It's going to cost you a bit more to camp in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park next year, as the fee is moving from $26 to $30 per trip during the months of May through October.

Permits for backcountry camping are an integral part of a program that rations and distributes use throughout the park’s backcountry. Permits are intended to help provide a quality experience, minimize impacts to resources, and ensure that sites are available for those who plan ahead and reserve a permit in advance. While an overnight permit is required for backcountry camping year-round, the fee for obtaining the permit only applies for camping that occurs during the months of May through October when demand typically exceeds availability in many areas of the park’s backcountry. The four-dollar increase for the non-refundable permit takes effect March 1, 2019.

Different from an entrance fee or fee for camping in a developed campground, the backcountry permit is based on cost recovery and all funds are applied directly to the costs of administering the program.

“Rocky Mountain National Park retains 100 percent of the administrative fees charged for backcountry camping permits," said Superintendent Darla Sidles. "In addition to providing the opportunity to reserve and secure campsites in advance, funds recovered through the permit fee allow for staff to provide trip planning advice and information for a safe and enjoyable trip into the wilderness. Requirements for food storage necessary to protect bears and other wildlife, mountain weather, hazards, and Leave No Trace ethics are among the information received during the permitting process.“