It’s described as “the backyard playground to over 20 million people in the Greater Los Angeles Area.” Big numbers in this big playground could spell big fee hikes. Angeles National Forest camping fees could jump four-fold.
“New and increased fees”
Managers at the Angeles National Forest are proposing “new and increased” fees at 11 of the national forest campgrounds, rolling out in 2025.
The increased funding would go toward infrastructure improvements, new staff hires, and help in operation, maintenance, and facility improvements.
Here’s where camping fees could jump four-fold—and in some cases a little less
These three campgrounds presently charge $5, but would jump to $20 under the proposal:
- Oak Flat Campground
- Sycamore Flat Campground
- South Fork Campground
These campgrounds presently charge $12, but will jump to $20 under the proposal:
- Monte Cristo Campground
- Manker Flat Campground
- Horse Flats Campground
- Crystal Lake Campground
- Coldbrook Campground
- Chilao Campgrounds
- Buckhorn Campground
Presently free—but could have “new” fees
Finally, look for changes at the Lightning Point Group Campground. At present, no fees are charged. Under the proposal, a $100 rate per 45-person group (1 site) per night would go into place. An $80 rate per 36-person group (4 sites) would come into effect.
And the rest of the story
“The collection of fees helps provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectations of visitors and creates a more financially sustainable recreation program for future generations,” the Forest Service said.
Any fee changes must be proposed and approved by a resource advisory committee made up of local community members. That committee will help ensure that the fees are “reasonable and publicly acceptable,” officials said.
Once the public has had its say, resource advisory committee will submit their recommendation to the regional forester for a final decision.
There are several ways to comment on the proposed fee hikes:
Via mail: Send to Angeles National Forest, ATTN: Jeremey Sugden, 701 N. Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia, California, 91006
Via email: Send to jeremeysugden@usda.gov
Via an online map: Click this link.
If approved, in some locations’ camping fees could jump four-fold. They would take effect in 2025, though the Service has yet to release an exact date.
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Even with the increase the camp sites are a steal. The fees should at least help with overhead costs. There are now free lunches.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 Have a great holiday, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Five bucks? Are you kidding? I’m at a Michigan State Park right now, 30 Amp electric only site that is $45/night + I pay an extra $12 fee per year on my license plate for access to the parks.
Always the same reasoning, maintenance, improvements and new staff hires.
When I was discharged from the Air Force in 1977. The civilian workers were paid a good salary compared to back east. So if that is still the case. The new fees are peanuts to the salary Californians make. These rates seem to be cheaper than what we pay in Pa.
$5.00 going to $20.00, wow wish I knew this price years ago. Would have visited the Angeles Forest more often.