It soon could cost you more to enjoy this view in Zion National Park/Deby Dixon

It soon could cost you more to enter Zion National Park, camp there, and head into the backcountry.

Park officials are proposing a range of fee increases and are now taking public comment on them. The last time entrance fees were increased at Zion was in 2007. The current camping fees date back to 2004, and wilderness permit fees to 2005.

Under the authority of Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, Zion retains 80 percent of the recreation fees it collects. Fee revenue from Zion National Park entrance stations and campgrounds has provided funding for over 24 major projects since 2010. All of the projects focused on improvements to visitor services, facilities, and visitor safety.

“The fee revenue is critical to the park,” said Zion Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh. “Funds from entrance, camping and other fees are used to improve and maintain our facilities and provide valuable visitor services.”

More than 70 percent of the entrance fees are used to operate the shuttle bus system in the park and the Town of Springdale, Utah. The bus system improves park operations and visitor experience by decreasing vehicle congestion in Zion Canyon, improving air quality, and providing visitors safe and easy access to popular park features. The shuttle buses are 15 years old and maintenance costs are increasing, according to park officials. The increase in entrance fees would help maintain shuttle facilities, as well as the aging buses and help to begin the replacement of the fleet.

The increase in the entrance fees, if approved, would generate approximately $930,000 a year, and the park would retain about $743,000, with the remainder going into a fund to be distributed to parks that do not collect entrance fees.

The public comment period is open through January 23. You can comment online at this page.

Campground Fees:

Increased campground revenue will be used to maintain and rehabilitate the park’s three campgrounds. Projects could include rehabilitating and upgrading restrooms and other facilities to Americans with Disabilities Act standards.  In addition, revenue has not kept pace with rising electric power costs and campsites with electric service have been operating at a deficit. Below is a comparison of current and proposed fees for campgrounds.

Group Camping Fees:

Wilderness Permit Fees:

A fee increase for wilderness permits is proposed to ensure wilderness resources and experience are protected for those visiting today and in the future. Wilderness permit fees are used to answer public inquiries on wilderness activities and permit requirements by visitors in person, on line and by telephone; provide preventative search and rescue patrols; monitor wilderness resource condition; and maintain wilderness campsites and trails.