Nightly fee increases are being proposed for camping at Chiricahua National Monument/NPS file
A $5 increase is being proposed for individual campsites at the Bonita Canyon Campground in Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona.
Fees at Chiricahua for individual campsites last changed in 2017 and group campsite fees last changed in 2007. Chiricahua is proposing a $25 nightly fee for individiual campsites and a $50 flat night rate for the group sites, with a minimum of eight campers.
These proposed campground fee increases are based on comparable fees for similar services in nearby campgrounds, the park said in a release. Under the proposed fees, Chiricahua will continue to offer half-priced camping for Interagency Senior pass holders and Interagency Lifetime Access pass holders.
The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act is the legislation that allows the park to collect expanded amenity fees such as camping fees. This law allows parks like Chiricahua National Monument to retain nearly 100 percent of fees collected in the park for use on projects that directly enhance the experience of park visitors. Camping fees collected at Chiricahua stay in the park and are used on campground upkeep, maintenance, and management. These fees are also used on projects that directly improve the camping experience for park visitors.
Some projects that are planned for campground improvements beginning in 2024 are:
Comfort Station Rehab & Improved Accessibility — Rehab and upgrade of interior and exterior comfort station (restroom facilities) and improvements to accessibility.
Visitor Campground Wi-Fi — Installation of free Wi-Fi access for campground visitors.
Infrastructure Rehab — Road and drainage rehabilitation, improved tent pad surfacing.
The proposed camping fee increases are necessary to improve and maintain a high-quality camping experience. While basic park operations are funded by direct appropriations from Congress, the expanded amenity fees collected by the Chiricahua are used to support new projects and the ongoing maintenance of campgrounds that directly enhance the visitor experience.
Chiricahua Canyon Campground is available for advanced reservation through Recreation.gov. Individual Sites (25 sites) and Group Site (1 site) will remain reservable year-round up to six months in advance. Advanced reservations of campsites provide 24/7 ease of reservations, offering park visitors the convenience and flexibility to plan their trip ahead of time, and make changes to reservations when needed.
Chiricahua National Monument is proposing the new camping fees take effect in January.
You can learn more about the proposed fees and leave your comments at this site.
