A few weeks back we wrote that the government was considering a change in park visitation fees. While U.S. guests would see no change, the thought was proposed that foreign visitors pay higher park fees. It’s now past the “thought” stage. President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order that would raise entrance and recreation fees for foreign visitors to national parks. The move, announced Thursday during a rally in Iowa, is part of Trump’s broader “America First” policy—and it’s aimed at generating new revenue for park upgrades.
“To fund improvements and enhanced experiences across the park system, I’ve just signed an executive order to raise entrance fees for foreign tourists while keeping prices low for Americans,” Trump told the crowd. “The national parks will be about America first.”
Foreign visitors pay higher park fees—when and how remains unclear
The order directs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to create a plan to raise entrance and recreation pass fees for non-U.S. residents at parks that currently charge for entry. No specific timeline or dollar amounts were announced, but the Interior Department’s 2026 budget proposal estimates such a surcharge could bring in more than $90 million annually.
For RV travelers and other domestic parkgoers, this could mean fewer crowds—particularly during peak seasons when international tourism is usually high. While the order is likely to stir debate, especially among gateway communities that depend on international visitors, many U.S.–based campers may welcome the added space and improved facilities.
Current park fee arrangement
Out of the 400-plus units in the National Park System, about 100 charge entrance fees. Most visitors either pay a daily or weekly entrance fee (many $20 per person or $35 per vehicle), or purchase a longer–term pass. The best deal for regular park visitors is the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass, which grants access to every park in the country that charges admission. None of these rates are expected to change for U.S. citizens under the new directive.
For full-timers, snowbirds, or road-tripping families towing trailers, that annual pass can save hundreds of dollars a year—and it will likely become an even better bargain if foreign rates rise.
U.S. visitors to get “preferential treatment”
In addition to fee changes, the executive order also instructs the Interior Department to give U.S. residents “preferential treatment” when it comes to rules around recreational access. That includes things like permit lotteries and reservation systems, which are already in place at many parks for backcountry access, timed entry, or even campsite reservations.
So far, no details have been released on what “preferential treatment” would mean in practice, but it could potentially improve odds for U.S. campers and RVers trying to land spots in places like Yosemite, Zion, Glacier, and Arches—where demand often far exceeds supply.
Diversity programs see rollback
The new order also revokes a 2017 policy signed at the end of President Obama’s term that aimed to promote diversity and inclusion within the National Park Service. That policy focused on outreach efforts to underserved communities, as well as hiring practices within the agency.
Critics of the rollback say it’s part of a broader trend of dismantling federal diversity initiatives. Supporters say the administration is trying to refocus the Park Service on its core mission: recreation and conservation.
Park Service could see bigger budget cuts
The fee changes come at a time when the Trump administration is pushing steep budget cuts to the Park Service. In February, about 1,000 park staff were laid off. In its latest budget proposal, the Interior Department called for more than $1 billion in cuts to the Park Service—potentially the largest reduction in the agency’s history.
An analysis by the National Parks Conservation Association found that since 2017, the Park Service has lost about 24% of its permanent workforce. For travelers, especially RVers who depend on camp hosts, visitor centers, and maintenance crews, these cuts could be felt in the form of longer lines, fewer open restrooms, or reduced campground services.
A New Conservation Commission launches
In a separate executive order also signed Thursday, the President created the “Make America Beautiful Again” Commission. The group’s job is to expand access to public lands and promote voluntary conservation efforts. It will be chaired by Secretary Burgum and staffed with members of the Trump administration.
Benji Backer, founder of the nonprofit group Nature Is Nonpartisan, played a key role in pushing the initiative and will be part of the commission. “Today is a great victory for the environment, but this is just the beginning,” he said in a statement.
Backer has also voiced concerns about other land-use policies under Trump. In a recent interview referenced by CBS News, he criticized a proposal that would have allowed the sale of public lands for development. That language was later removed from the final version of a bill that passed the House and now heads to the president’s desk.
For RVers: Fewer crowds, more uncertainty
For now, RVers can expect that their current passes, fees, and reservation systems will stay the same. But foreign visitors could soon face higher costs—and possibly lower odds in lotteries and reservation queues. That may open up more access for U.S. campers and boondockers, especially during peak seasons.
At the same time, ongoing budget cuts and reduced staffing could affect park operations. RVers relying on dump stations, campground hosts, or interpretive rangers may want to keep a close eye on how park services change in the months ahead.
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RVT1216b
As it should be. Great changes ahead for the American people!
Winning and winning and winning.
Thank you for the update, Russ and Tina! interesting. Wonder when and how the divergent fees will be collected. Some ideas are great right to the point that one tries to implement them. At that point some are revealed to be utterly intractable, some to the point that they are abandoned. Wonder how this will go? I’ll pop some corn, open another Mountain Dew, and eagerly await the next step. Have a great Independence Day and safe travels!
I like the way you think. 🙂
Love it! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I have no problem with that. half of the visitors At least are foreign visitors to our parks. They add congestion to the already over crowded parks.
Any real data behind your “ half the visitors At least are foreign visitors “?
I think we need to be careful what you wish for. Are we going to have to show citizenship papers to enter Yellowstone or a historic site?
They may require the “Real ID” card or Passport . No big deal, since you also need these to enter Government facilities or to fly within the US.
Though these are not mandatory, it does limit you access.
Excellent point. Yellow stars?
It is an excellent point. In fact it got me to wondering….. do you think Everglades National Park is asking for US passports? If they are, I guess you only get entrance without a US Passport starting this week. Hahaha. With a big welcome to Alligator Alcatraz sign and a big thank you for visiting Gator Gitmo, enjoy your flight home. Sorry, no peanuts or in flight drink service.
We already have a system like this in many or most State Parks. Camping fees for out of state guests are usually more than for state residents. As for foreign visitors to National Parks, the increased cost of park entrance will be minimal compared to what they are otherwise paying for airfare, lodging, car or RV rental, food, etc.
Yep. We’re camping in state parks in PA for several weeks. As a non-resident we had a reasonable fee adder applied to the site fee. I had no problem with that.
So, they think they can bring in an extra $90,000,000 annually from foreigners, but they plan to cut more than $1,000,000,000 from their annual budget. Who’s winning from that?
Apparently people that read this newsletter don’t get that part. No one is winning and the current vibe of hatred is an atrocious.
“Vibe”? Policy on “vibes” got us in this mess. Doing what “feels good” instead of what is responsible is governing by “vibe”. No more vibes!
If you think it’s atrocious, maybe just stop…
One billion in cuts, 90 million in extra fees…… makes sense?!?!?
Excellent point. And these readers didn’t comprehend that fact.
Reading is fundamental. Don’t worry, foreign tourists aren’t coming. Wait until this winter when the snowbirds don’t come.
So the plan is to further discourage foreign visitors by charging them more?
I wonder if other countries will reciprocate by charging Americans more to visit their amazing places and parks?
How will this be enforced? Papers please!!! Soon we will be a country of isolationist. Perhaps the foreigners can buy up some of those millions of acres of public wilderness land being sold (as we did with Mexico) and create their own private “National Parks” and exclude Americans? I can see it now Welcome to “Great Wall of USA” No Yanks!!! Oh wait. Don’t we have one of those already?
Some other countries already charge more to foreign visitors. Almost sure I read about that right here on RVTravel.
Excellent point. This is absolutely ludicrous.
They already do!
The Trump visit to Iowa wasn’t a “campaign rally.” The elections are over. It was a rally to kick off the one-year countdown to the United States’ 250th birthday celebration plans leading up to July 4, 2026.
And of course, he talked about the passage of his BBB.
Absolutely. People don’t get it.
Thanks, Mikal. You’re correct. I removed “campaign”. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
I wonder how many foreign travelers are coming to our parks in private vehicles as opposed to organized tours in buses? Some years ago we visited Yellowstone- there were 9 tour buses taking up most of the parking lot. Travelers mostly Oriental origin as well as a lot of Europeans. Welcome to visit our America….. Doubt the tours will diminish! (Have you ever canceled an overseas trip to any country – because of add-on fees?)
So everyone has to carry their “papers” and show proof of citizenship to avoid paying the foreign visitor rate? And this increased complication to enter the Parks is going to be handled by a skeleton staff?
My wife and I have been at Yellowstone for the last couple weeks. I have the senior lifetime pass. Had to show my drivers license to prove it was me. No big deal.