As visitors continue to flock to Joshua Tree National Park, higher camping rates of an additional $10 to $15 per night have gone into effect.
The increase in fees for all park reservations, including campsites and tours, began December 1. While most of the dozen campgrounds previously charged an average of $15 to $25 per night, the new rates put most sites in the $25 to $35 per night range. Group camping and Sheep Pass camping increased to $55 per night.
The National Park Service said the rate increase matches nearby camping rates and follows federal guidelines.
“The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) requires that recreational fees be appropriate for the benefits and services offered and be regularly reviewed and updated,” the NPS said.
The money raised through entry and camping fees at Joshua Tree National Park is used to maintain campgrounds and other public facilities and to provide visitor services.
In 2023, the park set a record with 3.2 million visitors, compared to the record 3,064,400 visitors in 2021. Visitor numbers to Joshua Tree have increased since records began being kept at the park in 1941. In 2011, 1,396,237 people visited the park.
The Angeles National Forest is also proposing to charge higher rates at 11 campgrounds in the new year. The proposed fee for one location is $20, while the current fee is $5 for three of the campsites and $12 for the remaining campsites.
According to the National Park Service website, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park charges $32 for a standard campsite.
