National park fees climb again: Lake Roosevelt NRA implements price jumps

If the only constant in the universe is change, it shouldn’t be a surprise to RVers that fees that affect them will be part of it. Washington state’s Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area will soon implement RV fee increases.

RV fee increases start at campsite level

Seven campgrounds in that recreation area will see fee increases come March 15, 2025. They are:

• Spring Canyon
• Porcupine Bay
• Fort Spokane
• Hunters
• Gifford
• Kettle Falls
• Evans

At present, the nightly site fee at these campgrounds is $12. After March 1, RVers and others will pay $30 per night, or a 150% increase in charges. And while winter campers enjoyed a discount, seasonal discounts will be eliminated. America the Beautiful Annual or Lifetime Senior pass, and Lifetime Access passholders will still be eligible for a 50% discount.

Other campground fees won’t change, but seasonal discounts will vanish

All other campgrounds (excluding Keller Ferry, operated by Lake Roosevelt Adventures) will remain at $23 per night. But like the other campgrounds, seasonal discounts will be eliminated. America the Beautiful Annual or Lifetime Senior pass, and Lifetime Access passholders will still be eligible for a 50% discount.

Free dump fees?

RV fee increases aren’t limited to campsites. On March 15, 2025 dump station fees will rise dramatically. Dump stations at Spring Canyon, Keller Ferry, Fort Spokane, Porcupine Bay, Hunters, Gifford, Kettle Falls, and Evans are presently free for use. Come March 15, 2025, a $10 fee will apply to dump tanks, and to access potable water.

Do you take a boat on your RV adventures?

While not directly affecting all RVers, starting January 1, 2025, the National Park Service (NPS) at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area will increase the Weekly Boat Launch permit fee. Presently $8, the new fee will be $10. Pass holders (listed above) will be eligible for a 50% discount. Annual Boat Launch passes, currently $45, will jump to $60 per year. No “pass” discounts on these, and the winter fee discount will be eliminated.

Group campsite fees will also increase

1-25 person capacity increases to $65 per night, up from $55.
26-50 person capacity increases to $90 per night, up from $80.
51-75 person capacity increases to $115 per night, up from $105.

Park Service reasoning on RV fee increases

In its media release, the Park Service is quick to point out that fee increases are tied to federal regulations. A requirement for participating in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), which allows public lands to charge user entrance and amenity fees, is a “no undercut” clause. Federal agencies must charge fees commensurate with the local area, so as to not undercut the local markets. Camping fees at Lake Roosevelt have not been adjusted since 2021 and boat launch fees have not been adjusted since 2015. They are now lower than the average of the area around the park.

Fees collected at Lake Roosevelt are used for improvements to visitor services. Through this year, fee dollars have been used to repair and upgrade boat launch and courtesy docks and improve water systems at several park locations. Future plans include upgrades and repairs to dock systems and parking facilities, restroom facility improvements, and enhancing ADA accessibility at several campgrounds.

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