Frontcountry campground fees are going up in Glacier National Park for 2024/NPS file

Fees will climb $3-$10 at most frontcountry campgrounds in Glacier National Park in Montana next year.

The last major fee rate change occurred in 2007. After extensive research of local campground rates and provided services outside the park, the rate increases were found to be comparable with current market rates in the surrounding areas for similar services, a park release said.

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act is the legislation that allows the collection of expanded amenity fees, including camping fees. The law allows Glacier National Park to retain nearly 80 percent of fees collected in the park for use on projects that directly enhance the experience of park visitors and campers. Projects funded by recreation fees include trail and campground repairs and improvements, increasing accessibility, and facility restoration. By increasing fees, Glacier National Park will continue to be able to provide and improve services that directly benefit visitors. 

A civic engagement period was held from August 9 through September 8, 2023, and comments were submitted on the proposed frontcountry camping fee rates. Of the 46 responses received, 43 percent expressed direct support for the fee rate changes in amenity fees for frontcountry campsites. Twenty-three percent opposed fee rate increases, and 34 percent were neutral or did not specify whether they supported or opposed but provided suggestions or feedback. 

NPS acknowledges that a fee increase can be a concern. Under the new fee rates, Glacier will continue to offer half priced camping for Interagency Senior pass holders and Interagency Lifetime Access pass holders.  

Visitors can start making 2024 campground reservations starting January 7, 2024, on Recreation.gov.