In 2024, the online travel guide Travel Lemming ranked California’s Joshua Tree National Park #2 of all parks. It based the ranking on seven factors: Affordability, accessibility, biodiversity, crowds, reviews, job opportunities, and weather. We don’t know if that ranking had anything to do with a Park Service decision to hike fees there. But no doubt some will be disappointed with the Joshua Tree fee hikes.
December 1 marks new Joshua Tree fee hikes
The Park Service announced that Joshua Tree National Park will increase fees. It applies to all reservations on recreation.gov. This includes campgrounds and tours starting December 1, 2024. There will be an expanded amenity fee increase starting on January 1, 2025. First Come First Serve campgrounds will increase from $15 to $25 per night January 1, 2025.
Fees “comparable” to nearby campgrounds and tours
When determining the Joshua Tree fee hikes, extensive public engagement went first. This was followed by an NPS review. It led to the determination that the park’s proposed updated campground and tour fees were comparable to fees charged by similar nearby campgrounds and tours.
The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) requires that recreational fees are appropriate to the benefits and services provided and are reviewed and updated regularly.
Joshua Tree National Park utilizes the majority of revenue collected through entrance and camping fees to provide visitor services and maintain public facilities such as campgrounds.
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These National Park campgrounds have o amenities. I’ve stayed at Cottonwood. No water, electricity, sewer, internet. Please tell me what area campgrounds. Have similar ie: nothing amenities to compare!
Have you looked at the California State Parks? South Carlsbad state beach $70.00 a night for a spot over looking the beach, $50.00 a night for the second row. No water no electric no sewer, $10.00 for the dump station, and oh my goodness NO WIFI! Pismo state beach is the same.
Mojave national recreation area just raised their rates to what Joshua Tree just did. Same amenities. I’m sure Death Valley will follow suit.
You want to complain call your representatives in Congress and tell them to raise your taxes to help pay for the parks because the campground fees are obscene.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! Looks as though lots of national parks are adjusting their fees to avoid deeply undercutting the nearby private competitors. Could bode well for maintenance, employees, and services, not to mention offset any budgetary funding shortfalls. Have a great weekend and safe travels!