct. 1 to Apr. 30: $45 Per Night | Nov. 30 to Apr. 14: $55 Per Night |
| May 1 to Sep. 30: $60 Per Night | Apr. 15 to Nov. 30: $70 Per Night | |||
| Eight Fathom Cabin | Cabin | 1-Nov-24 | Oct. 1 to Apr. 30: $45 Per Night | Nov. 30 to Apr. 14: $55 Per Night |
| May 1 to Sep. 30: $60 Per Night | Apr. 15 to Nov. 30: $70 Per Night | |||
| Sitka Ranger District | ||||
| Sawmill Creek Group Picnic Shelter | Group Picnic Site | 15-May-25 | $0 Per Day | $25 Per Day |
| Sawmill Creek Campground Group Site | Group Picnic Site | 15-May-25 | $0 Per Day | $20 Per Night |
Email, Mail, Comment Card, Phone or Visit Us
| Email SM.FS.TNFRecFee@usda.gov with the site name in the subject line. |
Mail Written letters may be submitted to the Tongass National Forest at: Tongass National Forest |
| Comment Card Comment cards can be found at the recreation sites or at the local district ranger office. |
| Phone or Visit Visit or call any of the forest offices listed on the Offices page during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). |
Frequently Asked Questions
We encourage the public to get involved in this process because public support is a crucial part of the fee establishment process.
An increased in forest the number of visitors has impacted recreation sites. Fees are changing because the cost of maintenance and improvements to these sites exceeds the revenues generated from recreation fees and congressionally-appropriated dollars.
Local fee retention - Since 2004 local Forest Units have the authority to retain 95% of the generated at sites where a fee is charged. This source of funds is critical to effectively address maintenance and operation needs at campgrounds and developed day use areas.
Recreation fee revenue has been used on projects that improve the visitor experience, such as: restroom upgrades, trail repairs and improvements, campground improvements, historic structure enhancements, education and visitor interpretation programs, on-site accessibility improvements, trash & graffiti removal, Forest Service presence to discourage illegal activity, vandalism repairs and hazard tree removal. Our annual reports detail how funds have been used.
The public has a say - the Forest Service engages in an intensive public involvement process for every fee change including new fees, fee increases and decreases and fee eliminations. This public involvement process includes a Alaska Recreation Fee and Special Uses Advisory Committee. • An analysis is used help units determine the correct price range for facilities like campgrounds and day use sites. This tool has a point system for available amenities and shows an appropriate fee range to include in a fee proposal. Also included is an analysis of other public and private developed recreation site providers.
Some recreation sites offer limited amenities and visitors services and are free of charge. Other sites charge recreation fees, in exchange, these recreation areas offer visitor services and amenities such as restroom facilities, trash collection, visitor security and interpretive services.