Camping fees to increase at state parks and forests on July 28
MADISON -- Camping fees for Wisconsin state parks, state forests, state
trails, and state recreation
areas<http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/findapark.html> will increase beginning
on July 28, 2015.
The fee increases were enacted as part of the 2015-2017 biennial state
budget. The legislation calls for the fee increases to go into effect as
soon as changes can be made to the camping reservation system.
The increase in camping fees is based on a three-level rate structure that
will place the parks at a camping rate depending on demand, uniqueness,
location and other factors. Camping rates will increase between $3 and $6
per night for residents and between $6 and $9 per night for non-residents.
There is an increase in the per night charge for electrical service from $5
to $10.
Any reservations for 2015 and 2016 dates that were made prior to the rate
change on July 28, will be honored at the price that was in effect at the
time. Any extensions or changes to an existing reservation will result in
the additional days being charged at the new rate.
"This new rate structure takes into account campsite demand at a property,
uniqueness of the camping experience, and geographic locations in
determining the rate placement of the property," said Sanjay Olson,
administrator of the DNR Division of Lands. "The placement of the property
within these rates will be reviewed on a regular basis and the rates can be
changed. We look forward to ensuring all Wisconsin residents and visitors
are able to access and enjoy the natural beauty of Wisconsin's state park
system."
Admission fees and trail passes were also increased in the state budget, but
will not begin until annual stickers and passes for 2016 go on sale in
December 2015, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2016. Annual admission
sticker fees will increase from $25 to $28 for state residents, from $35 to
$38 for non-residents and $10 to $13 for resident seniors. Annual trail
passes will increase from $20 to $25 for an annual pass and from $4 to $5
for a daily pass.
Over the last five years, the State Park System has collected an average of
about $7.5 million per year in camping revenue. In 2014, there were 140,180
reservations processed through the reservation system.
The new camping rate structure is available by searching the Department of
Natural Resources website, dnr.wi.gov<http://dnr.wi.gov/> for keyword
"camp<http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/camping/>," and then clicking on the
link for "camping fees effective July 28,
2015<http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/camping/campfeesnew.html>." For more
information about the Wisconsin State Park System, search for
"parks<http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/>."
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Pedretti, section chief, Bureau of Parks
and Recreation, 608-264-8958; Dave Benish, DNR camping program manager,
608-264-8960