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Capitol Reef National Park Proposes Higher Entrance Fee, Flat Camping Rate

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Published Date

August 22, 2017

The cost to access the Scenic Drive in Capitol Reef National Park may be going up next year/NPS, Nathan Gross

While Zion and Arches national parks in southern Utah are coping with overcrowding, a nearby escape with more breathing room is Capitol Reef National Park, which shares many geologic features with its neighbors. Starting next year, though, those who want to explore all that the park has to offer may have to pay a higher entrance fee.

Capitol Reef officials have proposed raising the cost to access the Scenic Drive past Fruita Campground from $10 to $15 for a private vehicle. The move is part of a larger National Park Service initiative to standardize fees for park units offering similar visitor services and experiences. In addition, the park would set the nightly group campsite fee at $100, replacing a rate based on the number of campers.

Visitors may access the trails along Highway 24 and the frontcountry area near the Gifford House and picnic areas without paying an entrance fee.

At Capitol Reef National Park, all fees stay in the park and are used to provide enhanced visitor services, repair and maintenance of facilities, capital improvements, enhanced amenities, resource protection, and additional visitor programs and services. Past fees have been used to plant new fruit trees, install water bottle filling stations, maintain trails, install new exhibits and signage, and make improvements to the Fruita Campground and bathroom facilities.

From 2000 to 2015, the seven-day entrance fee for a private vehicle was $5. In 2015, the cost increased to $10.

Nearby Arches and Canyonlands national parks are also proposing higher entrance fees, with public comments accepted until September 1.

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